aha.video
The recent surge in streaming movies and TV in India is due to the immense popularity of Netflix. Ever since Netflix shifted its business model from DVD rentals to digital streaming, other entertainment companies have been trying to catch up by introducing their own versions of streaming sites.
Currently, India's streaming party is just getting started. There are many new streaming sites coming out of India right now, which are absolutely incredible. It is as if these companies are making up for lost time, in a big way! Some of them, though, are not as good as others. Of course, there will always be some variation in quality with any digital product or subscription service. Additionally, there will be certain streaming sites that are not right for you as a viewer.
Although there are many new movie streaming sites coming out these days, I assure you that my reviews will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which is the best site for you. My goal is to make your streaming experience as convenient and hassle-free as possible so that you can spend your time doing things that are more important to you.
That being said, we will be taking a look at one of India's newest movie streaming sites, Aha, to hit the scene. Although Aha is only a year old, it has generated a huge amount of buzz and hype. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that Allu Aravind, one of the most prominent producers in Telugu cinema, was able to put all of his connections and wealth behind the site. Or maybe Aha's sudden rise to prominence as one of the best movie streaming sites in India can be attributed to something simpler: that it is a high-quality site with a ton of in-demand Telugu films and top-notch original content.
I think that, when you boil it down, Netflix is the best model for Indian movie streaming sites. They are the originators of high-quality, critically acclaimed original content produced by a streaming site. In order to be competitive in the highly competitive global arena of movie streaming platforms, original content is a necessity.
It is not enough to produce only original content in order to compete with the giants of movie streaming. A new streaming service must also offer a wide variety of classics, fan favorites, and syndicated films. This combination of original content and well-chosen selections from other genres will be necessary to ensure the success of a new streaming service.
Even esteemed production studio HBO had to offer non-HBO content with their streaming site, HBO Max, when it launched.
And, at first glance, it would appear as if Aha has both critical boxes ticked- which means that it definitely has the makings to be deserving of a spot on this list of the best movie streaming sites of all time. But is Aha the right movie streaming site for you? Well, let's dive in and find out, shall we?
History
As mentioned, Telugu production powerhouse Allu Aravind founded Aha TV. It has been reported that he developed a binge-watching habit on other streaming sites, prompting him to want to start his own streaming service exclusively in his native language, Telugu. Although there are several Telugu movie streaming sites online, there was not what could be rightfully called the Telugu Netflix prior to Aha.
As far as I know, there were no premium streaming sites for the Telugu speaking world. This may have been the reason that Aravind had his "Aha!" moment.
At any rate, after floating the idea of a Telugu streaming service to his family, they suggested that he link up with famed businessman, Rameswar Rao Jupally who joined on as a partner in the business. Aha officially launched on January 25th, 2020. Today, Ajit Thakur sits at the helm of Aha, fielding the day-to-day matters of the business.
Design
It seems as if Netflix comparisons are inevitable with most premium movie streaming sites. And Aha, of course, is not immune. Aiding to the parallel, though, is the fact that their site design, interface, and layout is, essentially, identical to that of Netflix, just with a slightly different style and flavor.
As per usual, the site's top menu bar is present at the top of the site. This is where you will be able to browse all of Aha in the broadest terms. Navigate the site by Movies, Shows, and Genres (dropdown: action, comedy, crime, etc.). This is also where you can switch the language of the site (Telugu and English are currently the only options) or access the search bar in case you want to search for one movie in particular.
As tradition dictates with streaming sites, you will be greeted by a large banner advertising titles and recommendations. From here, the rest of the site unfolds in a fairly traditional way - a long series of categories, each with its own horizontal, side-scrolling menu for easy browsing. The website is very user-friendly and intuitive, as it is based on familiar formats.
Content and Features
Aha blends both original movies with popular Telugu favorites, but the main characteristic of Aha's content is that it is all 100% Telugu content. You won't find anything in Hindi, English, Malayalam, etc. This is unfortunate for everyone else in India and abroad, but it is great for Telugu speakers because there aren't many movie streaming sites that cater to the language specifically. If you aren't fluent in Telugu (or are learning it), this may not be the best site for you.
Aside from the usual features (ad-free content, the ability to watch offline, and the ability to stream simultaneously across several devices), Aha does not have anything groundbreaking to offer.
One thing that stands out to me is the fact that, unlike most other premium movie streaming sites, Aha does have a small selection of free movies that can be viewed without providing an email address. So, if you want to give Aha a try and are not ready to commit to a plan, check out their free movies section first for a taste of what to expect.
Mobile and Desktop Experience
Aha has a decent cross-platform list of compatible devices. Mobile streamers will enjoy the service's apps, which are available on both iOS and Android devices - they are every bit as well-designed as the site itself. Plus, Aha is available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
Pricings and Plans
Aha offers two subscription plans: a monthly plan for $7.99, or a year-long plan for $34.99. The monthly price is lower than many other premium movie streaming sites, while the year-long plan is one of the most affordable on the market.
Popular search queries
