Why is Anil Kapoor’s ’24’ not airing on Colors or Hotstar in UK
Viewers in India can now revisit the acclaimed drama ‘24’, starring Anil Kapoor, which has returned to screens via the digital platform JioHotstar. This marks the first time the series has been made available on a major streaming service in India since its original broadcast.
The show, which first aired in 2013, ran for two seasons until 2016 and quickly became one of the most ambitious television productions in the country. However, despite its popularity, international audiences, including those in the UK, were unable to watch the series during its original run.
On Friday 24th April, Indian viewers were once again able to experience the show digitally. Yet UK audiences have been left out once more due to rights restrictions that prevent the format from being streamed in several international territories. Discussions are understood to be ongoing with the rights‑holder to explore the possibility of bringing the series to the UK in the future.
What is ’24’
‘24’ follows the intense, real‑time missions of Jai Singh Rathod, the chief of the Anti‑Terrorist Unit in Mumbai. Each season unfolds over a single day, with every episode representing one hour in the storyline. The first season centres on Jai’s race to prevent a major terrorist attack while protecting the Prime Minister‑elect, weaving together political intrigue, personal sacrifice and high‑stakes action. The second season raises the tension further as Jai confronts a biological threat that could devastate Mumbai, forcing him to navigate shifting loyalties and moral dilemmas under immense pressure.
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Who stars in ’24’
The Indian adaptation stars Anil Kapoor in one of his most acclaimed television roles, bringing intensity and emotional depth to the character of Jai Singh Rathod. He is joined by a strong ensemble cast, including Neil Bhoopalam as the Prime Minister‑elect Aditya Singhania, Tisca Chopra as Jai’s wife Trisha, Mandira Bedi as ATU agent Nikita Rai, and Anita Raj as the formidable Prime Minister Naina Singhania. Their performances contribute to the show’s layered political drama and fast‑paced narrative.
With its cinematic production values and gripping real‑time format, ‘24’ remains a landmark in Indian television. UK fans will now be hoping that ongoing discussions eventually pave the way for the series to reach British screens.
