Top 10 Indian Web Series You Shouldn't Miss on OTT in 2025: What's Hot and What's Losing Steam

A curated, honest guide to the top 10 Indian web series on OTT in 2025. From must-watch thrillers to overhyped disappointments—find out what’s truly worth your time.

NewsSutra NewsSutra
Jul 15, 2025 - 05:50
0 18
Top 10 Indian Web Series You Shouldn't Miss on OTT in 2025: What's Hot and What's Losing Steam

India’s OTT landscape in 2025 is buzzing with a mix of brilliance and burnout. With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, and SonyLIV aggressively expanding their content libraries, viewers are both spoiled for choice and overwhelmed.

From gritty political thrillers to heartwarming dramas and sharp comedies, Indian creators are pushing the envelope. But not everything is gold. While some shows are redefining storytelling, others are weighed down by repetitive tropes and bloated narratives.

Here’s a detailed list of the Top 10 Indian web series to watch right now on OTT, along with what's trending, what’s fading, and what you can safely skip.

1. Maharani Season 3 (SonyLIV) – Still Packs a Punch

What’s Hot:
Huma Qureshi’s portrayal of Rani Bharti, the accidental CM, continues to captivate. Season 3 dials up the stakes with political conspiracies, caste dynamics, and a compelling rural-urban divide. The writing has matured, and the power struggles feel more grounded.

Why Watch:
It's a masterclass in political drama layered with realism and sharp commentary on governance in Bihar-like setups.

What's Not:
The pacing in the middle episodes may test your patience, but it picks up well by the finale.

2. Mirzapur Season 3 (Amazon Prime Video) – Darker, Bloodier, and Divisive

What’s Hot:
The cult crime series is back with more gore, power play, and revenge. Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal anchor the show, but the newcomers also shine. The production quality is world-class.

Why Watch:
Fans of the genre will be thrilled. It's a high-adrenaline ride through Uttar Pradesh’s lawless badlands.

What's Not:
Some critics argue the show is beginning to glorify violence and lacks emotional depth this season.

3. Kota Factory Season 3 (Netflix) – Back to the Roots

What’s Hot:
Jitendra Kumar returns as the much-loved Jeetu Bhaiya. Season 3 explores emotional burnout, peer pressure, and life beyond coaching centers. The monochrome aesthetic still works.

Why Watch:
This is one of India’s most nuanced coming-of-age dramas, relatable to students and parents alike.

What's Not:
It may feel overly familiar for those not invested in the IIT dream.

4. Made in Heaven Season 2 (Prime Video) – Flawed But Still Worth It

What’s Hot:
The lavish weddings, elite hypocrisy, and personal baggage continue to blend into a striking commentary on modern Indian society. Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur return with emotional depth.

Why Watch:
It challenges norms around caste, sexuality, and marriage without being preachy.

What's Not:
Some episodes feel uneven and try to juggle too many issues in one go.

5. Paatal Lok Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video) – Gripping, Grim, and Relevant

What’s Hot:
Jaideep Ahlawat’s Hathiram Chaudhary returns, battling both external crime and inner demons. Season 2 expands its canvas, touching on communal politics and institutional decay.

Why Watch:
It’s one of the best-written Indian series, unafraid to dive into the moral greys of law and order.

What's Not:
Viewers looking for lighter fare may find it too intense or emotionally draining.

6. Scam 2003: The Telgi Story (SonyLIV) – Powerful Follow-Up

What’s Hot:
After the roaring success of Scam 1992, this sequel tracks Abdul Karim Telgi's multi-crore stamp paper fraud. Gagan Dev Riar’s performance is as magnetic as Pratik Gandhi’s in the original.

Why Watch:
Great direction, tight scripting, and a deep dive into India’s under-reported financial crimes.

What's Not:
It slightly lacks the storytelling finesse that made the first part iconic.

7. Gullak Season 4 (SonyLIV) – Comfort TV at Its Best

What’s Hot:
The Mishra family's slice-of-life tales continue to strike a chord. Season 4 brings relatable nostalgia, middle-class struggles, and heartfelt moments.

Why Watch:
Perfect for viewers seeking a feel-good, family-centric Indian show with humor and heart.

What's Not:
May not appeal to those expecting plot twists or high drama.

8. The Railway Men (Netflix) – Underrated Historical Gem

What’s Hot:
Set against the Bhopal gas tragedy, this show is a tribute to unsung heroes who risked everything. Stellar performances by Kay Kay Menon, R. Madhavan, and Babil Khan.

Why Watch:
Authentic storytelling, emotional heft, and high production value.

What's Not:
Despite rave reviews, it didn’t receive as much mainstream attention, making it a hidden gem.

9. Asur Season 2 (JioCinema) – Smart But Overwritten

What’s Hot:
Blending mythology, science, and serial killings, Asur 2 pushes boundaries. Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti return with powerful performances.

Why Watch:
It’s a rare Indian psychological thriller that tries to break the mold.

What's Not:
The plot becomes convoluted in places, and the finale may leave some puzzled.

10. The Freelancer (Disney+ Hotstar) – Flashy But Forgettable

What’s Hot:
This globe-trotting action thriller starring Mohit Raina tries to be India’s answer to Jack Ryan. There’s slick camera work and some impressive stunts.

Why Watch:
Good for a weekend binge if you enjoy fast-paced action and espionage.

What's Not:
Lacks depth and character development. It feels like style over substance.

What's Trending: Audience Preferences in 2025

  1. Realism over Melodrama:
    Indian viewers are now gravitating toward realistic storytelling—be it political thrillers like Maharani or student dramas like Kota Factory.

  2. Shorter Seasons, Tighter Plots:
    Gone are the days of 10-episode arcs. Most successful shows today are keeping it concise with 5-7 episodes and well-paced writing.

  3. Regional Expansion:
    Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali web series are getting dubbed and appreciated across India. There’s a growing demand for language diversity in content.

  4. Rise of Docudramas and Biopics:
    Stories like Scam 2003 and The Railway Men show that there is high viewer interest in real-life-inspired content.

What’s Losing Steam

  • Over-glamorized Crime Dramas:
    With multiple shows trying to replicate Mirzapur and Sacred Games, the crime genre feels saturated unless done with a fresh perspective.

  • High Budget, Low Impact Shows:
    Some high-investment projects like The Freelancer and others focus more on cinematic visuals than storytelling and emotional connection.

  • OTT Rom-Com Fatigue:
    Audiences are beginning to feel tired of predictable rom-com plots with cardboard characters. Only shows with a twist or realism, like Gullak, are being celebrated.

Final Word

The Indian OTT space in 2025 is a creative battleground, with platforms investing heavily to keep audiences hooked. The rise of regional stories, bold experimentation, and an increasingly mature audience base means that quality trumps hype.

Whether you're in the mood for hard-hitting social commentary, gritty crime thrillers, or comfort family viewing, India’s web series ecosystem has something for everyone. But as always, not everything that trends is worth your time.

So if you're looking for shows that are not only binge-worthy but also reflect the changing face of Indian storytelling, start with this list — and trust your taste, not just the algorithm.

Tags: