The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is just around the corner. The grand show celebrating streaming content is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. One can expect a large number of prominent personalities from the digital space to gather under one roof. But before that happens, here’s looking at what India is watching currently and why it matters.
Over the past few years, India’s digital entertainment landscape has exploded — and in 2025, Hindi-language OTT shows continue to be at the heart of that boom. From crime thrillers to family dramas and superhero sagas, here’s a closer look at what Indians are tuning into right now — and why those viewing patterns are so consequential.
One standout in the current Hindi OTT lineup is Criminal Justice (Season 4) on JioHotstar. Starring Pankaj Tripathi, this legal drama has broken records: it became India’s most-watched streaming original in 2025 so far. Its success is emblematic of a larger trend: audiences are increasingly drawn to polished, character-driven stories that address moral and social dilemmas.
At the same time, legacy favourites are making major comebacks. The Family Man Season 3, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video — mixing everyday familial chaos with high-stakes espionage.
On a very different note, Paatal Lok Season 2 has also returned, continuing its unflinching exploration of crime, power, and inequality.
But it’s not only crime or spy thrillers dominating screens. Platforms are branching out into newer genres: Court Kacheri, on SonyLIV, is a legal drama laced with humour, set in the context of intergenerational and small-town courtroom dynamics.
And for lighter fare, Bada Naam Karenge (also on SonyLIV) brings fresh romantic drama, backed by Sooraj Barjatya’s signature storytelling.
Even superhero content is finding its place in India’s OTT ecosystem — Power of Paanch, a Hindi superhero series, premiered earlier this year on Disney+ Hotstar.
So, why does what India is watching right now matter far more than just entertainment?
First, this surge reflects a maturing OTT market. With the huge reach of platforms, streaming has become mainstream, not niche. This rise is shifting how Indian creators invest in storytelling: longer seasons, more complex narratives, and higher production values.
Second, the diversity of genres shows a growing appetite for varied content. Indian viewers are no longer satisfied with just melodrama or traditional family sagas: they want crime thrillers, legal turf battles, slice-of-life stories, and even superhero fantasies. That’s encouraging more experimentation, and it raises the bar for what “Indian content” can be.
Third, there’s a cultural impact. Many of these shows tackle deeply rooted social issues — corruption, class divide, justice — offering not just entertainment but reflection. For example, a courtroom drama like Court Kacheri or a legal thriller like Criminal Justice can spark conversations about the judicial system, power structures, and everyday morality.
Finally, this matters economically. As Hindi OTT originals scale up in popularity, they attract more investment, better talent, and stronger competition among platforms. This, in turn, fuels further innovation — a virtuous cycle for India’s streaming industry.
In short, what India is watching on its OTT platforms today is more than just good TV. It’s a mirror to changing tastes, evolving platforms, and an increasingly discerning audience — and that matters for the future of Indian storytelling.
The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.
Also Read: She’s the Story Now: Women who changed the screen in 2025
