A recent report published by Ormax Media has shed light on the content consumption patterns of the streaming audience in North India throughout 2023. This extensive report highlights a shift in viewing preferences and showcases which web series, films, and unscripted shows have captivated Indian audiences the most over the past year.
In a year filled with diverse content, a handful of Hindi web series have stood out and claimed the top spots in terms of viewership. ‘Farzi’, an action-packed drama, together with ‘The Night Manager’, a suspenseful espionage series, ‘Taaza Khabar’, and the thrilling second season of ‘Asur’, have emerged as the most-viewed Hindi web series, garnering significant attention and applause from viewers across the nation.
When it comes to movies streamed online, the Indian film industry does not lag behind. ‘Bawaal’, a film with an intriguing storyline, ‘Bloody Daddy’, and ‘Gulmohar’, which boasts stellar performances, have all seen a surge in popularity, occupying the top positions in streaming viewership.
Unscripted shows continue to engage audiences, with reality-based content creating ample buzz and generating high viewership. ‘Bigg Boss OTT 2’ and ‘Koffee with Karan Season 8’ are prime examples of this trend, as they have attracted a large number of viewers, confirming their status as fan favorites.
International shows have also made a significant impact on Indian streaming platforms. ‘Citadel’, an action-adventure series, ‘The Mandalorian Season 3’, set in the Star Wars universe, and ‘Sex Education Season 4’, which explores modern relationships, have resonated with Indian audiences. They’ve spurred discussions and have been widely appreciated not just for their storylines but for the cultural exchange they represent.
The appeal of big-ticket international streaming films has also not gone unnoticed among Indian viewers. ‘Extraction 2’, featuring high-octane action, ‘Heart of Stone’, and the BTS-themed documentary ‘BTS: Yet to Come’ have found eager viewership in India, cutting across linguistic and cultural barriers and highlighting the global nature of streaming content consumption.
Ormax Media, a specialized media consulting firm, has been diligently charting the rise and evolution of OTT content since 2018-19. Their report titled ‘Streaming Originals in India: The 2023 Story’, is a testament to their ongoing efforts to decipher the dynamics of the OTT landscape. The analysis focuses on Hindi language original shows and films alongside international hits of 2023, assessing them on viewership, marketing buzz, and content strength. The methodical approach of the report, which delves into the specifics, can be examined in more detail through the downloadable version prepared by Ormax.
The 2023 report succinctly encapsulates the changing tastes and preferences of the Indian audience. As the country’s OTT platforms continue to expand and diversify their content libraries, reports like these offer invaluable insights into what captivates viewers and can steer content creators and platforms towards material that resonates with the Indian psyche. These findings not only reflect the current popular titles but also posit crucial data for forecasting future trends in a rapidly growing digital entertainment sphere. As streaming services evolve, they take cues from such reports, ensuring that the pulse of the Indian audience is not just felt but actively responded to with content that excites, entertains, and engages.
