Miniseries on the web are the most popular and consumable content these days, thanks the digital revolution. There’s a huge array of online streaming platforms with a wide range of content in various genres.
However, before the explosion of OTT content, there were some unconventional and clutter-breaking miniseries that deserve more credit… and possibly even a reboot!
In case you are looking for a change from the high-intensity dramatic series, here are 6 simple yet disruptive miniseries that released before the OTT boom in India:
Mahi Way [2010]
A romedy about a free-spirited young girl Mahi Talwar, who enjoys the simple joys of life despite being constantly criticized for her physical appearance. Starring Pushtiie Shakti in the lead, the series is about an aspiring journalist who is independent, witty, charming and has a crush on the hottest guy. She may have some insecurities but refuses to conform to the social pressures of fitting in a (metaphorical) box. She lives life her way – Mahi’s Way!
Directed by Nupur Asthana, Mahi Way is gem produced by YRF Television which originally aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
Mahi way is streaming on Netflix and all episode are available on Youtube as well.
Rishta.com [2010]
Before the reality show about matchmaking, there was Rishta.com on Sony Entertainment Television. A series about four friends who run an online dating/matrimonial platform that helps match potential soulmates. Starring Shruti Seth and Kavi Shastri as Isha Mirchandani and Rohan Mehra, respectively, Rishta.com follows the story of two business partners who are poles-apart but still work perfectly well together.
Rishta.com is a stylish show that released around the time when startup culture and the idea of online dating was slowly creating buzz… which is probably why it resonated with the viewers.
One more series backed by YRF Television, Rishta.com was directed by Rishab Seth. All episodes are available on Youtube.
Bang Baaja Baaraat [2015]
A couple in love decides to get married, but not before arranging a meeting with the parents.
Pawan Sharma (Ali Fazal) and Shahana Arora (Angira Dhar) plan to bring the families together at their three-day destination wedding that quickly turns into a dreadful rollercoaster ride.
Bang Baaja Baaraat is a rom-com about evolved relationships in urban India and family dynamics of different backgrounds that can be cute, stressful, endearing and messy … all at once.
Produced by Y-Films, a subsidiary of Yash Raj Films, Bang Baaja Baaraat also stars Gajraj Rao, Rajit Kapoor, Ayesha Raza, Shehnaz Patel, Neil Bhoopalam and Priyanshu Painyuli.
Bang Baaja Baaraat is streaming on Youtube and Amazon Prime Video.
Sex Chat With Pappu & Papa [2016]
Another miniseries by Y-Films, SCWPP has a very crisp narrative.
A drama-dy (drama-comedy… if that’s a genre) about a curious seven-year-old boy who loves to ask questions and his father who is determined to provide answers. While some questions may be considered taboo in society, Sex Chat With Pappu & Papa aims at opening a dialogue and having uncomfortable conversations.
Don’t let the title throw you off – Sex Chat With Pappu & Papa is an edutainment series about matters related to sex & sexuality. The magic lies in the writing where each topic is explained logically and sensitively.
Sex Chat With Pappu & Papa stars Anand Tiwari, Kabir Shaikh, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Alka Amin.
All episodes are available on Youtube.
Baked [2015]
A story of three friends/roommates in Delhi who live in a PG setup. They live a typical bachelor lifestyle, munching on snacks and Maggie until one day they realize one of them is a great cook. This leads to an idea that has crossed a millennial’s mind – Let’s create a startup!
They decide to launch a midnight food delivery service in the city. Created by Scoopwhoop, Baked is a series of misadventures that follows the three friends as they navigate through the “startup” life.
Starring Pranay Manchanda, Shantanu Anam Manik and Kriti Vij, all episodes of Baked are available on Youtube.
TVF Pitchers [2015]
Another one with the startup ecosystem at its core, TVF Pitchers was the India take on growing digital landscape and a tech startup in India. The series touched upon the realities of early-jobbers struggling to balance a fulltime job and creating a startup, along with managing all the uncertainties that comes with it.
It’s fresh, original and we’re still waiting to find out what happened with the young techies. If you’re contemplating giving your start-up idea a serious thought, this show might be the inspiration you need.
All episodes are is streaming on TVF Play and MX Player.
