The streaming world has witnessed countless corporate dramas, but few stories carry the emotional weight and national pride of what’s coming next. A powerful new series has just unveiled its first glimpse, and it promises to chronicle one of India’s most inspiring entrepreneurial journeys—the birth of a brand that transformed the nation’s global identity.
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A Timely Revelation on Make in India Anniversary
Amazon MX Player unveiled the highly anticipated first look of its upcoming original series on September 25, 2025—a date deliberately chosen to mark the 11th anniversary of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. This strategic timing underscores the series’ central theme: homegrown vision, indigenous enterprise, and the audacious belief that India could compete with the world’s finest.
The first look video immediately captures attention with a provocative question: “Are Indians really thinking about making world-class watches?” This skepticism, voiced by international observers in the footage, sets the stage for a David-versus-Goliath narrative that will resonate deeply with audiences who understand the challenges of building a global brand from Indian soil.
Leading Cast and Their Iconic Roles
| Actor | Role | Character Background |
|---|---|---|
| Naseeruddin Shah | J.R.D. Tata | Visionary industrialist and longest-serving Tata Group chairman (1938-1991) |
| Jim Sarbh | Xerxes Desai | First managing director of Titan Company and key architect of its founding |
| Namita Dubey | Supporting role | Part of the Titan team |
| Vaibhav Tatwawaadi | Supporting role | Ensemble cast member |
| Kaveri Seth | Supporting role | Pivotal character |
| Lakshvir Saran | Supporting role | Key team member |
| Paresh Ganatra | Supporting role | Important role |
Naseeruddin Shah Embodies a National Icon
The casting of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah as Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata represents one of the most inspired choices in recent Indian streaming history. The legendary performer, known for his nuanced portrayals and commanding screen presence, steps into the shoes of a man who was much more than an industrialist—he was a nation-builder.
J.R.D. Tata, who received the Bharat Ratna in 1992, served as chairman of the Tata Group for an unprecedented 53 years. Under his leadership, the conglomerate expanded into diverse sectors including steel, automobiles, chemicals, and hospitality. Beyond business, he established institutions for scientific research, healthcare, and education, leaving an indelible mark on modern India.
Reflecting on this responsibility, Shah shared his thoughts: “Portraying J.R.D. Tata is both a privilege and a responsibility. He was a man who combined vision with humanity, and it is rare to encounter stories that are so deeply intertwined with the very making of modern India. Made in India is not just about a company, it is about a legacy that continues to inspire generations.”
The first look poster showcasing Shah in character has already impressed netizens, with many praising it as “superb casting.” His transformation into the distinguished industrialist—complete with period-appropriate styling—demonstrates the production’s commitment to authenticity.
Jim Sarbh as the Maverick Executive
Equally crucial to this narrative is Jim Sarbh’s portrayal of Xerxes Desai, the maverick executive handpicked by J.R.D. Tata to transform an audacious vision into reality. Desai served as the first managing director of Titan Company and played an instrumental role in establishing the brand from the ground up during the challenging 1980s.
Sarbh, known for his versatility and intensity on screen, brings depth to a character who saw possibilities where others saw only obstacles. “Xerxes Desai was a visionary who saw possibilities where others doubted,” the actor explained. “Portraying him allowed me to explore the conviction it takes to build something enduring from scratch. This series is about grit, innovation, and above all, believing in an idea larger than oneself.”
The chemistry between Shah and Sarbh promises to be one of the series’ highlights, as their characters navigate boardrooms and factory floors, facing skepticism from international competitors while building a team fueled by unshakable belief.
From Boardrooms to Factory Floors: The Production Vision
Directed by Robbie Grewal and written by Karan Vyas, the series takes viewers on a journey through the 1980s—a transformative decade for Indian industry. The narrative draws inspiration from Vinay Kamath’s bestselling book “Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand,” ensuring that the story remains grounded in documented history while maintaining dramatic appeal.
