OTTplay Awards 2025: A Celebration of India’s Digital Storytelling
March 24, 2025, 4:08 pm
The OTTplay Awards 2025 unfolded like a cinematic masterpiece on March 22, 2025, at Mumbai’s JW Marriott. This third edition of India’s premier pan-national OTT event shone a spotlight on the country’s vibrant digital entertainment landscape. With the theme “One Nation, One Award,” the ceremony celebrated the rich tapestry of storytelling across diverse languages and cultures.
The event was a kaleidoscope of talent, drawing over 80 luminaries from the film and television industry. Stars like Manoj Bajpayee, Kajol, and Jaideep Ahlawat graced the stage, embodying the spirit of unity and excellence. Hosts Aparshakti Khurana and Kubbra Sait infused the evening with energy, guiding the audience through a night filled with memorable moments and heartfelt reunions.
The OTTplay Awards are not just another awards show; they are a testament to the evolution of Indian storytelling. The awards recognized excellence across approximately 30 categories, from acting and directing to writing and production. This year, the Viewer’s Choice Awards allowed fans to engage directly, casting votes for their favorite films and series. This democratic approach ensured that the audience's voice resonated throughout the event.
Among the standout winners, Manoj Bajpayee clinched the Best Actor award for his role in "Despatch," while Anupam Kher took home the Critics’ Choice award for "Vijay 69." Kajol’s performance in "Do Patti" earned her the Best Actress award, alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu, who was recognized for her role in "Manorathangal." The night was a celebration of talent, with emotional highs and iconic reunions marking the occasion.
The awards showcased a range of content, from the heartwarming "Panchayat" to the gripping "Paatal Lok." Each win reflected the diverse narratives that have emerged in the OTT space. The evening also highlighted breakthrough performances, with Patralekha winning for her role in "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack." The audience erupted in applause as her husband, Rajkummar Rao, led a standing ovation.
Reunions added a nostalgic touch to the night. The cast of "The Family Man" shared the stage, marking their first appearance together since the show’s debut. Manoj Bajpayee and director Sanjay Gupta exchanged words of appreciation, while Kajol received her award from Kunal Kohli, sparking memories of their past collaborations.
The event also celebrated the Kannada film industry, with special recognitions for Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar. Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati, showcasing the interconnectedness of the industry.
The significance of the OTTplay Awards extends beyond mere accolades. They symbolize a cultural shift in India’s entertainment landscape. Avinash Mudaliar, CEO and Co-Founder of OTTplay, emphasized the importance of recognizing creators who challenge conventions and tell stories that resonate across linguistic and regional boundaries. The awards serve as a tribute to a golden era of streaming, where diverse narratives find their place in the spotlight.
As the night drew to a close, Raghav Juyal’s rousing speech and signature dance moves left the audience buzzing with excitement. The OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a vibrant testament to the future of Indian storytelling, united by creativity and culture.
The event was co-presented by Real Fruit Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Flipkart Spoyl as the exclusive style partner and various other sponsors supporting the event, the OTTplay Awards showcased the collaborative spirit of the industry.
In a world where content consumption is rapidly evolving, the OTTplay Awards remind us of the power of storytelling. They celebrate not just the artists but the stories that connect us all. As India’s digital entertainment landscape continues to flourish, events like these pave the way for future generations of storytellers.
The OTTplay Awards 2025 was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the narratives that shape our lives. It brought together a community of creators, performers, and fans, all united by a shared love for storytelling. As the curtain fell on this year’s event, one thing was clear: the future of Indian OTT is bright, and its stories are just beginning to unfold.
The event was a kaleidoscope of talent, drawing over 80 luminaries from the film and television industry. Stars like Manoj Bajpayee, Kajol, and Jaideep Ahlawat graced the stage, embodying the spirit of unity and excellence. Hosts Aparshakti Khurana and Kubbra Sait infused the evening with energy, guiding the audience through a night filled with memorable moments and heartfelt reunions.
The OTTplay Awards are not just another awards show; they are a testament to the evolution of Indian storytelling. The awards recognized excellence across approximately 30 categories, from acting and directing to writing and production. This year, the Viewer’s Choice Awards allowed fans to engage directly, casting votes for their favorite films and series. This democratic approach ensured that the audience's voice resonated throughout the event.
Among the standout winners, Manoj Bajpayee clinched the Best Actor award for his role in "Despatch," while Anupam Kher took home the Critics’ Choice award for "Vijay 69." Kajol’s performance in "Do Patti" earned her the Best Actress award, alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu, who was recognized for her role in "Manorathangal." The night was a celebration of talent, with emotional highs and iconic reunions marking the occasion.
The awards showcased a range of content, from the heartwarming "Panchayat" to the gripping "Paatal Lok." Each win reflected the diverse narratives that have emerged in the OTT space. The evening also highlighted breakthrough performances, with Patralekha winning for her role in "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack." The audience erupted in applause as her husband, Rajkummar Rao, led a standing ovation.
Reunions added a nostalgic touch to the night. The cast of "The Family Man" shared the stage, marking their first appearance together since the show’s debut. Manoj Bajpayee and director Sanjay Gupta exchanged words of appreciation, while Kajol received her award from Kunal Kohli, sparking memories of their past collaborations.
The event also celebrated the Kannada film industry, with special recognitions for Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar. Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati, showcasing the interconnectedness of the industry.
The significance of the OTTplay Awards extends beyond mere accolades. They symbolize a cultural shift in India’s entertainment landscape. Avinash Mudaliar, CEO and Co-Founder of OTTplay, emphasized the importance of recognizing creators who challenge conventions and tell stories that resonate across linguistic and regional boundaries. The awards serve as a tribute to a golden era of streaming, where diverse narratives find their place in the spotlight.
As the night drew to a close, Raghav Juyal’s rousing speech and signature dance moves left the audience buzzing with excitement. The OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a vibrant testament to the future of Indian storytelling, united by creativity and culture.
The event was co-presented by Real Fruit Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Flipkart Spoyl as the exclusive style partner and various other sponsors supporting the event, the OTTplay Awards showcased the collaborative spirit of the industry.
In a world where content consumption is rapidly evolving, the OTTplay Awards remind us of the power of storytelling. They celebrate not just the artists but the stories that connect us all. As India’s digital entertainment landscape continues to flourish, events like these pave the way for future generations of storytellers.
The OTTplay Awards 2025 was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the narratives that shape our lives. It brought together a community of creators, performers, and fans, all united by a shared love for storytelling. As the curtain fell on this year’s event, one thing was clear: the future of Indian OTT is bright, and its stories are just beginning to unfold.