2025 is shaping up to be a year of fresh talent and groundbreaking performances, as a host of Bollywood stars make their highly anticipated OTT debuts. From newcomers to established names, several actors and directors are set to leave their mark on digital platforms this year. Netflix India recently unveiled its content lineup for 2025, and it promises to be an exciting year filled with diverse genres, intriguing plots, and new talent. Here’s a rundown of some of the most anticipated OTT debuts:
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Acting Debut in Nadaaniyan
Saif Ali Khan’s son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, is all set to make his acting debut in Nadaaniyan, a rom-com that follows the life of a South Delhi diva who hires a middle-class man to pose as her fake boyfriend. The story takes a twist as real emotions begin to stir between the two. Directed by Shauna Gautam, who is also making his directorial debut, Nadaaniyan also stars Khushi Kapoor, adding a new dynamic to the star-studded cast.
Keerthy Suresh in Akka: A Gangster Queen Drama
Keerthy Suresh, the celebrated South Indian actress, marks her OTT debut with Akka, a gripping drama set in a 1980s matriarchal society in South India. Directed by debutant Dharmaraj Shetty, Akka follows a group of gangster queens whose reign is threatened by an outsider, triggering a violent power struggle. The series promises to deliver intense drama, showcasing Suresh in a never-before-seen avatar.
Pulkit Samrat in Glory: A Boxing Family Saga
Actor Pulkit Samrat will debut on OTT in Glory, a series about a legendary boxing coach and his estranged sons who reunite to train for an Olympic dream. Directed by debutant Kanishk Varma, the series delves into family secrets, old grudges, and the cost of vengeance, making it one of the most intriguing releases of 2025.
Vaani Kapoor’s Detective Role in Mandala Murders
Vaani Kapoor stars alongside Vaibhav Raj Gupta in Mandala Murders, a dark crime drama set in the mysterious town of Charandaspur. The show follows detectives Rea Thomas and Vikram Singh as they unravel a chilling conspiracy linked to a centuries-old secret society. Directed by Gopi Puthran and Manan Rawat, the series promises an intense mix of myth, fate, and murder.
Aryan Khan’s Directorial Debut with The Bads of Bollywood***
One of the most anticipated debuts of 2025 is that of Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, who will make his directorial debut with The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. This high-stakes drama follows an ambitious outsider and his friends as they navigate the glittering but unpredictable world of Bollywood. The series promises hilarious moments and a behind-the-scenes look at the drama in the Indian film industry.
The Royals: A Rom-Com with Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter
The Royals is a breezy rom-com featuring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. Set in the world of royal life, the series follows a polo-playing prince and a high-functioning CEO as they join forces to save his crumbling royal family and her startup. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the series also stars Zeenat Aman, marking her debut in the OTT space.
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter: A Thrilling Crime Drama
Prosenjit and Jeet join forces for the first time in Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, a crime thriller set in early 2000s Bengal. Directed by Debatma Mandal and Tushar Kanti Ray, the series follows an IPS officer as he takes on the criminal underworld and political chaos after the death of a decorated cop.
Other Noteworthy OTT Projects
In addition to the above, Netflix’s 2025 lineup includes several exciting projects with debuting stars and directors, including the much-awaited Test, starring actor Siddharth. This drama follows three individuals whose lives change dramatically after a historic cricket match.
With such an exciting array of upcoming shows, 2025 is poised to be a thrilling year for OTT entertainment, filled with fresh talent and compelling stories from Bollywood’s biggest names.
