As we bid farewell to the waning days of 2023 and anticipate the dawn of a new year, it’s a perfect moment to laud the remarkable content that graced the screens across India this year. The realm of Indian over-the-top (OTT) platforms experienced an upsurge in astounding web series across various languages. From Tamil and Telugu to the debut of the first Malayalam series, this year heralded a new age of diverse content and streaming experiences.
1. Modern Love Chennai
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Modern Love Chennai, a Tamil romantic anthology, unfolds six diverse love stories set in Chennai. Inspired by the American series Modern Love, the Indian adaptation featured an ensemble cast including Ashok Selvan, Wamiqa Gabbi, Ritu Varma, and more. Directed by six different directors and produced by Tyler Durden and Kino Fist, the series garnered widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.
2. Dhootha
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Dhootha, a Telugu horror mystery thriller, marked Naga Chaitanya’s debut on the OTT platform. Directed by Vikram K Kumar, the series follows Saagar, a journalist whose life events unfold according to a prophetic newspaper.
3. Kumari Srimathi
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Kumari Srimathi, a Telugu drama series, directed by Gomtesh Upadhye and created by Srinivas Avasarala, revolves around Srimathi’s pursuit of her entrepreneurial dreams amid life’s challenges. Led by Nithya Menen, the show received a blend of positive and critical feedback, with Gauthami and Thiruveer playing pivotal roles.
4. The Village
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A Tamil horror thriller, The Village, starred Arya and others in a chilling narrative adapted from a graphic novel. Dr. Gautham Subramanian and his family encounter eerie events in a deserted village, receiving mixed to negative reviews across its six episodes.
5. Masterpeace
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Masterpeace, a Malayalam drama series, depicted the unconventional life of Binoy and Ria, striving to uphold their unique family structure. With a diverse cast including Nithya Menen, Sharaf U Dheen, and others, the show garnered a mixed response in its five-episode run.
6. Sweet Kaaram Coffee
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A Tamil comedy-drama, Sweet Kaaram Coffee, directed by multiple directors, portrayed the journey of three women seeking liberation from societal obligations. Across eight episodes, the show, featuring Lakshmi, Madhoo, and Santhy Balachandran, received praise from both viewers and critics.
7. Kerala Crime Files
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Kerala Crime Files – Shiju, Parayil Veedu, Neendakara, the maiden season of a Malayalam crime drama series, directed by Ahammed Khabeer and written by Ashiq Aimar. Starring Aju Varghese and Lal as two determined police officers racing against time to apprehend a fugitive, this series of six episodes showcased the gripping tale, accompanied by Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music.
