With Anushka Sharma’s Chakda Xpress and Kriti Sanon’s Do Patti lined-up, proven stars of the big screen are set to ignite the OTT space. Here’s a look at some of the others who are debuting on digital
Gurnaaz Kaur
Entertainment is an ever-evolving industry and every actor wants to stay relevant. The ones we are talking about here are success stories on the big screen, be it in Hindi cinema or South Indian arena. Now, these stunning beauties are ready to bring their A-game on to the digital platform. While these women are in their pursuit to explore new stories on OTT, we can gear up for some great shows and movies from the comfort of our homes.
High pitch
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma is eyeing her movie comeback with Chakda Xpress, a biographical film set to premiere on Netflix. Although Anushka made a special appearance in a song for her 2022 production, Qala, this can be called her real OTT debut. Directed by Prosit Roy, Chakda Xpress delves into the life of Jhulan Goswami, the former Indian cricketer holding the record for the most wickets in One Day International matches. The film promises to not only highlight Jhulan’s cricketing achievements, but also provide insight into her personal journey on how she overcame challenges to secure a place in the Indian cricket team.
New-age star
Ananya Panday
Ananya Panday began her acting career with Student of the Year in 2019. In these four years, with films such as Pati Patni Aur Woh, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Dream Girl, Ananya has carved a niche for herself as the new-age star. Now, she is ready to make her OTT debut with the upcoming show Call Me Bae. Backed by Karan Johar, she plays a billionaire fashionista in the show, who gets disowned by her family due to a scandal. A thrilled Ananya recently shared pictures from the wrap of the first season’s shoot. The show also stars Vir Das and Gurfateh Pirzada.
Varun is there too…
Varun Dhawan is set to headline the Indian adaptation of Russo Brothers’ directorial Citadel, which marks his streaming debut. Billed as ‘the local original spy series’, it is directed by Raj and DK, and also features Tollywood superstar Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The Bhediya actor calls Citadel ‘a landmark moment’ in his career and is thrilled to be a part of it.
Period drama
Sharmin Sehgal
Sharmin made her Hindi film debut with Malaal (2019). Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Sehgal is now turning to the digital space with Netflix series Heeramandi. A period drama, Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his majestic signature flair to stories of love and betrayal in the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence India.
Love and betrayal
Richa Chadha
Heeramandi also marks Richa Chadha’s OTT debut. The series, which also stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sanjeeda Sheikh, is the second collaboration between Richa and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They previously worked on 2013 hit Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. Richa says she loves to work with the filmmaker, as he is relentless.
Turning producer
Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon is not just venturing into the digital world with Do Patti, but is also turning into a producer with this one. The movie reunites Kriti and Kajol after eight years. They first shared screen space in Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale. With this film, writer Kanika Dhillon also turns to production. Do Patti, to be streamed on Netflix, is mystery thriller set in the hills of north India.
Crime zone
Vaani Kapoor
Vaani Kapoor has joined hands with Gopi Puthran of Mardaani 2 fame for her OTT debut with crime thriller Mandala Murders. The gritty series has been produced by YRF. About her digital debut, the actress stated in an official statement, “I was looking for something really clutter-breaking for my foray into OTT. I’m thrilled to be working with a mind like Gopi Puthran for Mandala Murders, a gritty crime thriller series that has pushed me to work my hardest in a genre I’ve never attempted before.”
Fresh turf
Urmila Matondkar
She ruled the big screen during the 90s. Urmila Matondkar is ready to take on the OTT platform with her debut film Tiwari. Directed by Saurabh Varma, the show will see the 49-year-old actress doing some action. An emotional mother-daughter story, the first-look poster of Tiwari is doing the rounds on social media. The upcoming thriller drama is about Kalki Tiwari, a woman who spent 14 years in prison for a crime she hadn’t committed.
