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Bollywood

EXCLUSIVE: Natalia Janoszek Calls Bigg Boss 19’s Mridul Tiwari, Nagma Mirajkar ‘Sweetheart’; Tags Baseer Ali ‘Leader’ And More

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Natalia Janoszek was recently seen in Salman Khan hosted show Bigg Boss 19. The Polish model was evicted on this Weekend’s Ka Vaar alongside her fellow contestant Nagma Mirajkar. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, we played a rapid-fire segment with her. She called Gaurav Khanna a strategist, Zeishan Quadri the Indian James Bond and tagged names for the others.

During the interview with us, we played a rapid-fire segment with Natalia Janoszek. The former Bigg Boss 19 contestant was asked to give a tag to each contestant.

Gaurav Khanna – Strategist
Amaal Mallik – Star
Ashnoor Kaur – Smart
Awez Darbar – Dancer
Baseer Ali – Leader
Nehal Chudasma – The ‘woman card’ is stuck with her for now
Abhishek Bajaj – Fighter
Kunickaa Sadanand– Mummy Ji
Mridul Tiwari – Sweetheart
Zeishan Quadri – Indian James Bond
Neelam Giri – Kitty
Tanya Mittal – Boss
Shehbaz Badesha – Fun factor
Nagma Mirajkar – Sweetheart
Natalia Janoszek – The sweetest and most innocent (I hope so!)

About Bigg Boss 19

JioHotstar has elevated the excitement of Bigg Boss Season 19, making sure it is not just a show but a fully immersive fan journey with a host of interactive features. Viewers have the opportunity to save their favourite contestants by voting directly through the app, ensuring their voices truly count. The season also introduces the Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan contest, offering fans the chance to win exciting prizes by answering simple questions about the show. Bigg Boss 19 premiered on August 24 – JioHotstar at 9 PM and COLORS at 10:30 PM. This time, the drama isn’t just crazy—it’s democrazy.

Watch The Full Interview

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Natalia Janoszek BLAMES Mridul Tiwari For Her UNFAIR Bigg Boss 19 Eviction; Says, “It Was Not Due To My Actions”

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Jelly Roll reveals he can finally wear Louis Vuitton after 110-lb weight loss: ‘Pray for my…’

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Jelly Roll is celebrating a major milestone in his health journey. The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, recently shared a picture of himself on social media in a full Louis Vuitton set. In the playful caption, he revealed to his fans that he can now wear designer clothes after losing 110 pounds.

Jelly Roll shows off weight loss in new social media post.(Instagram/jellyroll615)

“I can fit in Louis Vuitton now. Pray for my bank account,” he wrote. The 40-year-old performer wore the luxury look, which included a collared jacket, black shirt, and matching pants, during his performance in Vatican City for the God of the World concert.

Jelly Roll’s dramatic weight loss transformation

Jelly Roll began his weight loss transformation in 2022 when he weighed around 550 lbs. At the time, he was open about wanting to focus on his health and overcome food addiction, which had been his biggest struggle. His nickname “Jelly Roll” was given to him by his mom, reflecting that lifelong battle with weight.

By 2024, the artist told PEOPLE that he had lost about 110 lbs. Much of that was during his four-month Beautifully Broken tour, where he lost 60-70 lbs. by walking and running 2-3 miles a day and eating healthier. He credits nutritionist Chef Ian Larios, who traveled with him to prepare high-protein meals, for helping him stay on track.

Also read: Jelly Roll eyes NFL deal from Tennessee Titans after losing ‘200 pounds’

Lifestyle overhaul

Jelly Roll has been open about how his tours now focus on exercise, healthy food, and mental well-being instead of drinking and drugs that used to shape his life on the road. He also said he chose not to use weight loss medication like Ozempic, fearing the side effects of acid reflux that could damage his voice. For now, fans are cheering him on as he gets to enjoy the reward of his hard work, not just better health but also the confidence to get on stage in designer clothes.

