ITV

Category: Drama Series

  • Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    MUMBAI: In a landmark moment for Indian storytelling, Gandhi, the sweeping international series by Applause Entertainment and filmmaker Hansal Mehta, is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Selected as part of TIFF’s prestigious primetime programme, it is the first Indian series ever to feature in the festival’s showcase of auteur-driven episodic storytelling.

    Starring Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, Gandhi is adapted from historian Ramachandra Guha’s definitive biographies and charts the early, lesser-known years of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The first season, titled An Untold Story of Becoming (1888–1915), traces his formative years from a curious teen in colonial India to a struggling law student in London and a young barrister in South Africa—long before the Mahatma was born.

    Sameer Nair“To have Gandhi selected for TIFF’s Primetime showcase is both an honour and a moment of immense pride; not just for Applause, but for Indian storytelling. Taking you up close and personal to the young Mohan way before he became the man history knows, this series is the culmination of deep research, creative development, and unwavering belief in the human story we wanted to tell,” said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair.  “TIFF will be the first time our Gandhi will be seen by audiences. To begin that journey on a global platform of such import, is the perfect start and we can’t wait for the world to discover him.”

    For Hansal Mehta, the director and showrunner, TIFF holds special significance. “Gandhi has been the most creatively challenging and soul-stirring journey of my career. It’s not just a story from our past—it’s a meditation on conscience, a portrait of a man in constant conflict with himself and his times,” explained Mehta. ”TIFF has previously been home to some of my most precious pieces of work, and to have perhaps the most ambitious story of my career premiering there is doubly special—particularly in TIFF’s 50th year. To share this journey at a festival that has embraced me over the years is both humbling and surreal. I hope it opens the door for more Indian series to find their place on the world stage.”

    Hansal MehtaThe Gandhi premiere will see key cast and crew in attendance, including Sameer Nair, Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi, Tom Felton, Kabir Bedi and Siddharth Khaitan. The series boasts a powerhouse creative team with music by A.R. Rahman and writing by Vaibhav Vishal, Karan Vyas, Felix von Stumm, Hema Gopinathan, Sehaj Kaur Maini and Yashna Malhotra. Script development was supported by Siddhartha Basu and Ramachandra Guha, with casting by Mukesh Chhabra (India) and Shakyra Dowling (International).

    TIFF’s primetime section has previously hosted series by the likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Shawn Levy and Steven Knight. With Gandhi entering this rarefied space, Indian long-form storytelling may have finally arrived on the world stage.

  • &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    MUMBAI: If you thought married life was complicated, wait till you meet Jeetu—&TV’s latest leading man who accidentally ends up with two wives: one human, one haunting.

    After striking gold with shows like Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, &TV is back to spice up prime time with Gharwali Pedwali, a quirky family comedy with a delightfully paranormal punch. Produced by Peninsula Productions, the show blends classic desi sitcom madness with an unexpected celestial curveball.

    At the heart of this tale is Prithvi Mishra aka Jeetu, a lovable, no-frills everyman whose life has always come in twos. Two mums, two dads, two bosses… and now, courtesy of a last-minute astrological mishap, two wives. Just as he’s ready to tie the knot with the modern and spirited Savi, he’s forced into marrying a peepal tree. Enter Latika, a ghostly bride who believes the symbolic wedding was very much the real deal.

    The show leans into the absurd with flair, promising laugh-out-loud chaos, emotional curveballs, and a double dose of drama. True to its roots, Gharwali Pedwali delivers the signature &TV flavour—relatable, rooted, and ridiculously entertaining.

    No spoilers on how Jeetu navigates this ghostly love triangle, but one thing’s for sure, viewers are in for a spook-tacular treat.

    Gharwali Pedwali is coming soon, only on &TV.

  • Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    MUMBAI: Dangal TV, has smashed yet another digital milestone — crossing a massive 50 million subscribers on YouTube and earning a coveted spot among the Top 100 YouTube channels globally, currently sitting pretty at #87.

    Launched on 2 August 2017, Dangal’s rise from regional to global star reflects more than just strong programming, it’s a testament to sharp strategy and storytelling that cuts across borders and bandwidths.

    The credit, insiders say, goes to the unflinching vision of managing director Manish Singhal, who’s steered Dangal with one mission in mind: to take Bharat’s stories to the world, one compelling plot twist at a time.

    Akshat Singhal, head of Dangal Play, and the driving force behind Dangal TV’s digital transformation, shared, “Reaching 50 million subscribers is a proud and emotional moment for all of us. It reflects the deep connection we’ve built with audiences worldwide and our valued partnership with YouTube, which has enabled us to showcase Indian storytelling on a global stage.”

    He adds, “Our vision from the start has been to create content rooted in the heartland that connects across borders. Reaching the 87th spot globally is just the beginning – with our current and upcoming shows, we aim to break many more records.”

