As the season of festivals inches closer, the Indian diaspora in Singapore can further deepen their connection to culture with stories that sound like home. JioHotstar's launch in Singapore brings over 160,000 hours of entertainment across 12+ Asian languages, including a strong slate of Tamil and Malayalam content from Star Vijay, Asianet and JioHotstar originals.techcrunch+2

For South Indian families, this means easier access to daily soaps, reality TV, originals and films in their own language, with Before-TV access on select Tamil shows so you can stay ahead of the broadcast schedule back home. From Bigg Boss in multiple South Indian languages to fresh originals and long-running favourites, here are 10 Tamil and Malayalam titles that make it simpler than ever to watch home-language content with family in Singapore.

1. Bigg Boss Tamil

Hosted by Vijay Sethupathi, Bigg Boss Tamil is the ultimate family debate starter, with celebrities living under one roof as alliances, fights and strategies unfold. Contestants navigate daily tasks, nominations and evictions while forming friendships, rivalries and unexpected bonds, making it a high-energy mix of drama, emotion and entertainment.

2. Bigg Boss Malayalam

Mohanlal returns as host for the Malayalam edition, where celebrities navigate friendships, rivalries and tasks while trying to stay in the house. The format blends personal stories, strategic gameplay and emotional moments, creating a compelling reality experience that keeps viewers hooked week after week.

3. Muthu Engira Kaattaan (Kaattaan)

Headlined by Vijay Sethupathi, this Tamil crime-action drama showcases the scale and style of contemporary Tamil entertainment. The story follows a fearless protagonist drawn into a world of power struggles, revenge and moral conflicts, blending intense action with layered character arcs.

4. LBW

A sharp, contemporary Tamil series that blends sport, ambition and personal drama, LBW speaks to a younger, urban audience while still resonating with family viewers. It traces the journey of individuals chasing their dreams against odds, exploring themes of pressure, failure, resilience and second chances.

5. Kerala Crime Files

This Malayalam crime anthology dives into real-life inspired cases, blending investigation, local colour and human stories from across Kerala. Each episode unpacks a new case, following investigators as they piece together clues, confront suspects and reveal the complex motives behind the crimes.

6. Cousins & Kalyanams

A fun, relatable Malayalam series that follows a close-knit group of cousins as they navigate love, friendship, family pressure and the chaos of modern relationships. With humour, heart and plenty of family dynamics, the show captures the messy, joyful reality of growing up in a large South Indian household.

7. Azhagae Azhagu

This Tamil family drama follows a spirited woman balancing personal dreams with household responsibilities, blending emotion, tradition and modern aspirations. As she faces societal expectations and personal challenges, the series explores themes of identity, ambition and the evolving role of women in contemporary Tamil society.

8. Resort

A Tamil original set in a bustling resort, following a housekeeping employee who dreams of becoming a chef while navigating workplace hierarchies and friendships. Starring Vijay Kumar Rajendran and Thalaivasal Vijay, the series mixes comedy, ambition and everyday struggles in a lively workplace setting.

9. Heartbeat

A medical drama that explores the high-stakes world of doctors, patients and ethical dilemmas inside a busy hospital. The ensemble cast brings to life intense personal and professional conflicts, as medical teams race against time to save lives while dealing with their own vulnerabilities.

10. Pritam & Pedro

This cross-cultural tale follows two very different men whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, leading to friendship, conflict and self-discovery. Through humour, tension and emotional moments, the series examines identity, belonging and the unlikely bonds that can form across cultural divides.