FAQs:

1. How much weight has Jelly Roll lost?

Jelly Roll has lost more than 110 pounds since starting his weight loss journey in 2022, with around 60–70 pounds dropped during his Beautifully Broken tour in 2024.

2. Did Jelly Roll use Ozempic or weight loss medication?

No, Jelly Roll has said he chose to lose weight naturally through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. He avoided Ozempic because of concerns about side effects like acid reflux, which could harm his singing voice.

3. What event did Jelly Roll wear the Louis Vuitton outfit for?

Jelly Roll wore his Louis Vuitton outfit while performing at the God of the World concert in Vatican City and later shared photos of the look on his Instagram.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra Jonas Says Bollywood Felt Like a Tightly Guarded Space for Insiders

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Priyanka Chopra has spoken candidly about her early struggles in Bollywood, describing how the industry once felt like a tightly guarded space for insiders. At a recent event, the actor reflected on how her experience as an outsider shaped her journey and inspired her to create opportunities for others.

“I won a beauty pageant in the year 2000, and that kick-started me into the entertainment industry and catapulted me into it,” Priyanka said. She added, “Thus, I started working in Indian movies, particularly in Hindi and Tamil… This was in 2002. But Bollywood is kind of… was, at least, extremely closed off to people coming from outside.”

According to Priyanka, the dominance of “generational actors, directors, and producers” made it difficult for fresh talent to find their footing. “When you want to break into the industry and get cast, it wasn’t the easiest,” she explained. Adding, “But somehow, I broke through. I was ambitious. I didn’t like failing, so I was persistent and kept at it.”

Having overcome those hurdles, Priyanka said she was determined to build a space for storytellers who lacked access to big-budget projects. “I made it somehow. And when I did, it was my way of creating that space that I never had,” she noted. Adding, “I wanted to work and provide the industry with filmmakers who, maybe, didn’t have access, or writers who wouldn’t get a big-budget movie.”

She added, “I wanted to be the shoulder for entertainers around the world to be able to get the limelight that they want. I’ve been very proud of the films that we’ve been associated with and produced over time. They’ve been wonderfully received, and we have given them the limelight that they deserved.”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has spoken about her struggles before. In a 2023 interview with Dax Shepard on his Armchair Expert podcast, she admitted, “I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, I am not good at playing that game, so I kind of was tired of the politics, and I said I needed a break.”

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

‘They Offered Me Rs. 1.65 Crore, Men And Women Sharing Bed Is Unacceptable For Me’, Tanushree Dutta On Rejecting Bigg Boss

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Every season of the reality show Bigg Boss grabs headlines, whether for controversies, dramatic twists, or celebrity revelations. Recently, Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta opened up about the show in an interview and made it clear why she has never been a part of it. Speaking to one of the media houses Tanushree revealed that the makers have approached her repeatedly over the years, but she has consistently declined their offers because she values her privacy and refuses to compromise on her principles.

Tanushree Dutta

“For the last eleven years, they have been trying to get me on the show,” Tanushree said. “Every season, I get a call, and every season I refuse. I even scold them sometimes. I simply cannot live in such an environment. I don’t even share my home with family members because I like my own space, so how can I stay in a house full of strangers?”

Tanushree Dutta

The actress disclosed that she was offered a huge paycheck to participate but still chose to stay away. “They once offered me ₹1.65 crore because a Bollywood actress of my level had been paid that much,” she revealed. “A stylist from the Bigg Boss team even told me they could increase the amount if I agreed, but I turned it down without a second thought.” Tanushree further explained that no amount of money could convince her.

Tanushree Dutta

“Even if they offered me the moon, I wouldn’t do it. The idea of men and women sharing beds and fighting under one roof is unacceptable to me. I’m particular about my diet and lifestyle. How could anyone think I would sleep next to a man on a reality show for publicity? I am not that desperate, no matter how many crores they offer.” Over the years, Bigg Boss has paid record sums to some contestants. During Bigg Boss 14, wild-card entrant Aly Goni earned around ₹16 lakh per week, taking home approximately ₹2.8 crore, while actress Rimi Sen was offered about ₹2 crore for her stint in Bigg Boss 9.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes And Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner

Bollywood

10 Best Indian LGBTQIA+ Films That Ditched Stereotypes & Represented The Community In An Earnest Manner

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Bollywood has come a long way when it comes to the portrayal of the LGBTQIA+ community on screen. While independent and art cinema was always known to embrace queer characters with sensitivity, commercial cinema has finally followed the suit and has started representing the community authentically.

