At the inauguration of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Chief Minister of the state, Pramod Sawant, unveiled WAVES, a pioneering OTT platform by Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster. The platform marks a significant leap into the digital streaming era for Doordarshan, aiming to cater to diverse audiences while maintaining its rich legacy. WAVES offers a unique blend of nostalgic content and contemporary programming, featuring iconic shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log. It appeals to audiences seeking emotional and cultural connections with India’s heritage while providing modern entertainment options.

WAVES positions itself as a comprehensive aggregator platform celebrating Indian culture with a global perspective. It offers content in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, and Assamese, and spans more than ten genres, from news to gaming. With features like video-on-demand, free-to-play games, live TV streaming, access to 65 live channels, and integration with an ONDC-supported e-commerce platform, WAVES provides an inclusive and immersive digital experience. Its commitment to diversity and creativity extends to collaborations with renowned content creators like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and Shraddha Sharma, alongside showcasing graduation films from premier institutions such as FTII and Annapurna Film and Media Studio.
 
The launch aligns with IFFI’s emphasis on young filmmakers, with films like Roll No.52, Fauji 2.0—a reimagined version of Shah Rukh Khan’s 1980s show—and Kicking Balls by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor set to premiere on WAVES. Other highlights include the crime thriller Jackson Halt and socially conscious projects like Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge. The platform also offers live streams of iconic events, such as the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat. WAVES will also broadcast international events, including the US Premier League Cricket Tournament, starting November 22, 2024.

Adding to its multifaceted offerings, WAVES partners with CDAC and MeitY to launch a cybersecurity awareness campaign, presenting daily video messages and programs like Cyber Crime ki Duniya and Cyber Alert. Its library expands further with films and shows such as the superhero tale Monkey King: The Hero is Back, the award-winning Fouja, family drama Thode Door Thode Paas, music reality show Bharat ka Amrit Kalash, and women-centric stories like Corporate Sarpanch and Dashmi. The platform also features beloved animation programs like Chota Bheem and Tenaliram and interactive games like Krishna Jump and Ram the Yodha.
 
WAVES integrates live channels from Doordarshan and Akashvani alongside private broadcasters, covering news, entertainment, music, devotional content, and sports. Collaborations with government ministries and organizations enrich its repertoire with meaningful content, such as documentaries on the Supreme Court’s 75th anniversary, the Cinemas of India archives, and rare archival materials from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
 
With its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, personalized profiles, and curated playlists, WAVES delivers a seamless digital experience. By combining India’s cultural ethos with modern technology, Prasar Bharati’s WAVES sets a new benchmark in infotainment, appealing to both tech-savvy youth and older audiences. This ambitious initiative not only strengthens Doordarshan’s legacy but also reshapes the future of digital streaming in India.