Mumbai: The Hub of Web Series Innovation
In recent years, Mumbai has emerged as a thriving hub for web series production, rivaling its traditional dominance in the Bollywood film industry. The city, often referred to as the entertainment capital of India, is home to numerous production houses and studios that are leading the charge in creating high-quality, innovative web content. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top web series makers in Mumbai who have been instrumental in shaping the digital entertainment landscape.
1. Excel Entertainment
Founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, Excel Entertainment is synonymous with cinematic excellence. Widely recognized for its impactful storytelling and production quality, the studio has been a trailblazer in the web series arena. With successful ventures like “Inside Edge” and “Mirzapur,” Excel Entertainment has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to capture the pulse of the audience, making them a powerhouse in the digital entertainment space.
2. Raletta Studios
Raletta Studios has been a pioneer in the Indian digital content revolution. Known for its relatable and youth-centric content, RS has created a strong fanbase with series like “Pyaar Vs Dosti,” “The Rebound theory,” and “Et Cetera.” The studio’s knack for storytelling and character development has set a new standard for web series production. It is one of the top production houses in Mumbai.
3. Contagious Online Media
Contagious Online Media is a rising star in the web series domain. Led by dynamic young creators, the studio has produced critically acclaimed series like “Rasbhari” and “Bhaukaal.” Their ability to tackle diverse genres and narratives has earned them a spot among the top web series makers in Mumbai.
4. Applause Entertainment
Applause Entertainment, under the visionary leadership of Sameer Nair, has made a significant mark in the digital content space. With shows like “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” and “Criminal Justice,” the studio has proven its mettle in creating content that resonates with viewers across demographics.
5. Dharma Productions (Dharmatic Entertainment)
Known primarily for its contributions to Bollywood, Dharma Productions, under its digital arm Dharmatic Entertainment, has ventured into web series production with notable successes. Series like “Lust Stories” and “Guilty” showcase Dharma’s ability to adapt its storytelling prowess to the digital platform.
6. Eros Now
Eros Now, an established player in the Indian entertainment industry, has made significant strides in the web series segment. With a diverse range of content including series like “Smoke” and “Flesh,” the studio has successfully transitioned its cinematic expertise into the digital realm.
7. AltBalaji
Balaji Telefilms’ digital arm, AltBalaji, has been at the forefront of creating bold and engaging web series content. With series like “Gandii Baat,” “The Test Case,” and “Code M,” AltBalaji has demonstrated a willingness to explore unconventional themes and narratives.
8. ZEE5 Originals
ZEE5, the digital arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, has been a major player in the web series ecosystem. With a vast library of original content spanning various genres and languages, ZEE5 has successfully attracted a diverse viewer base.
9. Amazon Prime Video India (Amazon Originals)
Amazon Prime Video, the global streaming giant, has made significant inroads into the Indian web series market. Through its Indian Originals, Amazon has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry to produce content that appeals to a wide spectrum of viewers. Again, one of the top production houses in Mumbai.
10. Netflix India (Netflix Originals)
Netflix, another global streaming powerhouse, has been a driving force in revolutionizing the way content is consumed in India. With a wide array of Indian Originals spanning genres from crime thrillers to romantic dramas, Netflix has established itself as a key player in the Indian web series landscape. If you are looking for the top production houses in Mumbai, Netflix is definitely a place you don’t want to miss.
11. Phantom Films (Note: This production house was dissolved in 2018)
Phantom Films, although disbanded in 2018, left an indelible mark on the web series landscape. Comprising Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl, and Madhu Mantena, the studio was known for its edgy and boundary-pushing content. Series like “Sacred Games” (produced in collaboration with Netflix) became a cultural phenomenon and showcased Phantom Films’ ability to create content that resonates with a global audience.
12. TVF Play (TVF Originals)
The Viral Fever’s platform, TVF Play, has been instrumental in incubating fresh talent and giving rise to some of the most popular web series in India. The studio’s commitment to authentic storytelling and relatable characters has cultivated a loyal fanbase. With series like “Kota Factory,” TVF Play has demonstrated its ability to tackle serious subjects with sensitivity and humor.
13. Arre
Arre, a digital media company based in Mumbai, has been a consistent player in the web series arena. Known for its socially relevant and thought-provoking content, Arre has produced series like “A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend” and “Official Chukyagiri.” The studio’s emphasis on content that sparks conversations has garnered them a dedicated following.
14. Pocket Aces (FilterCopy, Dice Media, Gobble, etc.)
Pocket Aces is a content creation platform that houses multiple channels, including FilterCopy, Dice Media, and Gobble. Each channel caters to a specific niche, creating content that ranges from slice-of-life sketches to engaging web series. The versatility of Pocket Aces has allowed them to reach a wide and diverse audience.
