INDONESIA: DocuBay’s original documentary Fanatics has made history by becoming the first Indian film to win Best Documentary Programme (OTT) at the 30th Asian Television Awards 2025 in Indonesia. The win marks a milestone for the streaming platform, part of The Epic Company, which is known for bold, culturally rooted, and globally resonant storytelling.

Produced by Arpita Chatterjee under Studio 9 and directed by Aryan D Roy, Fanatics delves into the extreme devotion surrounding South Indian cinema. The documentary captures how actors are often treated like deities, and how fan loyalty, fuelled by emotion, pride and rivalry, can sometimes have real-life consequences. Through intimate personal stories and rare insights, the film presents an unfiltered look at the psychology of fandom in a region where cinema is nothing short of religion.

Featuring interviews with stars such as Allu Arjun and Kiccha Sudeep, the documentary also explores the role of social media in amplifying both solidarity and conflict among fans.

The category was highly competitive, featuring acclaimed international entries including Bitter Sweet Ballad (China), Polar Alarm (Taiwan), Life on the Millennia Old Grand Canal (China), Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli (India), and Echoes of Life (China). DocuBay distinguished itself with three nominations from its originals, Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of Indian Air Force, The Dupatta Killer, and Fanatics, cementing its place in impactful nonfiction storytelling.

The award was accepted at the ceremony in Indonesia by Samar Khan, chief content officer, DocuBay, and Adita Jain, VP – acquisition & syndication, The Epic Company. Fanatics’ win celebrates both the devotion of cinema fans and India’s rising influence in global documentary filmmaking.

Advertisement

MUMBAI: Gopi Films, in collaboration with the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, has unveiled 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi, a soulful documentary that captures a full day in the life of one of India’s most revered spiritual centres.

Directed by Harsh Pandya and Shekhar Jha, the film takes viewers on a mesmerising journey through a complete 24-hour cycle at the sacred Shri Sai Baba Temple, from the first light of dawn to the quiet reverence of midnight prayers. It offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the seamless rhythm of faith, devotion and seva (selfless service) that sustains Shirdi’s spiritual heartbeat.

More than a visual diary of rituals, the film reflects the humanity and humility that define true service. As the filmmakers describe it, every frame pays tribute to the countless individuals who work quietly, sincerely and selflessly to keep the temple alive around the clock.

Lending his voice to the film’s trailer in both Hindi and English, actor Shreyas Talpade called the experience “a feeling, not a performance.” He said, “This documentary isn’t just about rituals; it’s about the heartbeat of faith that never stops. Lending my voice helped me experience the devotion and discipline that define Seva.”

Produced as a non-commercial project, 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi is an offering of gratitude rather than a production for profit. Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust chief executive officer Goraksha Gadilkar said, “The Shirdi Sansthan’s service system is devotion in action. This project captures that living spirit of Seva which continues, day and night, without expectation.”

Advertisement

Set to premiere in January 2026 on the official digital platforms of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the documentary is a gentle reminder that true devotion isn’t found only in prayer, it’s alive in every act of service.

In a media landscape dominated by fiction and celebrity, Game of Change is flipping the script. Premiered across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, this new-age docufilm series brings real stories, real people, and real transformation to the big screen. But this isn’t just a movie — it’s the beginning of a movement.

Helmed by Siddharth Rajsekar, digital coach and founder of the Internet Lifestyle Hub, Game of Change blends documentary realism with cinematic storytelling to deliver what mainstream cinema rarely attempts: authenticity. The first installment, featuring eight powerful stories of personal and community-based transformation, is already being hailed as a genre-defining moment in Indian content creation.

“We’re not here to entertain alone,” said Siddharth Rajsekar at his annual online event Reboot 2025, where he unveiled a video with his long-term vision for Game of Change. “We’re here to remind India how to learn — by returning to purpose, community, and inner alignment.”

Rewriting the Script of Education

At the heart of Game of Change lies a critique — and a call to action. The current education system, digital reformer Siddharth Rajsekar argues, is a colonial relic that trains compliance, not creativity. In contrast, the film series draws on India’s ancient learning heritage — from Nalanda, Takshashila, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Nabadwip to Udupi — where knowledge was passed down through community interaction, mentorship, and lived experience.

Advertisement

The docufilm envisions a modern-day gurukul for the digital age: a hybrid model that fuses storytelling with technology, personal growth with AI-powered scalability.

From Documentary to Docu-Movement

The cinematic format of Game of Change is deliberately unconventional. It features real-life individuals — not actors — who’ve risen above circumstances to lead, serve, and inspire. These are stories of educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who’ve become modern role models in an age of celebrity saturation.

“Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t just want to be entertained. They want to see themselves in the story,” said Siddharth Rajsekar. “They’re not looking for fantasy. They’re looking for alignment.”

Strategic Rollout, Cultural Relevance
The decision to premiere the film in three major metros wasn’t just for visibility — it was part of a place-based strategy to ignite community-led action. Each screening was followed by emotional applause and discussions, underscoring the film’s power to spark real dialogue and introspection.

Advertisement

With versions already dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English — and others like Kannada underway — the creators are preparing for a nationwide theatrical rollout and a subsequent OTT release.

Cinema Meets Community

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Game of Change is how it turns viewers into participants. Through its growing online ecosystem — including webinars, learning journeys, and coaching communities — the film invites its audience to move beyond passive consumption.

“We’re not building fans,” Siddharth noted. “We’re building a family of change-makers.”

This model aligns with current trends in participatory media, where communities around content become more valuable than the content itself. It also reflects a shift in youth media engagement — from binge-watching to belonging.

Advertisement

What’s Next: Scaling the Movement

Building on the momentum, the team announced plans for the next installment of Game of Change — a full-length feature film currently in production. While the current version serves as a pilot with a modest budget of 1.5 CR, the upcoming film will expand on its core themes in a 90–120 minute cinematic journey.

Looking ahead, Game of Change plans to integrate AI and emerging tech into future installments — not for spectacle, but to explore how technology and ancient wisdom can co-exist. This narrative isn’t about resisting innovation; it’s about humanizing it.

With this vision, Game of Change enters the rare space where storytelling becomes system-building — offering not just inspiration but infrastructure for social transformation.

Advertisement