    As the channel nears its eighth anniversary, its YouTube numbers aren’t just vanity metrics, they’re proof that content rooted in India’s soil can roar on the world stage.

  • Kyunki comeback: Star Plus breaks promo, revealing Tulsi’s return

    Kyunki comeback: Star Plus breaks promo, revealing Tulsi’s return

    MUMBAI: Star Plus is dialling up the hype, drama—and the nostalgia—with the long-awaited return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, 25 years after it first lit up Indian TV screens. The Hindi GEC dropped a two-part promo teasing the show’s revival, complete with a modern makeover, new characters, and a familiar voice that fans won’t forget.

    The promo opens with a family pitstop at a roadside dhaba. As the iconic title track of Kyunki plays, the father hums along, sparking memories of TV dinners and shared family moments. The conversation turns meta as the son mentions the show’s comeback, prompting speculation from all members—until the voice of Tulsi Virani breaks in.

    The second half of the teaser reveals Tulsi herself, watering a Tulsi plant and declaring: “We’ve had a 25-year relationship. It’s time we meet again.” With that, she greets viewers with a namaste and a promise: Kyunki returns 29 July at 10:30 pm on Star Plus and JioHotstar.

    “This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a bold new chapter,” said Sumanta Bose, cluster head – Star Plus & Star Utsav, calling the series “an iconic title with a deep-rooted legacy, now reimagined for today’s audience.”

    The marketing engine is already in full swing. JioStar’s sales team has roped in P&G’s Tide as presenting sponsor, with Colgate and Fortune Soyabean Oil as co-powered by brands. Fortune Chakki Atta has signed on as digital sponsor.

    With buzz already building and brand deals locked in, Kyunki is poised to once again rule the living room.

    You can watch the promo here.

  • Balaji raises the stakes with Kull: a royal drama poised to rule the streams

    Balaji raises the stakes with Kull: a royal drama poised to rule the streams

    MUMBAI:  Balaji Telefilms, the name long synonymous with India’s soap-operatic swagger, is charging ahead in the digital domain. Its newly energised arm, Balaji Digital, is making a bold play for streaming supremacy with its third original for JioHotstar – Kull – The Legacy of the Raisingghs, set to premiere on 2 May 2025.

    Featuring a heavyweight cast of Nimrat Kaur, Ridhi Dogra, and Amol Parashar, the series dives deep into dynastic dysfunction, weaving a rich tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, legacy, and secrets best left buried. The recently released trailer has sparked a torrent of buzz across platforms, with fans dissecting every brooding glance and cryptic one-liner.

    “At Balaji, storytelling has always been our lifeblood — and digital is just another canvas, albeit a thrilling one,” said , Balaji Telefilms head digital originals Aparna Ramachandran. “With Kull, we’re venturing into new tonal territory. It’s layered, political, emotional – and unafraid to ask hard questions about what families choose to remember, and what they’d rather forget.”

    The move marks a sharp creative pivot for Balaji Digital, which has already made a streaming splash with Dus June Ki Raat – a dark, emotionally charged drama – and Power of Paanch, a long-format youth series that drew praise for its raw depiction of campus life.

    “Power of Paanch was an important moment for us – it showed that youth stories can have depth, nuance, and emotional consequence,” Ramachandran added. “And with Dus June Ki Raat, we demonstrated that Balaji could tackle mystery and emotional realism in a slow-burn format.”

    Kull, however, is a different beast. Set against the backdrop of a powerful royal family navigating present-day ambition and past sins, the show blends opulence with angst. Think Succession meets Gulzar — with the emotional complexity dialled all the way up.

    “The digital viewer is restless, sharp, and demands emotional authenticity,” said Ramachandran. “They’re sampling Korean thrillers, Spanish crime sagas, and British slow-burns — so we have to be at our sharpest. The brief at Balaji Digital is simple: break moulds, not hearts.”

    While Kull promises  a spectacle, it’s also being pitched as a narrative about power and truth in the age of curated legacies. The Raisingghs, the show’s central family, are emblematic of India’s royal residues — clinging to relevance, shrouded in secrecy.

    At the helm of this digital renaissance is Ekta Kapoor, who, after conquering TV and film, is reshaping her empire for the age of OTT. “Ekta has always believed in staying ahead of the curve,” Ramachandran said. “Balaji Digital is her next act — and Kull is just the beginning of what we have in store. We’re forging deep collaborations with platforms, and are already developing a slate that pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling.”

  • Nawazuddin Siddiqui battles corruption in Zee5’s new film Costao

    Nawazuddin Siddiqui battles corruption in Zee5’s new film Costao

    MUMBAI: Zee5 has unveiled the trailer for its much-anticipated original film Costao, a gritty drama set against the backdrop of 1990s Goa. The film follows the fearless customs officer Costao Fernandes, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as he dares to challenge an empire fuelled by smuggling, corruption, and fear.

    Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, Costao promises a powerful narrative of courage, sacrifice, and the brutal cost of defying a corrupt system. Joining Nawazuddin in the cast are Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. The film is set to premiere on Zee5 on 1 May.

    The trailer introduces viewers to Costao’s unrelenting fight against the underworld and his own system, showcasing heart-pounding action and emotional depth. When a deadly confrontation with a notorious smuggler’s brother ignites a high-stakes manhunt, Costao finds himself hunted and betrayed. Battling alone for justice, family, and redemption, he embodies audacious courage and sharp instincts. As the stakes rise, the question looms can he survive the system he dares to oppose and at what cost?

    A Zee5 spokesperson commented, “At Zee5, we remain steadfast in our mission to tell stories that challenge norms and ignite meaningful dialogue. Real-life stories like Costao hold immense significance for us as they reflect courage, resilience, and truths that deserve to be seen and heard. The film is a strong addition to our expanding original film slate, with a story that is not only compelling but also thought-provoking. Our collaboration with the makers reflects a shared vision for delivering powerful narratives that go beyond the expected. As we continue to focus on differentiated storytelling, we are proud to back films like Costao that leave a deep and lasting impression on viewers.”

    Producer Vinod Bhanushali added, “We’ve always loved creating untold stories that are as interesting as they are unique, and Costao is the perfect example of that. With Nawazuddin in the lead, you know you’re in for something special. His performance as Costao is pure magic raw, intense, and layered in a way that will keep you hooked from the very first second. After Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, we felt Costao deserved a platform like Zee5 for the story to reach the right audience. Our shared vision for authentic storytelling perfectly aligned, allowing us to craft a movie that challenges conventions and surprises at every turn. As a movie Costao demands your attention, and trust me, you won’t want to look away. We’re beyond excited for you to experience this rollercoaster when it drops on May 1!”

    Speaking about her debut, director Shah said, “Costao is the story of an officer who risked his life to do the right thing and paid the price for it. It’s raw, intense, and full of moments that will leave you questioning how far one person can go in the name of duty. Bringing this world to life has been a challenge and a privilege, and I couldn’t have asked for a better actor than Nawazuddin to play Costao. He brings an unmatched authenticity and complexity to the character. Zee5 has always backed bold, powerful storytelling, and I’m excited to collaborate with them. I can’t wait for audiences to experience Costao a story that deserves to be told.”

    Nawazuddin reflected on his role, saying, “Costao is not just a story about a customs officer fighting against a ruthless smuggling empire it’s about the cost of standing up to an entire system built on corruption and betrayal. There is a dialoug in the film where the character says ‘Humare society mein sabko chahiye ki Officer honest ho aur brave ho… lekin Ghar mein Nahi’; it’s so true. Costao’s courage in the face of unbeatable odds reflects this perfectly. His battle is not only against criminals but against a system that tries to break him at every turn. I can’t wait for viewers to experience the explosive twists, raw emotion, and relentless intensity that Costao brings. It’s a story that will keep you at the edge, questioning what’s right, what’s wrong, and what one man is willing to sacrifice for justice. Don’t miss it; Costao drops on May 1”

    Produced by Vinod, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Shah, Shyam Sunder, and Faizuddin Siddiqui, and written by Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava, Costao is poised to be a must-watch thriller.

    Watch the trailer here.

  • Forensic foodie drama to simmer on Indonesian screens courtesy Deepak Dhar’s & Banijay’s CreAsia

    Forensic foodie drama to simmer on Indonesian screens courtesy Deepak Dhar’s & Banijay’s CreAsia

    MUMBAI: An unlikely pairing of forensic science and gastronomy is set to tantalize Indonesian viewers as CreAsia Studio cooks up My Chef in Crime, an eight-part drama commissioned by local streaming platform Vision+.

    The series—equal parts CSI and MasterChef—follows a disgraced forensic investigator turned chef who must clear his name after being fingered for his rival’s murder. His unorthodox application of forensic techniques to food science catches the eye of a female detective who happens to be his old school crush, setting the stage for a sizzling mix of crime-solving and culinary chemistry.

    CreAsia Studio, the brainchild of television veteran Deepak Dhar and television giant Banijay Entertainment, has assembled a pan-Asian creative team that boasts Thai producer Pornmanus Rattanavich and scriptwriter Nitikarn Pinmuangngarm, with Indonesian director Sondang Pratama stirring the pot.

    “This show is a testament to our commitment to championing innovative narratives from South East Asia,” gushes CreAsia Studio executive vice-president Jessica Kam clearly delighted with her menu of talent.  “We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the talented Thai and Indonesian creators as well as Vision+ to bring this groundbreaking concept to life.”

