EXCLUSIVE: Taaza Khabar is returning to Disney+ Hotstar for a second season.
The Indian action-drama follows a sanitation worker, Vasant Gawde, who realizes he can predict the future and uses it to his advantage to gain power and wealth, but at a cost to his relationships. The Hindi-language show’s title literally translates as “fresh news” — a concept central to the plot.
Likened to Slumdog Millionaire and The Invention of Lying, Taaza Khabar was a Deadline Global Breakout pick last year on launch in January, and went on perform well on the Indian streamer.
We can now reveal season two of the Hotstar Special has been greenlit and is in production in India, with series creators Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Raj’s BB Ki Vines Productions once again on the buttons. Bam had revealed plans for a second run where underway during an interview with Deadline in February 2023.
Social media star Bam will return as Vasant (Vasya), with Shriya Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Deven Bhojani, Shilpa Shukla, Prathmesh Parab and Nitya Mathur also cast in pivotal roles. Himank Gaur returns as director and Hussain and Abbas Dalal will again write the scripts.
You can watch a short teaser above — warning, it contains a major spoiler from the season one finale. In the second season, Vasya sets out to rewrite his own destiny, according to production notes.
“The resounding success of Taaza Khabhar season 1 is a testament to Disney+ Hotstar’s commitment in its pursuit of bringing quality entertainment,” said Gaurav Banerjee, Head – Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star. “With Bhuvan Bam at the forefront, the series has piqued curiosity among fans across the globe. We are thrilled to announce Taaza Khabhar season 2, offering audiences an immersive journey into the world of Vasya.”
Bam, who runs BB Ki Vines with Rohit Raj, first found fame as a YouTube star and social media content creator. His reputation in India has burgeoned significantly since the series launched.
He paid tribute to the show’s audience and promised more “intricacies” in the second run.
“Vasya is very close to my heart and I resonate with him on many levels,” said Bam. “His journey nudged me to delve deeper into his mind and understand the character more. Slipping back into the skin of Vasya for Taaza Khabar season 2 is an enriching experience and I can’t wait to explore more intricacies of the character.
“As a concept, the show has been relatable for the viewers and I am glad to have made my debut with this one. Season 2 will take audiences on a thrilling ride and leave them intrigued and wanting for more. I am super excited for this one and am thankful to Disney+ Hotstar for this opportunity.”
Taaza Khabar director Gaur added: “When we made the first season, we wished to bring a world of magical powers to the audiences and how it could have adverse consequences on reality. Bhuvan Bam is a household name and he has indeed made a space for himself as Vasya in the hearts of the audiences. We are elated to bring to audiences season 2, where Vasya sets the stakes higher and everything around him changes. We can’t wait to give you a gripping story with this new season.”
No word on launch dates just yet.