Ashish Chanchlani has achieved a remarkable milestone as his series Ekaki secures the #1 position on the Top 100 Popular Indian TV Shows list on IMDb.
Currently holding an impressive 8.2 rating, the show has received widespread appreciation from viewers. As a result, it has quickly climbed the popularity charts and emerged as one of the most talked-about digital series in India.
Moreover, the achievement is even more significant because Chanchlani took on multiple responsibilities in the project. He not only starred in the series but also worked as its writer, director, and producer, making the success a major personal milestone.
A Major Step Forward for Digital-First Content
Interestingly, Ekaki’s success highlights the growing influence of digital-first storytelling. While many popular Indian shows dominate charts through major OTT platforms, Ekaki followed a different path.
Instead of launching on a large streaming service, the series premiered directly on YouTube.
Nevertheless, the show managed to capture massive attention. Thanks to its engaging storyline and strong word-of-mouth promotion, viewers rapidly connected with the content.
Consequently, the series gained momentum online and soon climbed to the top of IMDb’s popular Indian TV shows chart, proving that compelling storytelling can succeed even without traditional OTT backing.
Team Ekaki Expresses Gratitude
Following the announcement, the team behind Ekaki shared a heartfelt message thanking fans and collaborators for their support.
According to the creators, the project began as a simple idea. However, with time and collective effort, it gradually evolved into something much bigger.
Furthermore, the team acknowledged the dedication of the cast and crew who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Most importantly, they credited the audience for believing in the project from the very beginning.
Ultimately, the creators emphasized that this achievement belongs to everyone who contributed to building the world of Ekaki.
A Big Win for YouTube Originals
At the same time, Ekaki’s rise reflects a larger shift in India’s entertainment landscape. The success demonstrates that independent digital content on open platforms like YouTube can compete with—and sometimes outperform—big-budget shows released on leading OTT platforms.
In addition, Chanchlani’s hands-on involvement across several creative departments shows the growing power of creator-driven storytelling.
As the show continues to gain popularity, its success on IMDb highlights an important trend. In today’s digital era, strong storytelling, innovative ideas, and loyal audiences can help a project reach the very top—regardless of the platform on which it premieres.