Sun TV Network Launches Micro-Drama Format on Sun NXT with Over 150 Titles

Chennai-based Sun TV Network has launched short-form content on its digital streaming platform, Sun NXT, to enter the expanding micro-drama segment and strengthen its subscription revenues.

The broadcaster announced on Friday that it plans to release more than 150 titles spanning Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. The lineup includes exclusive original micro-dramas, dubbed international short-form series, television serials recut into bite-sized episodes, and feature films reformatted for faster viewing.

Sun TV is leveraging its 65,000-hour content catalogue to fuel the new venture. The company plans to remaster, resize, and re-edit select legacy titles into fast-paced episodes designed to capture viewers seeking shorter narrative formats.

Rakesh CK, head of Sun NXT, said the deliberate mix of familiar intellectual property and fresh content allows the platform to engage its existing subscriber base while attracting new viewers. Addressing questions about entering the segment after other players, he noted that the category remains young in India and that Sun TV's established distribution footprint gives it an operational advantage over standalone micro-drama applications.

The platform plans to adopt a subscription-based model following an initial free viewing period. An ad-supported tier with sponsored originals and brand integrations will also be evaluated. The company has customized aspect ratios by device, including introducing short-format content to television screens in a 4:3 format.

The expansion comes amid growing digital competition in southern India, including JioHotstar's Rs 4,000 crore investment in regional content, along with moves by other players entering the micro-drama space.

In its Q1FY27 financial results, Sun TV Network reported a revenue of Rs 1,423.39 crore, representing a 13 percent year-on-year increase. Revenue was primarily driven by its cricket franchises, SunRisers Hyderabad and SunRisers Eastern Cape, which brought in Rs 629.83 crore. Domestic subscription revenues rose by 3 percent to Rs 485.46 crore, while advertisement revenues stood at Rs 282.51 crore.