Controversial Indian Web Series That Faced Bans But Became Superhits
In a country as diverse and vibrant as India, storytelling has always thrived—even when it courted controversy. With the explosion of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and ALTBalaji, a new wave of bold, unfiltered narratives emerged. But not all of them had an easy ride. Some were met with bans, lawsuits, and public outrage—only to bounce back stronger and become cultural phenomena.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the most controversial Indian web series that faced backlash yet went on to become massive hits—garnering not just views but awards and national recognition.
- Tandav (Amazon Prime Video): A Political Storm Turned into a Pop Culture Hit
Released in January 2021, Tandav, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, was set in the murky world of Indian politics. Starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and Zeeshan Ayyub, the series drew instant ire for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. FIRs were filed in multiple states, and the creators were forced to issue a public apology.
Despite the legal trouble and intense political scrutiny, Tandav became one of the most-watched shows of the year. According to The Hindu, the show topped Amazon’s India charts for several weeks. The controversy, ironically, worked as a publicity boost, driving curious viewers to binge-watch the series.
“We were telling a fictional story, but the response reminded us how powerful storytelling is in shaping discourse,” Ali Abbas Zafar told The Indian Express.
- Sacred Games (Netflix): Sex, Politics, and Stardom
Sacred Games, India’s first Netflix original, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saif Ali Khan, didn’t just push boundaries—it shattered them. Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, the series was gritty, bold, and unafraid to tackle political and religious issues.
The show sparked multiple controversies. A Congress Party worker filed a petition against the portrayal of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Religious groups also raised objections to certain scenes and dialogues. Despite these hurdles, Sacred Games went on to become a global sensation.
It received international acclaim, with Siddiqui winning the GQ Men of the Year Award for Best Actor in 2019. The series was also nominated for the Critics’ Choice Awards India.
Nawazuddin, hailing from a small village in Budhana, Uttar Pradesh, became a global face of Indian OTT—proving how talent from rural India can conquer global platforms.
- Aashram (MX Player): Godmen, Greed, and Grit
Directed by Prakash Jha and starring Bobby Deol, Aashram tackled the dark world of fake godmen and blind faith. The show was an immediate hit but invited strong backlash from religious groups. Protests were held in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, claiming the show defamed Hinduism.
Jha and Deol received threats, and FIRs were lodged. Yet, none of this stopped Aashram from achieving record-breaking viewership. MX Player claimed over 1 billion streams across seasons.
Bobby Deol, once struggling to find a strong comeback vehicle, was reborn as an OTT star. His portrayal earned him a Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award for Best Actor in a Web Series (2021).
- Leila (Netflix): A Dystopia Too Close to Reality
Starring Huma Qureshi and directed by Deepa Mehta, Leila presented a dystopian future that hit uncomfortably close to present-day societal divisions. The series faced criticism for portraying a hyper-nationalist regime that controlled religion, food, and marriage.
Social media was ablaze with hashtags like #BanLeila, yet the show gained a cult following for its brave and thought-provoking narrative.
Huma Qureshi, who hails from Delhi and worked her way up from theatre to films, found herself on an international pedestal. The Guardian lauded her performance, and Leila was featured in the top 10 must-watch dystopian dramas globally by The New York Times.
- Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime Video): Crime, Caste, and Criticism
Produced by Anushka Sharma’s Clean Slate Filmz, Paatal Lok shocked viewers with its raw and intense take on Indian society’s underbelly. It was critically acclaimed but also mired in controversy—particularly for using casteist slurs and its depiction of certain communities.
A BJP legislator from Arunachal Pradesh filed a complaint regarding a scene allegedly portraying people from the Northeast in a derogatory manner.
Still, the series was an awards darling—sweeping Filmfare OTT Awards in 2020, including Best Series, Best Actor (Jaideep Ahlawat), and Best Direction.
“Our goal was to reflect the truth of our times,” Anushka Sharma told Hindustan Times, underlining how bold content can coexist with critical acclaim.
Why Do Controversies Fuel Popularity?
According to industry insiders, controversy often triggers curiosity, which in turn drives viewership. When a web series becomes a topic of debate on news channels and social media, it gains traction far beyond its original audience.
Media analyst Karan Taurani told Business Standard, “In the digital age, even negative publicity becomes marketing gold. For OTT platforms, that’s a double win.”
A New Era for Small-Town Talents
What’s heartening is how OTT controversies have also paved the way for hidden talent from small towns. From Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Budhana, UP) to Jaideep Ahlawat (Rohtak, Haryana), many actors who once struggled to find a place in mainstream cinema found stardom through these very shows.
Streaming platforms have dismantled the monopoly of the Bollywood elite, giving rise to a more democratic form of stardom.
Final Take: From Cancel Culture to Cult Status
India’s OTT ecosystem continues to evolve. While controversies may raise questions about creative freedom, they also spotlight issues mainstream cinema avoids. These “banned but booming” series are not just entertainment—they are reflections of a changing India.
The future of Indian storytelling lies in its courage. And if the past is any indication, controversy is just another stepping stone to success.