Over the years, there have been several Indian films that have masterfully depicted the painful struggles, the beautiful romances, and the countless trials and tribulations faced by queer people. Here are the 10 best Indian LGBTQIA+ films that have impressed us with their earnest portrayal of the community.

1. Aligarh (2015)

IMDb Rating: &.8/10
Director: Hansal Mehta
Streaming On: Zee5

Plot: Aligarh tells the heartbreaking true story of Ramchandra Siras, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University, who was sacked from his position on the grounds of ‘morality’ for being gay. Siras was forced to come out after some locals invaded his home and found him in bed with another man. Journalist Deepu Sebastian then decides to help him and the matter is brought to court. Director Hansal Mehta presented the story with utmost honesty and sensibility. Also, full marks to Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao for their nuanced portrayal of Ramchandra and Deepu, respectively.

2. Kapoor & Sons (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Director: Shakun Batra
Streaming On: Prime Video

Plot: One of the first few commercial films to step away from the stereotypical portrayal of queer characters, Kapoor and Sons wonderfully shows a man at peace with his sexuality, whose urban family tries to come to terms with it. This film about a dysfunctional family has some heartfelt moments, especially when the mother discovers that her son is homosexual. The icing on the cake is the amazing ensemble, comprising Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt.

3. Fire (1996)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Director: Deepa Mehta
Streaming On: Not available

Plot: Back in 1996, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das broke the norm by starring as a lesbian couple in Deepa Mehta’s Fire. The film follows two women, married in the same household, who grow closer while being stuck in loveless marriages. Touted as one of the first mainstream Bollywood films to portray same-sex romance, Fire was met with protests by a section of the crowd at that time and started a much-needed conversation about the rights of gay and lesbian people.

4. Moothon (2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Director: Geetu Mohandas
Streaming On: Zee5

Plot: Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Moothon is a Malayalam film that chronicles the journey of a 14-year-old teenager from Lakshadweep who travels to Mumbai in search of his elder brother, Akbar, but gets embroiled in the world of drugs, prostitutes, and trafficking. While being in Mumbai, he learns that his brother had fallen for another man, Ameer and had left home years ago. The film breaks stereotypes around same-sex love with the intense romance between Akbar (Nivin Pauly) and Ameer (Roshan Mathew).

5. Memories in March (2010)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Director: Sanjoy Nag
Streaming On: Hoichoi

Plot: Sanjoy Nag’s Memories in March revolves around a single mother named Arati Mishra, who grapples with her son Siddhartha’s sexual identity after his death. As she learns that her late son had a secret lover, Ornob, she confronts him but eventually, the two form a heart-touching bond. Set in Kolkata, the film explores themes of acceptance, grief, and self-discovery. Deepti Naval and Rituparno Ghosh gave powerful performances in the movie as Arati and Ornob, respectively.

6. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Director: Hitesh Kewalya
Streaming On: Prime Video

Plot: Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan blended family comedy with gay romance and portrayed queer relationships in an entertaining yet authentic way that made the concept easier to comprehend for even small-town folks. The movie revolves around Kartik Singh (Ayushmann Khurrana) and Aman Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who are in love with each other but the latter’s family disapproves of their relationship. Also starring bundles of talent like Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta, the film became a box office hit and was appreciated for its social commentary draped in a light-hearted narrative.

