Indian OTT platforms have been making waves with storytelling, resonating across linguistic and cultural boundaries. For Pakistanis, who often follow Indian content in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, the recent Filmfare OTT Awards provide the perfect watchlist of standout shows and films. These awards celebrate the rapid growth of digital entertainment landscape.
The rise of OTT platforms in India and Pakistan is a game-changer for how we watch and consume media. With Netflix and Amazon Prime Video bringing the world’s best content to our screens, and local services like Myco, Iflix, Tamasha, and Urduflix tapping into our regional tastes, it’s safe to say that binge-watching is now a full-blown culture in South Asia.
The thematic threads—family, ambition, rebellion—hit home, making these narratives both relatable and riveting for Pakistani audiences. Streaming platforms are reshaping how we experience South Asian storytelling.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top winners, and why they’re worth your time:
Best Story (Web Original Film): KHO GAYE HUM KAHAN
Remarkably authentic Kho Gaye Hum Kahan follows three friends—Ananya, Siddhant, and Adarsh—as they navigate the digital world that defines Gen Z. The film explores the paradox of being constantly connected yet feeling deeply lonely. While it can be a bit pretentious at times, the story about friendship, self-discovery and the need for connection is deeply relatable.
Best Series: The Railway Men (Netflix)
With The Railway Men, debutant director Shiv Rawail hits the ground running. Inspired by real events, the series unpacks the unsung heroism of a railway stationmaster, played impeccably by Kay Kay Menon. It’s a riveting blend of grit and grace, pulling you in with a narrative as fast-paced as a Shatabdi Express.
Best Director (Web Original Film): Imtiaz Ali for Amar Singh Chamkila (Netflix)
Imtiaz Ali’s biopic on folk icon Amar Singh Chamkila blends animation and non-linear storytelling to explore fame, music, and controversy. The animations are not for everyone but the songs are modern day classics. One minute you are laughing at questionable lyrics and the second you are hit by an ethical dilemma.
Best Series (Critics’ Choice): Guns & Gulaabs (Netflix)
Forget your usual crime dramas—Guns & Gulaabs is an audacious blend of pulp fiction and small-town chaos. Set in the late ’90s, the show intertwines four parallel stories with style and swagger. Rajkummar Rao shines as Tipu, the reluctant underdog hero, while Adarsh Gourav adds charisma. The series is colourful and corny in equal measure, though some jokes miss the mark. Still, with its terrific twists and unapologetic energy, it’s a wild ride worth taking.
Best Comedy Series/Specials: Maamla Legal Hai (Netflix)
Legal dramas rarely get the balance between wit and weight right, but Maamla Legal Hai nails it. Directed by Rahul Pandey, this wacky yet intelligent take on judicial bureaucracy is set in the Patparganj District Court, where a cast of quirky staff members strive to deliver justice amidst chaos.
Best Original Story (Series): Kaala Paani (Netflix)
In the post-COVID world, Kaala Paani is an ecothriller that delves into the mysteries of the LHF-27 virus and its devastating effects. Set in Andaman and Nicobar Island, the show explores humanity’s will to survive, rooted in ancient knowledge and ancestral wisdom. Season two has been greenlit, and if the first season is anything to go by, Kaala Paaniis will continue as a brilliant exploration of resilience in a time of crisis.
Mainstream media often shies away from exploring themes of language, sex, and taboo topics, but OTT platforms are breaking the rules, offering viewers a raw, unfiltered look at real-life struggles and desires. As the OTT scene continues to explode, one thing’s for sure: South Asia’s watching habits are changing, and we’re all along for the ride. Grab your popcorn, it’s about to get even more exciting.