Did you know that Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India are absolute titans in the Indian OTT landscape? They currently hold a staggering four out of the top five most-watched shows in the country! But even giants face unpredictable challenges, as recently seen with the shocking decline of ‘Rise & Fall’ and a massive legal battle heating up for ‘Bigg Boss’.
What the Data Reveals
- Dominance Unquestioned: Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India continue to reign supreme, with hit shows like Bigg Boss Hindi, Bigg Boss Telugu, The Trial Season 2, and the initially promising ‘Rise & Fall’ dominating viewership charts.
- ‘Rise & Fall’s’ Meteoric Start: Premiering on September 6, 2025, ‘Rise & Fall’ burst onto the scene with incredible momentum. In its debut week (September 13-19, 2025), it garnered an impressive 7.71 million viewers, even briefly surpassing the evergreen ‘Bigg Boss’.
- The Sudden Plunge: The euphoria was short-lived. By September 25, just weeks after its strong start, ‘Rise & Fall’ experienced a dramatic collapse, plummeting to the 39th position with a mere 0.1 points.
- The Pawan Singh Effect: Industry insiders point to the departure of Bhojpuri power star Pawan Singh from ‘Rise & Fall’ prior to September 24 as a critical factor in the show’s swift and brutal viewership decline.
- Bigg Boss Battles Legal Storm: While Bigg Boss S19 on JioHotstar led with a massive 9.79 million viewers in Week 37’25, it’s not without its own troubles. The show’s makers have been slapped with a substantial ₹2 crore legal notice from Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).
- Copyright Controversy: The lawsuit against Endemol Shine India and Banijay alleges copyright infringement for using popular songs like ‘Chikni Chameli’ and ‘Dhat Teri Ki Main’ in its 11th episode without proper licensing. Interestingly, some sources suggest JioHotstar’s promo team might be responsible for music selection.
Real-Life Examples: The Volatility of OTT Content
The ‘Rise & Fall’ saga serves as a stark reminder of how profoundly star power can influence the fortunes of reality television. The swift departure of a prominent talent like Pawan Singh directly impacted audience engagement, demonstrating the tangible link between a show’s draw and specific personalities. It underscores that even with a strong platform and production house, audience loyalty can be fragile when key elements change.
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Conversely, ‘Bigg Boss’ continues to prove its enduring popularity, yet its legal challenge highlights the intricate and often unforgiving legal landscape of content creation. Even established giants with massive viewership must navigate strict copyright laws, where a seemingly minor oversight in music licensing can lead to multi-crore penalties and significant reputational risk.
What You Should Do Next: Lessons from the Screens
For content producers and streaming platforms, these events are crucial learning experiences. They underscore the imperative for robust talent retention strategies, particularly for shows heavily reliant on individual personalities. Furthermore, investing in comprehensive legal compliance, especially regarding music and intellectual property licensing, is not just a cost but a critical safeguard against hefty fines and operational disruptions.
For viewers, understanding these behind-the-scenes dynamics offers a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in creating your favorite shows. It also serves as a reminder that the world of digital entertainment is constantly evolving, with even the biggest hits facing unexpected challenges.
Conclusion
The Indian OTT scene is a thrilling, high-stakes arena where fortunes can change overnight. From chart-topping dominance to sudden viewership plunges and significant legal battles, these stories highlight the constant evolution and formidable challenges within digital entertainment. It’s a dynamic landscape where success is hard-won and quickly lost.
What are your thoughts on ‘Rise & Fall’s’ dramatic decline, or the ‘Bigg Boss’ legal battle? Share your predictions for the future of Indian OTT in the comments below!