7. My Brother…Nikhil (2005)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Director: Onir
Streaming On: Prime Video

Plot: Starring Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Suri, Onir’s My Brother…Nikhil follows an aspiring swimmer named Nikhil (Sanjay) whose life turns upside down when he is diagnosed with AIDS. As he is thrown out of his house, he gets support from his sister, Anamika (Juhi), and his boyfriend, Nigel (Purab Kohli). With its engaging narrative, the film was credited for making a large section of audiences aware of HIV and AIDS, and was also lauded for its sensible portrayal of homosexuality.

8. Margarita with A Straw (2014)

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Director: Shonali Bose
Streaming On: Rent on Apple TV

Plot: Remembered for Kalki Koechlin’s stellar performance as a girl with cerebral palsy, Margarita with a Straw tells the story of Laila, who falls in love with another woman. As she struggles with her condition and copes with her sexuality, Laila gets a new perspective on life. The Shonali Bose directorial treats the lesbian relationship as a natural part of Laila’s personal growth and touches upon the themes of self-love, inclusion, and self-acceptance, without being preachy.

9. Darmiyaan: In Between (1997)

IMDb Rating: 7/10
Director: Kalpana Lajmi
Streaming On: Not available

Plot: One of the lesser-known LGBTQIA+ films, Darmiyaan: In Between follows an actress, Zeenat Begum, who gets to know that her son, Immi, is a eunuch. She leaves the boy with his grandmother and starts wasting her life away on alcohol. However, her son endeavors to save her life. Despite societal taboos, the film fearlessly explores identity, acceptance, and love. Kirron Kher as Zeenat Begum and Arif Zakaria as Immi have given performances of a lifetime in this Kalpana Lajmi directorial.

10. Just Another Love Story (Arekti Premer Golpo) (2010)

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Director: Rituparno Ghosh, Kaushik Ganguly
Streaming On: Not Available

Plot: One of Rituparno Ghosh’s final films, Just Another Love Story, titled Arekti Premer Golpo in Bengali, follows a transgender filmmaker who travels to Kolkata with his partner to make a documentary film. However, he faces discrimination from society, which leads to mental trauma. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, the film gives the staunch message of not confining oneself to labels and living life authentically.

Check out our recommendations on What to Watch

Must Read: 8 Lighthearted Indian Web Series You Should Watch If You Liked Panchayat

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September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Diana Penty Opens Up About Choosing Her First Web Series| Bollywood Bubble

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Diana Penty is an Indian actress and model who made a smooth transition from the fashion world to Bollywood. The actress made her debut with Cocktail, since then she’s appeared in films like Happy Bhag Jayegi, Parmanu, and Shiddat, showing off her range in both light-hearted and serious roles.Known for her graceful presence and effortless style, Diana also continues to be a popular face in the fashion and brand space.

Diana Penty Opens Up About Her First Web Series

After making her mark in films and the digital film space, Diana Penty now steps into the world of web shows with her first-ever OTT series, which is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. The series also stars Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead role alongside Diana. While Tamannaah essays the role of Shikha, Diana plays Anahita, a character she describes as layered, fun, and meaningful exactly the kind of role she had been waiting for.

Reflecting on why she took her time to say yes to the web show format, Diana shares,
“Well, what can I say…I’m always late to the party! But on a serious note, I’ve always been sure that I will wait for the opportunities that are right for me, the ones that I feel the most invested in. Because it doesn’t make sense to do something just for the sake of doing it, or because there’s a certain pressure to do it. In my mind, the perfect OTT debut involved something weighty – a good, solid part, not a small part in a big show. I wanted to play a character that was significant throughout the show.”
She further adds, “And equally important for me was a good platform, a good banner and directors I felt comfortable with – because at the end of the day, I’ve always been a director’s actor. Do You Wanna Partner couldn’t have been more perfect as my OTT series debut – with Prime Video and Dharmatic being on board, and with Archit Kumar and Colin DCunha leading the way. Not to mention, the opportunity to play Anahita, a character I had been waiting for a long time! I’d say the wait was definitely worthwhile”
With her role as Anahita, Diana finally found the balance of significance and substance she had been waiting for, making this series her most exciting digital outing yet.
Dharmatic Entertainment’s new comedy-drama stars Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty as two women who dive into the craft beer business together. With investors, family drama, and friendship on the line, things get hilarious and messy. The show, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, also features Javed Jaffrey, Shweta Tiwari, Nakuul Mehta, and Rannvijay Singha. The series is directed by Archit Kumar and Collin D’Cunha, and was co-created by Mithun Gongopadhyay and Nishant Nayak, who also contributed to the writing along with Nandini Gupta and Aarsh Vora.
For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.
Also Read: Do You Wanna Partner REVIEW: Tamannaah Bhatia, Diana Penty’s Well Brewed Startup Drama Has More Froth Than Flavour

