National award-winning producer Neetu Chandra’s latest offering, ‘Chhath,’ is set to premiere exclusively on the Waves OTT platform on October 24, 2025. The film, directed by her brother and National Film Award-winning filmmaker Nitin Neera Chandra, celebrates one of Bihar’s most cherished cultural traditions through the lens of contemporary Bhojpuri cinema.
Film Overview and Creative Vision
‘Chhath’ is a two-and-a-half-hour Bhojpuri family drama that explores themes of faith, tradition, and familial bonds. The film was entirely shot in Bihar, continuing the production house Champaran Talkies’ commitment to showcasing authentic regional stories. Director Nitin Neera Chandra, whose Maithili film ‘Mithila Makhaan’ won the National Film Award in 2016, brings his signature storytelling approach to this project, focusing on the emotional and spiritual aspects of the Chhath festival.
Speaking about the film, producer Neetu Chandra expressed deep personal connection to the project. “‘Chhath’ is not just a film; it’s a feeling that lives in every Bihari heart. It represents our pride, our devotion, and our connection to our roots. Through this film, we want the world to experience the beauty, purity, and power of our traditions. I’m thrilled that Waves OTT is bringing this story to audiences everywhere, it’s time the world saw Bihar through the lens of its faith and resilience”.
Platform and Distribution Strategy
The film’s release on Waves OTT marks a significant moment for regional content distribution in India. Waves, launched by Prasar Bharati at the 55th International Film Festival of India in November 2024, serves as India’s state-owned OTT platform. The platform offers content in over 26 languages and supports interfaces in 10+ languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, and several others.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the cultural significance of this partnership. “‘Chhath’ is a beautiful reminder that the most powerful stories come from the heart of our land. It’s inspiring to see Indian creators taking regional stories with such authenticity to global audiences. Through Waves OTT, we are happy to provide India’s cultural narratives the stage they truly deserve”.
Cultural Context: Understanding Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, is one of the most sacred festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The 2025 celebration runs from October 25 to October 28, spanning four days of rigorous spiritual observance. The festival involves devotees offering prayers to both the setting and rising sun while standing in water bodies, symbolizing gratitude to nature and the sun’s life-giving energy.
The four-day ritual includes Nahay-Khay (October 25), Kharna (October 26), Sandhya Arghya or evening offerings (October 27), and Usha Arghya or morning offerings (October 28). This ancient tradition, believed to date back to Vedic times, represents Bihar’s cultural identity and has now spread globally through the Indian diaspora.
The Filmmaking Team Behind ‘Chhath’
Champaran Talkies, established in 2008 by siblings Neetu and Nitin Chandra, has consistently focused on producing films that represent authentic Bihar culture and languages. Their previous collaboration, ‘Mithila Makhaan’, became the first film from Bihar to win a National Film Award, setting a precedent for quality regional cinema.
Nitin Neera Chandra has been vocal about his mission to redefine Bhojpuri cinema and promote local languages including Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi. His earlier work ‘Deswa’ premiered at the International Film Festival of India in 2011, demonstrating the viability of Bihar-centric content on national and international platforms.
Accessibility and Viewing Details
The film will be available for streaming on the Waves app, which can be downloaded from both Android and iOS app stores, as well as accessed through the website. The platform’s multi-device compatibility includes mobile platforms, Smart TVs, and streaming sticks, ensuring wide accessibility across India and globally.
Waves OTT operates as an all-in-one entertainment hub, offering not just video-on-demand content but also live TV/radio, gaming, e-books, e-magazines, and even e-commerce through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This comprehensive approach positions ‘Chhath’ within a larger ecosystem designed to celebrate and preserve Indian cultural heritage.
Significance for Regional Cinema
The release of ‘Chhath’ on a government-backed OTT platform represents a broader shift toward recognizing and promoting regional content in India’s digital entertainment landscape. By timing the premiere to coincide with the actual Chhath festival celebrations, the filmmakers ensure maximum cultural resonance with their target audience.
For the Bihari diaspora and anyone interested in understanding this sacred tradition, the film offers an immersive experience that combines entertainment with cultural education. The project exemplifies how regional cinema can serve as both a preservation tool for traditional practices and a bridge connecting younger generations to their cultural roots.
By – Sonali