Mumbai: Prime Video has announced March 13 as the global premiere date for its upcoming Tamil Original comedy-drama series Local Times, unveiling a rib-tickling trailer for the seven-episode show set against the backdrop of a struggling local newspaper navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital news landscape.
Developed by Anekdotes, the series is directed by Naveen George Thomas and produced by Jithin Thorai under the banner of Fanboy Production. The show features an ensemble cast including Rishikanth, Abdool Lee, Maurish Dass, Adwitha Arumugam, R. Pandiarajan, Chinni Jayanth, Rini, and Nandhitha Sreekumar in key roles. Written by Praveen Muthurangan and created by Abbhinav Kastura along with Praveen Muthurangan, Satwik Gade, Thomas Manuel, and Visvaksen P., the series will premiere on March 13 in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide in Tamil with English subtitles, exclusively on Prime Video.
The story follows four friends—Veera, Azhagu, Valli, and Muthu—who strive to keep alive Namma Seidhi, a once-respected regional newspaper owned by Veera’s grandfather. Despite limited resources, the group remains determined to preserve the publication’s legacy while navigating a mix of humorous misadventures, emotional conflicts, unexpected victories, and a powerful rival threatening to shut them down. The trailer offers a glimpse into their chaotic yet heartwarming journey, underscored by strong friendship and resilience.
“Local Times is a rooted, relatable, and emotionally resonant story that we at Prime Video are proud to champion,” said Nikhil Madhok. “While the series unfolds within the newsroom of a local weekly newspaper, its core themes of friendship and resilience are universal. Featuring a talented cast and an innately creative team behind it, the series underscores our commitment to distinctive regional stories that strike a chord with audiences not only in India but also around the world.”
Producer Jithin Thorai shared, “With Local Times, we wanted to tell a simple, lighthearted story about ordinary people trying to hold on to something they believe in. The setting of a local newspaper gave us a world that feels familiar, but what truly drives the series is the friendship between these four characters, and the trailer gives a glimpse of that journey. It’s messy, it’s funny, and it’s real. After Inspector Rishi, collaborating with Prime Video again feels especially meaningful, as we continue a partnership rooted in trust and a shared belief in honest, character-driven storytelling.”
Creators Abbhinav and Praveen added, “From the very beginning, we wanted to create something breezy and joyful for Tamil audiences. Local times is a simple, unwind watch. It’s a light-footed comedy set in familiar spaces: a small office, big dreams, bruised egos, and friendships that survive chaos. The show sits comfortably between drama and comedy. The conflicts and ambitions are real, but the storytelling moves with warmth and humor. Simple but with heart—that’s what we’re aiming for, and we hope audiences feel it too.”
Director Naveen George Thomas said, “The story of Local Times could be the story of anyone holding onto their dreams and standing by those who stood by them, no matter what the world says. Our protagonists are not heroes in the conventional sense; they’re flawed, stubborn, and sometimes foolish, but they care deeply. The comical moments come from their desperation, while the emotional warmth comes from the fact that they never abandon each other. I’m certain the audience will find a character they can relate to and root for. This series marks my debut as a director, and I don’t think there is a better streaming service than Prime Video to showcase this unique story.”