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna have the wittiest wishes for son Aarav on his 23rd birthday: ‘Feel like proud sidekick’

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Published on: Sept 15, 2025 05:56 pm IST

Aarav turned 23 on 15 September and his parents Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna wished him on his birthday on Instagram. Take a look.

Actor Akshay Kumar and former actor-writer Twinkle Khanna’s son Aarav turned 23 on 15 September. Celebrating his birthday, his parents penned down the sweetest and witty birthday wishes for him on Instagram, complete with Akshay calling himself a ‘sidekick’ and Twinkle comparing him to ‘air’. Take a look.

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna posted this picture with Aarav to wish him on his birthday.

Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna’s birthday wishes for Aarav

Akshay posted a selfie he took with Aarav, writing how, at his age, he was learning how to beat people up on screen. He wrote, “Happy 23rd, Aarav! When I was twenty three I was learning to beat up people on screen… it’s a strange feeling now to see you beat me everyday right from tech to fashion to arguments on the dinner table.”

He sweetly remarked about how his son has grown up now, adding, “Dekhte hi dekhte itna bada ho gaya hai yaar tu (You’ve grown up so fast)…you make me feel like a proud sidekick in my own story. Love you beta. Cheers to the best 23 years of my life because they’ve been with you.”

Twinkle also shared the same picture on her Instagram, remarking how she still wants to hold on to him, writing, “And he turns 23. Though I have an undeniable compulsion to hold on to him, it would be wise to remember that children are like the air stored in our lungs, in our custody for just a moment before the next exhalation. This may not be an entirely correct analogy because unlike breaths we can’t keep popping babies in and out constantly, but you get the point right 🙂 Here’s to the birthday boy. May he continue filling the world with his inate kindness.”

Recent work

This year, Akshay starred in Sky Force, Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5 and Kannappa in Telugu. He will soon star in Jolly LLB 3, which will be released in theatres on 19 September. He is also working on Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan with Priyadarshan. Twinkle will host a talk show called Two Much with Kajol on Prime Video. It will premiere on 25 September.

News / Entertainment / Bollywood / Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna have the wittiest wishes for son Aarav on his 23rd birthday: ‘Feel like proud sidekick’

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September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Pawan Kalyan Poses With Ustaad Bhagat Singh Team on The Last Day of Shoot

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

When Raashii Khanna posted a picture with Pawan Kalyan from the sets of Ustaad Bhagat Singh on Sunday, it left many amazed. But what added to the excitement is that it was the last day of shoot for Pawan… as he wrapped up working on his portions. Pawan, who resumed shooting for his part recently, completed shooting for his parts for Ustaad Bhagat Singh, at breakneck speed.

Also Read: Ahead of Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh Makers Release a Striking Poster

Raashii Khanna shares a selfie with Pawan Kalyan from the sets of Ustaad Bhagat Singh

Pawan Kalyan completes his part

For all the celebrations at Mythri Movies, work goes on as per schedule. Ustaad Bhagat Singh, directed by Harish Shankar and produced on a grand scale by Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar, has successfully wrapped up a massive shooting schedule in Hyderabad on Sunday. Pawan Kalyan too completed his part of the shoot. Despite packed political assignments, the actor has allotted dates to Ustaad Bhagat Singh and completed the film. Here’s just why Pawan can truly be called one thorough professional when it comes to his films and work.

