JioHotstar just launched its new micro-drama feature, Tadka, promising a mountain of quick-watch content. But if you’ve scrolled through the app lately, you’ll notice something is off. Instead of high-quality storytelling, viewers are feeling like they’ve been served a dish that’s all spice and no substance.
And yes, the internet is losing its cool over Tadka.
One of the things that has really baffled viewers is the art chosen to promote the titles of the microdramas. It’s painfully obvious that almost every title banner and poster in this section is AI-generated.
From weirdly smoothed-out faces to backgrounds that don’t quite make sense, the platform seems to have ditched real designers for a “generate” button. It’s a clear sign that JioHotstar is prioritising quantity over quality.
What in the fresh hell is this Tadka on Jiohotstar! pic.twitter.com/2D2hmdnotk
— Bhajiya fry (@bhajiyafry) April 6, 2026
If you missed the “Golden Era” of TikTok in India, the over-the-top acting, the slow-motion “style” sequences, and the logic-defying plot twists, Tadka has you covered. Unfortunately, most viewers aren’t looking for a nostalgia trip into cringe-land.
The storylines are suffering from heavy-handed melodrama. We’re talking about scripts that feel like they were written in ten minutes, filled with dialogue that makes you want to hit the mute button. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it feels like a major step backward for a platform that hosts world-class cinema.
JioHotstar is doing every possible gaandmasti to made me uninstall their app.! Firstly cringe Tadka and now their logo colour changed….
— Rasmalai (@Bhuvihh) April 6, 2026
I don't see the reason why @JioHotstar is hell bent on ruining the experience of the app with the latest addition of 'Tadka' tab.
Any way to remove it ? Mute it. Pls pic.twitter.com/s8CXsK5hv9
— Akhil Tripathi (@takhil656) April 5, 2026
The biggest complaint, however, isn’t even about the shows themselves. It’s how they are being shoved down our throats.
Cricket lovers tuning in for the IPL are being bombarded with Tadka ads. Imagine trying to enjoy a high-stakes chase, only to be interrupted by a promo for a show called Takli Chudail.
@JioHotstar please remove your Tadka ad of nakli chudail in IPL
its so irritating tbh
— aarav (@waitaarav) April 5, 2026
#jiohotstar please stop this Tadka advertisement during the IPL live broadcasting. Children and families are watching,that ad made many uncomfortable.
— Dhanasekaran (@dhanasekaran_3) April 5, 2026
@JioHotstar pls stop this irritating ad takli chudail and lga tadka and all..very irritating.@IPLT20_TezLive @IPL
— wander_wit (@vi_raii) April 5, 2026
@JioHotstar please stop your bakwas ad of your tadka
I’m not going to watch because of your ad
— Rahul Donikena (@DonikenaRahul) April 5, 2026
@JioHotstar @_MukeshAmbani TAKLI CHUDAIL, pls humme bacha lo. Its difficult to watch IPL bcz of your Bakwas TADKA #SRHvsLSG #CSKvsRCB #rcb
— vivek kumar (@vivekraun) April 5, 2026
The titles are bizarre, the ads are jarring, and for many, they are actively spoiling the premium cricket-watching experience. Fans want to see sixes and wickets, not “stupid-looking” promos for micro-dramas that feel like low-budget fever dreams.
JioHotstar’s Tadka had the potential to change how we consume short-form content. Instead, it feels like a dumping ground for cheap, AI-covered stories that belong in 2018.
In the race to have the most content, JioHotstar might be losing the most important thing: the audience’s respect. Does Tadka need a total makeover, or is this just the future of snackable TV? For now, most fans would probably prefer it if the platform just focused on the cricket. Stay tuned for more updates.
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