Farzi, Bawaal, Bloody Daddy are 2023’s most-watched web series, films in India; Citadel, Heart of Stone also find place in list

Streaming Takes India by Storm: A Closer Look at 2023’s Most-Watched Shows and Movies

Remember those days stuck at home during the pandemic, glued to your screens? Well, guess what? Indians haven’t let go of their streaming love affair even as cinema halls beckon. In fact, 2023 proved to be a bumper year for both big-screen releases and online hits. And guess who’s keeping track of all the shows and movies we can’t get enough of? Ormax Media, that’s who! They’ve compiled a list of the most-watched titles on streaming platforms across different categories, and it’s a juicy one.

Let’s dive into the world of Hindi web series first. Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi’s Farzi reigns supreme, with a whopping 37.1 million viewers tuning in. Not only that, it’s officially the most-watched SVOD (subscription video on demand) series India has ever seen! Talk about making history! Right behind it comes The Night Manager, starring Aditya Roy Kapur, with 28.6 million viewers. Bhuvan Bam’s Taaza Khabar also raked in the numbers, reaching 23.5 million viewers. And who can forget the gripping second season of Asur and the heartwarming Taali, both seen by over 20 million viewers each?

Now, onto the exciting world of Hindi movies released online. Nitesh Tiwari’s Bawaal, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, takes the top spot with 21.2 million viewers. However, it wasn’t without its fair share of controversy, facing criticism for its portrayal of the Holocaust tragedy. Shahid Kapoor strikes again with Bloody Daddy, seen by 17 million viewers, while Gulmohar and Tumse Na Ho Payega round up the top five with 16.3 million and 14.3 million viewers, respectively.

But hold on, the entertainment doesn’t stop there! Unscripted shows like Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 kept us glued to our screens with 19.5 million viewers, and who can resist the gossipy delights of Koffee with Karan Season 8? It’s already nearing the end of its current season, but it’s still managed to captivate 15.4 million viewers. And if you’re craving some spicy drama, Temptation Island delivers with 13.5 million viewers tuning in.

Internationally, the spotlight shines on Citadel, Priyanka Chopra’s action-packed series that grabbed the attention of 17 million viewers. We’re also still obsessed with The Mandalorian and Sex Education Season 4, with 11.3 million and 10.2 million viewers, respectively. And let’s not forget Alia Bhatt’s Hollywood debut in Heart of Stone! Despite Chris Hemsworth’s action prowess in Extraction 2, Alia holds her own at the second spot with 8.5 million viewers compared to Extraction 2’s 9.8 million.

So, there you have it! A glimpse into the world of streaming hits that captivated India in 2023. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. And with new content constantly popping up, who knows what 2024 will bring? Get ready for more binge-worthy adventures, folks!