Television serials that once filled living rooms with daily episodes and extended storylines are giving way to shorter formats. In an era of shorter attention spans and mobile viewing, narratives are being condensed into two-minute segments. KadhaiShorts, a new micro-drama platform, delivers vertical storytelling in snackable episodes aimed at Tamil audiences worldwide. The service currently offers around 100 original productions across six genres under the Tamil Kutti Series label and intends to expand into Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali languages. The platform represents the Maran Group’s move into contemporary entertainment. Actor Rohini Molleti wrote and directed the mini-series Aval=Avan?, with episodes lasting one to five minutes. She explained that the story examines equality and respect in relationships through two couples of different ages. She welcomed the chance to work in a format suited to changing viewer habits. She added that vertical mobile content is likely to grow but will not replace cinema. Younger viewers already lead in consumption patterns, and the series is intended to appeal across age groups. Another production, Kooraipalliyum Kavithavum, directed by Geeta Ilangovan, follows a homemaker who revives her interest in music. The 41-episode series will be dubbed into additional languages. KadhaiShorts uses a pay-per-series model beginning at 20 rupees to increase access to regional digital content. Karan Dayanidhi Maran, vice chairman of the Maran Group and founder of the platform, stated that audience habits have shifted and micro-drama is becoming a lasting mobile format. The service plans to release ten new vertical dramas each month. CEO Sabarish Venkat noted that the platform combines the emotional continuity of television serials with mobile-only delivery. KadhaiShorts has also launched KadhaiClub to train future creators in vertical filmmaking, with more than 12,000 members so far. The goal is to engage over 200 professionals by March 2027. The platform is testing brand integration within stories rather than traditional advertising. Separately, Zee Tamil is reviving its acting reality competition Mahanadigai for a second season to identify new talent for Tamil cinema. The program airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. and features statewide auditions followed by performance challenges. Judges Radhika Sarathkumar and Swasika mentor contestants, while RJ Vijay hosts. The season includes recreations of classic Tamil songs and aims to combine entertainment with career opportunities.
