Streaming Success: Highlights from Ormax Media's 2023 Analysis of Indian and Foreign Content

Priyanka Chopra's 'Citadel,'Varun Dhawan-Janhvi Kapoor's 'Bawal,' and Shahid Kapoor's 'Farzi'Lead Viewership Trends in India

Jan 18, 2024 - 11:39
Streaming Success: Highlights from Ormax Media's 2023 Analysis of Indian and Foreign Content
(L-R) Farzi, Bawaal

According to a recent research by Ormax Media, the most-watched Indian and foreign programs as well as films in India in 2023 are Priyanka Chopra's Citadel, Varun Dhawan-Janhvi Kapoor's Bawal, and Shahid Kapoor's first online series Farzi.

The analysis, titled "Streaming Originals in India: The 2023 Story," examines original material in Hindi and other languages, analyzing viewership, buzz generated by the content, and content quality. These are a few of its key conclusions.


Farzi shines well among online series

With an astounding 37.1 million views, Raj and DK's Farzi, which is presently available on Prime Video, has cemented its status as the most watched Hindi web series. The criminal fiction series, which was the only program to surpass the 30-million viewer threshold in the previous year, has cemented its place as the most-watched subscription video on demand (SVOD) series in India history.

In terms of viewership, buzz generated by marketing, and content strength, other programs including The Night Manager, Asur Season 2, Taali, Aarya Season 3, and Scam 2003 - The Telgi Story have also achieved great ranks. Surprisingly, while having strong buzz scores and viewer ratings, certain other well-known programs, including Netflix's Kaala Paani, Guns & Gulaabs, and YRF's first OTT effort The Railway Men, have not managed to claim positions on the most-watched list.

In comparison, Made in Heaven Season 2, Mumbai Diaries Season 2, and Bambai Meri Jaan have secured their positions as some of the most seen series, despite not receiving as much attention or favorable reviews as other candidates.

Bawaal is the most popular OTT film.

Prime Video's Bawaal, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, emerged as the top direct-to-OTT Hindi film. Following closely after is JioCinema's Bloody Daddy, starring Shahid Kapoor, which also acquired a lot of momentum and took the top place for buzz-worthiness.

According to viewing ratings, Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna's action thriller Mission Majnu was the most popular movie.

Apurva, Gaslight, Jaane Jaan, Blind, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, and Khufiya are examples of thriller films that do exceptionally well on the list, while Tumse Na Ho Payega and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan are examples of slice-of-life films. Within a month of their release, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan topped the categories for most views and buzz.

Among reality series, Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 is the most popular.

The Ormax analysis validates reality TV's predicted domination in the unscripted Indian streaming programs category, with Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 taking the top place with an astounding 19.5 million views. In close second place with 15.4 million views is Koffee with Karan.

One documentary series that focuses on Yash Chopra's legacy is called The Romantics, and it is notable for its thoughtful discussions on the Hindi film industry. The study showcases a wide variety of non-fiction material, suggesting that the scope of offers has expanded in comparison to prior years.

MCU is still a fan favorite among foreign series.

The research highlights the substantial audience that foreign series, particularly Marvel Cinematic Universe franchises like Citadel, Loki 2, What if...?, I am Groot Season 2, and Secret Invasion, have acquired, despite the fact that Hindi films continue to top the list. Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has received positive reviews but still holds the top spot in buzz with 17 million views.

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Punam Shaw I am a versatile full-stack developer skilled in both front-end and back-end technologies, creating comprehensive web applications and solutions. I have done B.com in Accountancy hons.