Stand-up comedian Samay Raina, winner of Comicstaan Season 2, has disrupted the entertainment landscape with the launch of his new app, “India’s Got Latent.” Built upon the success of his popular YouTube show, the app promises raw, unfiltered content, a stark contrast to the often-censored digital sphere. Raina’s ambitious vision extends beyond a simple app; he aims to evolve “India’s Got Latent” into a full-fledged OTT platform, showcasing diverse programming across genres like poetry, rap, and reality TV.
The app’s immediate success is undeniable. Within 24 hours of its launch, it rocketed to the Top 50 on the Google Play Store and secured the number one spot on the Apple App Store, as reported by Media Brief. This meteoric rise is attributed to Raina’s commitment to uncensored creative expression, offering creators a platform free from brand guidelines and censorship.
A key component of the app’s content is “India’s Kavya Samrat,” a new poetry show developed in collaboration with Tape a Tale. Further solidifying its diverse programming, the app will also feature a unique rap show, showcasing the talents of Delhi-based hip-hop duo Seedhe Maut and YouTuber Rohan Cariappa, a prominent commentator on the Indian hip-hop scene.
The flagship show, “India’s Got Latent,” a satirical take on “India’s Got Talent,” is a major draw. Inspired by the American comedy show “Kill Tony,” this unique format sees contestants perform, self-rate their performance, and then face judging. A perfect match between self-rating and judges’ average score results in a grand prize: the entire ticket revenue from that episode, plus a Rs 1 lakh cash prize sponsored by the episode’s partner. With an average viewership of 25 million per episode, fueled by Raina’s 6.7 million YouTube subscribers, the show’s popularity is undeniable. Live, ticketed shows, priced at Rs 2,000 per attendee, have already produced 12 episodes, some exclusively available to YouTube members via a Rs 59 monthly subscription. The show boasts an impressive roster of guests, including actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, rapper Badshah, and celebrities like Rakhi Sawant and Poonam Pandey, alongside other notable creators and artists.
Beyond the app, Raina has also announced a North American tour, “Samay Raina Unfiltered,” encompassing 10 shows each in Canada and the US, scheduled between February and early March. This expansion highlights Raina’s growing influence and the global appeal of his unique brand of entertainment.