Mumbai's glittering night of digital entertainment, the Hindustan Times OTTplay Awards 2025, roared to life, celebrating the best of India's streaming universe under the powerful theme "One Nation, One Award." With Aparshakti Khurana and Kubra Sait at the helm, the event was a vibrant tapestry of talent, recognizing the diverse brilliance across India's film industries.
While stars like Manoj Bajpayee and Priya Mani took home well-deserved accolades, and the anticipation for "Family Man Season 3" buzzed through the room, it was Pradeep Maddali's victory that truly resonated. He shared the Best Director (Web Series) crown with Nikkhil Advani for his masterful creation, "Vikkatakavi," a Telugu series that has captivated audiences on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium.
"Vikkatakavi," a gripping thriller set in the 1970s' fictional Amaragiri, plunged viewers into a world of rustic intrigue and a memory-robbing plague. Naresh Agastya's portrayal of Detective Rama Krishna was a standout, guiding us through the series' intricate mystery.
Maddali's journey, from engineering to visionary director, is a testament to his passion for storytelling. With "47 Days" and "Sarvam Shakthi Mayam" already under his belt, "Vikkatakavi" launched him into the spotlight, earning him critical acclaim and this prestigious award.
The series' visual brilliance, thanks to Shoaib's breathtaking cinematography and meticulous production design, transported viewers to a bygone era. Filmed in Ramoji Film City and Hyderabad’s Aluminium Factory, with striking CG enhancements, "Vikkatakavi" showcased a technical prowess rarely seen in regional OTT content. Its groundbreaking screening at IFFI in Goa further cemented its significance.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Maddali acknowledged the weight of his win, thanking his parents, his team, and the Hindustan Times OTTplay Awards for the recognition. His shared victory with Nikkhil Advani highlighted the awards' commitment to celebrating both established giants and rising stars.
Avinash Mudaliar, Co-founder and CEO of OTTplay, emphasized the event's mission: to unite Indian cinema and series on a level playing field. "Vikkatakavi" and Maddali's triumph underscored the burgeoning power of regional OTT content, proving that creators like him are pushing creative boundaries and shaping the future of streaming. The buzz surrounding a potential second season of "Vikkatakavi" only amplified the excitement, signaling a bright future for regional storytelling on the digital stage.
