Dream To Stream: India’s Best Streaming Platforms

It’s common to hear people say there’s too much content to watch these days. Well, this lockdown has presented us the perfect opportunity to prove them wrong, hehe.

These days, you don’t have to decide which movie/show/documentary to watch. Instead, which one to watch first. 

It’s an excellent opportunity to discover new shows, chance upon a new favourite filmmaker, even to give a shot to a genre you’ve never been a fan of. And also the right time to try out the many streaming platforms at your disposal (there are more than you think, trust us.)

But first, let’s get the obvious ones out of the way.

1. Netflix

The OG streaming service. The kings on content. Though it’s easily the most expensive of all the other streaming services, there’s a reason for that. Its selection boasts everything from blockbuster movies to lesser-known indie flicks. And new titles are added before you can say, “There’s nothing left to watch.”

2. Amazon Prime Video

When you scroll and scroll through Netflix and can’t find anything you’d like, you go to Amazon Prime. But it’s not a step-down. Besides the famous names, Prime Video is known for some great Indian films and series. Proof that the cut-copy-paste approach of India of the past is long over.

3. Disney+ Hotstar

There was a time when people would actually look forward to Monday mornings. Because that was when the latest Game of Thrones episode would air on Hotstar (that’s before it was acquired by Disney). GOT has since ended, but with more than a few great sitcoms, dramas and crime shows, Disney+ Hotstar is still on everybody’s ‘favourites’ list.

And now moving on to the less obvious ones.

4. Mubi

If Netflix, Amazon and others are the streaming platforms for the movie buffs, MUBI is the platform for cinephiles. From gems of Indian parallel cinema of the 70s and 80s to classic foreign-language films, MUBI is not just a streaming service, it’s your very own living room film festival.

5. Spuul

Not many would have heard of Spuul, but it was one of the first foreign streaming platforms to make its way into India. Besides a long list of Bollywood movies, it’s got some classic Indian drama serials, and sitcoms like Fauji, Dekh Bhai Dekh and more on its catalogue. And not many would have heard of those names either.

6. MX Player 

It’s got plenty of Bollywood content to offer, but that’s not why you’ve got to log on to MX player right now. The content in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Bhojpuri and other Indian regional languages is the reason why. Give them a watch, and you’ll realise that Indian content is so much more than just in Hindi.  

7. Apple TV

Not the least unknown name, but it’s still a new entry into India. Original movies, shows and documentaries from the likes of JJ Abrams, Steven Speilberg and M. Night Shyamalan are on the way. And at just Rs.99/- a month, it’s an Apple product you won’t have to sell your kidney for.

So, what are you waiting for? The couch, a pizza and a whole lot of content are calling. Sweet streams!