Pawan Kalyan and Rasshii Khanna with Ustaad Bhagat Singh team

Raashii Khanna with Harish Shankar and Naveen Yerneni

Filmmakers’ express gratitude

The filmmakers’ too expressed gratitude for Pawan’s remarkable dedication and passion towards the craft. Harish Shankar and his team worked round the clock to complete the crucial schedule. Also, the film’s major portions of the talkie part have been completed. Devi Sri Prasad’s music and Ram-Lakshman’s action choreography are going to be a major highlight for the film. “It’s fast-paced and magical to work with Pawan sir. We finished everything in the given time. We are excited and cannot wait for the audiences to witness the incredible cinematic vision of Harish garu,” says producer Ravi Shankar, adding that Pawan’s screen presence will make a powerful impact on the audiences. Sreeleela and Raashii Khanna are playing the leading ladies in the action entertainer that is set for release in summer, next year.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Ameesha Patel On Bollywood: ‘People Do Not Like Me For That Reason’

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Despite starring in blockbusters like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, actress Ameesha Patel has openly admitted that not all industry insiders are fond of her. She attributes this to her “no-nonsense” attitude and her refusal to engage in sycophancy or belong to any particular Bollywood camp.

During a chat with Zoom, Ameesha stated that her teetotaler lifestyle has also come at a cost. “At the end of the day, the audience needs to love you, no matter what camp you belong to,” she said. “Yes — because I don’t belong to certain camps, don’t drink, smoke and maska-lagao for work — I get whatever I get on my merit. People do not like me for that reason. I am not going to suck up to you.”

Ameesha also revealed that she wasn’t the first choice for her debut film, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. She landed the role only after Kareena Kapoor exited the project due to differences with director Rakesh Roshan. “Had I come from the film industry, maybe I would’ve been the first choice,” she mused.

She further opened up about the challenges of being an independent woman in the industry, particularly without a partner from within the film fraternity. “It’s worse when you don’t end up having a boyfriend or a husband from the industry,” she explained. “When you don’t share your other ‘half’ as a power couple, it’s very hard. You don’t have people backing you. There’s no reason to back you, you are an outsider.”

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Bollywood

Engrossed By Kota Factory On Netflix? Here Are Other Films And Series To Watch Based Around Similar Themes Of Competitive Exams

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Films And Series To Watch if you loved Kota Factory — Films & Series To Watch if You Love Kota Factory (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Every year, lakhs of students head to Kota, dreaming of cracking their chosen competitive exam. Some succeed in doing so, while others face setbacks. Netflix hit Kota Factory‘s story revolves around a 16-year-old Vaibhav (Mayur More) who moves to Kota from Itarsi to prepare for the IIT-JEE exam.

Initially released in 2019, Kota Factory received much appreciation from the audience for realistically portraying the ever-challenging field of these competitive exams. The show, which also features Jitendra Kumar, Ahsaas Channa, Alam Khan, Ranjan Raj, Revathi Pillai, and Urvi Singh in pivotal roles, released its third season on Netflix in 2024. A fourth season is also reported to be in the works.

If you are impressed by Kota Factory’s storyline, here’s a list of other web series and movies centered on competitive exams in India and the students’ struggles that you must watch.

6. All India Rank (2024)

Streaming On: Netflix
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
Director: Varun Grover

Plot: Famous comedian and lyricist Varun Grover made his directorial debut with All India Rank. The movie, set in the late ‘90s, follows the story of 17-year-old Vivek Singh (Bodhisattva Sharma). He leaves his home in Lucknow and temporarily settles down in Kota to prepare for the IIT exam. Vivek, who initially suffers from homesickness and has zero clue about his dreams, gets used to the monotonous routine of the aspirants.

The film shows Vivek’s journey of navigating parental pressures, especially from his father, RK Singh (Shashi Bhushan), and overcoming the usual teenage problems. With meticulous attention to the ‘90s ambiance, Varun Grover’s film is infused with authenticity and heartfelt moments, enriching the coming-of-age narrative.