    The production appears designed to blend local flavours with global appeal—a recipe becoming increasingly fashionable in streaming circles.

    Vision+ managing director Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo seems equally gung-ho about the offering: “My Chef in Crime is exactly the kind of high-quality, engaging content that excites us,. We believe this show will set new benchmarks in the crime genre, and we are delighted to be partnered with CreAsia Studio to make it a reality ” she declares, perhaps hoping the show will help her platform gobble up market share in Indonesia’s competitive streaming landscape.

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar added: “At Banijay Entertainment, we are always looking to push creative boundaries and redefine storytelling. My Chef in Crime is a bold, original concept that reflects our commitment to delivering premium entertainment across the region. We are confident that this unique mix of crime, food, and romance will resonate with audiences and  reinforce CreAsia Studios  position as a powerhouse of compelling storytelling.”

    Production is set to begin this summer, with the series expected to land on screens early next year. Whether audiences will develop an appetite for this unusual concoction remains to be seen, but CreAsia Studio is betting that viewers are hungry for something that breaks free from formulaic crime dramas.

    For Banijay Entertainment, which has been steadily expanding its Asian footprint, the stakes are high. Dhar calls the concept “bold” and “original”—adjectives that rarely describe television these days. But in a region where food and entertainment are cultural obsessions, combining forensic investigation with culinary artistry might just prove a recipe for success.

  • Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    MUMBAI: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has stepped into unfamiliar territory, swapping the cricket field for the mystical world of Aashram. In a humorous crossover for Aashram season three part two, now streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Chahal seeks divine intervention but the results are far from what he imagined.

    In the video, Chahal, fully kitted out with pads, helmet, and bat, approaches Bobby Deol’s enigmatic Baba Nirala with one request to become an opening batsman. True to his style, Baba grants the wish with a resounding Tathastu! However, instead of taking the crease, Chahal finds himself opening everything but an innings water bottles, lunchboxes, and even jammed doors. Left bewildered, he sighs, Accha opener bana diya, Baba. Meanwhile, Baba, ever the mysterious figure, remarks, “No one leaves my Aashram empty-handed.”

    Chahal said, “I’ve always joked about opening the batting. This time, Baba made it happen just not in the way I expected!”

    With Baba’s mystical powers at play, nothing is ever straightforward in Aashram. Fans can watch the latest twists and turns in Aashram season three part two, available to stream for free on Amazon MX Player via mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs.

  • Bobby Deol is back with Ek Badnaam Aashram new season

    Bobby Deol is back with Ek Badnaam Aashram new season

    MUMBAI: The wait is almost over, Ek Badnaam Aashram is back, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. With the second part of Season 3 set to premiere soon on Amazon MX Player, fans can brace themselves for even more drama, betrayal, and dark secrets than before. The series, one of India’s most-watched ott shows, has been a defining force in storytelling, with national award-winning director Prakash Jha steering the ship.

    The teaser, which dropped recently, has set the internet on fire, teasing Baba Nirala’s return to power, the unshakeable loyalty of his followers, and the simmering tensions within his inner circle. Bobby Deol returns as the notorious Baba Nirala, leading an all-star cast that includes Aaditi Pohankar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Tridha Choudhury, Darshan Kumaar, Vikram Kochhar, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta. As old secrets and betrayals threaten to destroy everything, the new chapter promises to be gripping, thrilling, and unpredictable.

    The use of the iconic Duniya Mein Logon Ko soundtrack from Saregama adds another layer of suspense to the teaser, perfectly setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season. The new chapter of the saga will focus on Pammi and Bhopa, as rivalries get more intense and revenge and redemption take centre stage.

    Amazon MX Player content head Amogh Dusad said, “Ek Badnaam Aashram has truly redefined storytelling in the digital space. With its hard-hitting narrative and compelling characters, it has captured the pulse of the audience. With new episodes coming soon, we’re pushing the envelope further with an explosive chapter that explores unchecked power and its consequences.”

    Reflecting on his role as Baba Nirala, Deol added, “The journey of Baba Nirala has been incredible, and the love this franchise has received is overwhelming. This time, the stakes are higher, the drama is bolder, and the secrets darker. I can’t wait for audiences to witness the next chapter of this story.”

    Jha further added, “Ek Badnaam Aashram has held up a mirror to society, exposing the dark intersections of faith, power, and exploitation. In the new season, we’re peeling back more layers, delving into the psychological grip of influence, and showcasing the thirst for control—where morality is often compromised.”

    The new season will stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available for free on mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs. Fans can expect to be hooked as the drama unfolds over the next five episodes, ensuring they won’t be able to look away.