A few years back, before OTT platforms became popular in India, you rarely saw stories from small towns or rural areas on our screens. It was kind of like how Americans show Mexico in old-fashioned movies, with stereotypes and all. But now, things have changed. More people in different places have internet access, and small-town stories are becoming a big deal in Indian movies and shows, whether online or in theaters.
Small-town stories are hitting the bullseye on the movie radar. Lots of viewers, especially those from small towns or rural areas, really connect with these stories. They see themselves and their lives reflected in the characters and situations on screen. These stories offer something new compared to the usual city-focused plots we see in mainstream media. These Small-town stories have cool characters and different cultural settings, which make the storytelling richer and more interesting. People are getting more interested in small-town tales.
Scroll down to see some of the best small-town stories that revolutionized OTT
Kota Factory
“Kota Factory” is a popular series that takes place in Kota and stars the beloved Jitu bhaiya, played by Jitendra Kumar. The story revolves around Vaibhav, played by Mayur More, who moves from Itarsi to Kota with hopes of cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and getting into an IIT. The new season is set to premiere on June 20.
Mirzapur
Directed by Gurmeet Singh and created by Puneet Krishna and Karan Anshuman.”Mirzapur” is an action-packed thriller series. It delves into the lives of Mirzapur’s residents amidst bloodshed and crime, starring a talented cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Shweta Tripathi. Season 3 is set to premiere on July 5.
Ghar Waapsi
Directed by Vishal Vashishtha, “Ghar Waapsi” follows the story of Shekhar as he returns to Indore after losing his job in Bengaluru. the film explores Shekhar’s journey as he reconnects with his family, revisits past experiences, and rediscovers himself.
Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega
Set in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district “Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega” is a crime drama series. The story is about a group of young people from a small town who are very good at online scams, In the plot A corrupt politician wants a share of their money, which creates the main conflict. At the same time, a new police officer is appointed. This officer decides to fight against everyone involved in the scams and corruption.
Panchayat
“Panchayat” is a comedy-drama loved by meme makers and small-town folks. It is the journey of Abhishek, again played by Jitendra Kumar, an engineering graduate who takes on the role of a secretary in a village panchayat office in Uttar Pradesh. Stuck between quirky villagers and a challenging rural lifestyle, Abhishek’s sole goal is to escape.
Gullak
“Gullak” portrays the Mishra family’s heartwarming stories in a typical middle-class setting in Madhya Pradesh. It is a mix of empathetic stories about the Mishra family.
Half CA
This series shows the tough and complex journey of students who want to become chartered accountants (CAs). It is an exciting online series available on Amazon MiniTV. The story dives deep into their lives, showing how hard they work and the challenges they face while preparing for the difficult CA exams. Archi, played by Ahsaas Channa, played a special role in showing the stressful process of studying and aiming for a career in accountancy. The series features a variety of characters, each with their unique traits and problems, making the story more interesting.
Maamla Legal Hai
“Maamla Legal Hai” is a comedy film set in Patparganj, where employees navigate through legal chaos while upholding justice. Directed by Rahul Pandey, the film offers humor, charm, and wit, providing insights into real cases and court issues in the Hindi heartland.
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