5. Crash Course (2022)

Streaming On: Prime Video
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Creator: Manish Hariprasad

Plot: Vijay Maurya’s Crash Course delves into the cutthroat world of coaching institutes in the educational hub of Kota, Rajasthan. The storyline revolves around the lives of eight students who get deeply intertwined in the business of two rival coaching centers in the city. Unlike Jitendra Kumar’s light-hearted Kota Factory, this series follows the dark side of these coaching institutes.

Annu Kapoor, who plays Ratanraj Jindal and owns one of the coaching centers, is an unstoppable businessman. He goes to unfathomable lengths to be at the top of the business, and also ensures his students get top 10 ranks in the IIT-JEE exam. The Amazon Prime series also gives a deep insight into the challenges students face to achieve academic success.

4. Laakhon Mein Ek (2017-2019)

Streaming On: Prime Video
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Creator: Biswa Kalyan Rath

Plot: Biswa Kalyan Rath’s Laakhon Mein Ek takes a different approach to the world of competitive exams. The Amazon Prime series delves into the life of Aakash Gupta (Ritvik Sahore), a 15-year-old student forcefully sent to Genius Infinity coaching center in Visakhapatnam for IIT entrance prep. Aakash, who wants to become an internet sensation, aims to fulfill his father’s aspirations despite struggling with inadequate scores and overwhelming pressure.

The story has impressed the audience with a compelling narrative and thought-provoking commentary on the country’s education system. The second season of Laakhon Mein Ek’s features Shweta Tripathi as Dr. Shreya Pathare, who confronts government neglect and local skepticism while organizing a camp in a village.

3. Half CA (2023)

Streaming On: MX Player
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Creator: Arunabh Kumar, Harish Peddinti

Plot: Half CA, another TVF production revolving around competitive exams, features Ahsaas Channa, Gyanendra Tripathi, Anmol Kajani, Prit Kamani, and Rohan Joshi in pivotal roles. While a majority of these kinds of series focuses on either UPSC aspirants or IIT-JEE applicants, Half CA series delves into the arduous journey of students who want to pursue Chartered Accountancy in India.

The story follows the journey of Archie (Ahsaas) and Niraj (Gyanendra) who have their minds focused on becoming CAs. This Amazon Prime show encapsulates the struggles, dreams, and complex lives of the protagonists as they give it their all to pursue the prestigious designation. The series also explores the importance of friendship in the lives of the students undertaking this highly competitive exam.

2. 12th Fail (2023)

Streaming On: JioHotstar
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Plot: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, based on Anurag Pathak’s book of the same name, tugged at the audience’s heartstrings like no other. The film follows the inspiring journey of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, played by Vikrant Massey, who, despite failing in the 12th standard, went on to crack one of the toughest exams in the country, UPSC. Manoj’s journey starts when he gets inspired by DSP Dushyant Singh.

He relocates to Delhi and makes up his mind to clear UPSC. Overcoming several personal obstacles, Manoj finally becomes an IPS and marries his ladylove Shraddha, played by Medha Shankr. The film, which now streams on JioHotstar, encapsulates Manoj’s struggle, determination, and eventual triumph in a compelling narrative of perseverance.

1. Aspirants (2021-2023)

Streaming On: Prime Video
IMDB Rating: 9.1/10
Creator: Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish, Arunabh Kumar, Shreyansh Pandey

Plot: TVF’s Aspirants follows the story of three friends: Abhilash (Naveen Kasturia), Guri (Shivankit Singh Parihar), and SK (Abhilash Thapliyal), who are preparing for the UPSC exam in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. Apoorv Singh Karki’s directorial explores the lives of the three protagonists in two parallel periods: one, their past experiences as aspirants, and second, their present adult lives. The series beautifully explores their personal and professional struggles, highlighting their friendships, ambitions, and familial bonds. Aspirant’s first season is available on YouTube, and the second premiered on Amazon Prime in 2023.

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September 15, 2025 0 comments

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