15. ScoopWhoop (ScoopWhoop Originals)
ScoopWhoop, primarily known for its digital content and news coverage, has ventured into web series production. Through ScoopWhoop Originals, the platform has explored various genres and formats, including comedy, drama, and thriller. Their foray into web series reflects their commitment to providing engaging and entertaining content.
16. SonyLIV (SonyLIV Originals)
SonyLIV, the digital platform of Sony Pictures Networks India, has been actively involved in creating original web series content. With series like “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” and “Undekhi,” SonyLIV has demonstrated a commitment to producing high-quality, gripping narratives that capture the imagination of viewers.
17. MX Player (MX Originals)
MX Player, a popular video streaming platform, has made significant strides in the web series space. Through MX Originals, the platform has collaborated with various production houses and creators to deliver content that caters to a diverse audience.
18. Abundantia Entertainment
Abundantia Entertainment, led by producer Vikram Malhotra, has been a key player in the web series industry. Known for their focus on high-quality content, Abundantia has delivered successful series like “Breathe” and “Breathe: Into the Shadows” that have garnered critical acclaim.
19. Clean Slate Films
Clean Slate Films, co-founded by Anushka Sharma and her brother Karnesh Sharma, has been making a mark in both the film and web series industry. With series like “Pataal Lok,” Clean Slate Films has demonstrated a commitment to producing content that challenges norms and captivates audiences.
20. Ajay Devgn FFilms
While primarily known for its contributions to Bollywood, Ajay Devgn FFilms has also ventured into web series production. With the series “Rudra: The Edge of Darkness,” the production house has made a significant impact in the digital content space.
The emergence of these production houses has not only enriched the Indian web series landscape but has also propelled the country onto the global stage. With their innovative storytelling, commitment to quality, and willingness to explore diverse genres, these studios are shaping the future of digital entertainment in India.
21. T-Series
T-Series, a name synonymous with music, has expanded its horizons into web series production. Leveraging its vast network and resources, T-Series has produced web series that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
22. Balaji Telefilms (ALTBalaji)
Balaji Telefilms, under the digital arm ALTBalaji, has been a major player in the web series domain. With a diverse array of content, ALTBalaji caters to a wide audience base, offering everything from romantic dramas to crime thrillers.
23. Voot (Voot Originals)
Voot, the digital platform of Viacom18, has ventured into original web series production. Through Voot Originals, the platform has offered viewers a variety of content, including drama, comedy, and reality shows.
24. The Zoom Studios
The Zoom Studios, a part of the Times Network, has been creating web series that resonate with the urban youth. Their content often explores contemporary themes and modern relationships.
25. DICE Media
DICE Media, an extension of Pocket Aces, is known for producing web series that capture the zeitgeist of young India. Their shows often deal with relatable coming-of-age stories and urban relationships.
26. Essel Vision Productions
Essel Vision Productions, a part of the Zee Group, has been actively involved in web series production. With a diverse range of content, the studio caters to various tastes and preferences.
27. RSVP Movies
RSVP Movies, founded by filmmaker Ronnie Screwvala, has extended its influence into the web series space. The studio’s focus on innovative storytelling has led to the creation of an engaging and impactful web series.
28. The Family Man
While not a traditional production house, the success of “The Family Man” series on Amazon Prime Video has put Raj & DK, the creators and directors, at the forefront of web series makers. Their unique blend of action, comedy, and drama has garnered critical acclaim.
29. Vikram Bhatt’s VB on the Web
Renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has made a significant mark in the digital space with his platform VB on the Web. The studio has produced web series that often delve into the supernatural and thriller genres.
30. Terribly Tiny Tales (Ttt)
Terribly Tiny Tales, known for its micro-fiction content, has expanded into web series production. Their ability to tell compelling stories in a concise format has translated well into the web series format.
These production houses, with their unique styles and diverse content offerings, have played a crucial role in shaping the web series landscape in Mumbai. From exploring untapped genres to redefining storytelling conventions, they continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks for digital content in India. The ever-evolving nature of the industry ensures that we can look forward to even more innovative and engaging web series from these creators in the future.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s position as the epicenter of the Indian entertainment industry is now extending into the digital realm. The top web series makers in the city have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the evolving preferences of the audience, delivering content that is not only engaging but also culturally significant. With each new series, these production houses are pushing boundaries, setting new benchmarks, and shaping the future of digital entertainment in India.
In this dynamic landscape, the audience can eagerly anticipate more groundbreaking content from these creative powerhouses, further solidifying Mumbai’s status as a global leader in web series production.