In the rapidly evolving world of entertainment, one thing remains constant – great stories drive everything.
At Mugafi, we’ve always believed that the best stories don’t come from boardrooms or studios. They come from lived experiences, from quiet observations, from bold imaginations that refuse to follow the crowd. The Great Indian OTT Writing Challenge was our attempt to create a space where such stories could rise, be celebrated, and find a path to production.
All About The Great Indian OTT Writing Challenge
The Great Indian OTT Writing Challenge wasn’t just another contest. It was a call to writers across India to step up and share stories that dig deeper, whether rooted in realism, layered in drama, or inspired by true events.
We chose four powerful themes – Slice of Life, Based on True Events, Procedural Drama, and Land Mafia & Underworld because we wanted to spark honest, nuanced storytelling that reflects the pulse of today’s world.
From everyday resilience to systemic power struggles, from deeply personal journeys to gripping thrillers, the entries we received showed us the incredible range and raw talent out there.
And that’s the heart of it.
Why this challenge?
The Great Indian OTT Writing Challenge was built to:
- Champion untold stories that resonate with audiences.
- Encourage writers to explore real-world themes with depth and originality.
- Help powerful stories travel from notebooks and laptops to real screens – giving them a chance to reach OTT platforms and wider audiences.
Every participant worked with VED, our AI-assisted writing tool, designed to help writers refine their drafts, structure their stories, and build better characters, without ever replacing their voice. Whether someone was a first-time writer or a seasoned storyteller, the goal was the same: help them get one step closer to a professional-ready script.
This challenge was also about creating community. We hosted webinars, offered access to writing tools, and ensured that every participant, regardless of outcome, had something to take away. Because we know that growth in storytelling doesn’t come from winning alone, but from writing, revising, and staying in the game.
Celebrating the Winners
We’ve seen great stories emerge from this challenge – stories that made us pause, think, and feel. And today, we’re proud to celebrate the writers whose work stood out in each category.
Slice of Life
🏆 Winner: Bachat Bank by Bhaswar Mukherjee
🥈 Runner-up: घूंघट by Ram K Singh
Based on True Events
🏆 Winner: Tryst with Destiny by Ritu Goel
🥈 Runner-up: BHAGWAN by Sikky Sharma
Procedural Drama
🏆 Winner: Baby Factory by Vikrant Yadav
🥈 Runner-up: Kalinga Narthana by Sai Sandeep
Land Mafia & Underworld
🏆 Winner: Dropouts by Om Zade
🥈 Runner-up: PSYCHEDELIC by Indulekha Murali
These winning stories rose to the top for their originality, emotional depth, and potential. But this contest wasn’t just about winners, it was about giving a stage to bold ideas, undiscovered voices, and stories that deserve to be heard.
What will Winners Receive
🏆 Best Story Award – Winner (1 per category)
- Rs.10,000 cash prize
- Story will be pitched to leading OTT platforms for potential development*
- Up to 3 review sessions to help refine the script for industry readiness
What will Runner-ups Receive
🥈 Rising Voice Award – Runner-up (1 per category)
- Story will be pitched to leading OTT platforms for potential development*
- Up to 3 review sessions to help refine the script for industry readiness
*All stories must meet required format and quality standards before being pitched. The review sessions will support the shortlisted writers in reaching that level.
This is just the beginning. Our mission remains the same: to find powerful stories and help writers shape them for the screen.
Join the Mugafi Writing Community!
Did you miss this Challenge? You can still be part of our vibrant writing community!
- Connect with fellow writers & industry professionals
- Stay updated on future contests & mentorship sessions
- Access exclusive writing opportunities
- Get expert feedback – Send your stories for review & receive insights from experienced mentors
Stay with us. Your story could be next.
Join the Mugafi Writing Community Today!
A huge THANK YOU to every writer who participated and made this challenge! We can’t wait to see where your stories take you next.