Production Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Robbie Grewal |
| Writer | Karan Vyas |
| Producer | Prabhleen Sandhu (Almighty Motion Picture) |
| Co-producer | T-Series Films |
| Source Material | Based on Vinay Kamath’s book |
| Episodes | 6-episode series |
| Release Window | Early 2026 |
| Platform | Amazon MX Player (Free streaming) |
Director Robbie Grewal emphasized the significance of this project: “Bringing J.R.D. Tata’s legacy to life in Made in India – The Titan Story has been an inspiring journey. His vision went far beyond building companies; he built institutions, ideas, and a sense of purpose for an entire nation. Having Naseeruddin Shah embody this icon has brought a rare authenticity and depth to the narrative. We truly believe this series will remind audiences why these stories of innovation and nation-building matter more than ever.”
The Historical Context: Building Against All Odds
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the series captures a pivotal moment in Indian industrial history. At that time, the concept of India producing world-class consumer products—particularly luxury items like watches—was met with international skepticism. Swiss and Japanese manufacturers dominated the global watch market, and the notion that an Indian company could compete seemed far-fetched to many.
The first look video powerfully captures this sentiment, showing the young Titan team daring to dream while facing doubt from all quarters. One particularly striking moment features Shah’s J.R.D. Tata declaring to his team: “I want the finest watch in the world, totally made in India, in my hand. Until then, I will not wear a watch.”
This powerful statement encapsulates not just a business objective but a matter of national pride—a refusal to accept that excellence was the exclusive domain of Western or East Asian manufacturers.
Revolutionary Milestones in Watchmaking
The series promises to showcase several groundbreaking moments in Indian watchmaking history, including the development of the world’s thinnest watch—a technological achievement that announced Titan’s arrival on the global stage. These innovations weren’t merely commercial triumphs; they represented India’s capability to match and exceed international standards in precision engineering and design.
The screenplay by Karan Vyas captures these pivotal moments while exploring the human stories behind them—the engineers who worked tirelessly to solve technical challenges, the designers who created aesthetically appealing timepieces, and the business leaders who navigated complex market dynamics.
A Franchise Beginning
Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, revealed ambitious plans for the property: “While we stay committed to homegrown and authentic storytelling, our collaboration with the Tata Group to showcase Titan’s journey marks the first chapter of this ambitious franchise.”
This statement suggests that the success of this initial series could spawn additional seasons or spin-offs exploring other aspects of the Tata Group’s remarkable history. Given the conglomerate’s involvement in aviation, automotive, technology, and countless other sectors, the storytelling possibilities are virtually endless.
Free Streaming and Wide Accessibility
In a significant move that aligns with the series’ themes of accessibility and national reach, the show will stream for free on Amazon MX Player. Additionally, it will be available on Prime Video and Fire TV, ensuring maximum viewership across multiple platforms.
This distribution strategy democratizes access to premium content while reaching the broadest possible audience—fitting for a story about a brand that became accessible to millions of Indians across economic strata.
The Ensemble Cast’s Contribution
While Shah and Sarbh headline the project, the supporting cast plays crucial roles in bringing the Titan ecosystem to life. Namita Dubey, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Kaveri Seth, Lakshvir Saran, and Paresh Ganatra portray various members of the Titan team, from executives to engineers, each contributing to the collective dream.
These characters represent the hundreds of individuals whose combined efforts transformed a vision into reality. Their stories—of dedication, innovation, and perseverance—form the emotional core of the narrative, reminding viewers that great companies are built by teams, not just visionary leaders.
The Legacy Continues
As the series prepares for its early 2026 debut, it carries the weight of expectation from multiple quarters—Tata Group stakeholders who want their legacy portrayed authentically, audiences hungry for inspiring Indian stories, and critics evaluating Amazon MX Player’s original content ambitions.
The first look suggests that all these expectations may well be met. With a stellar cast led by one of India’s finest actors, a director known for compelling storytelling, and source material that documents one of India’s greatest corporate success stories, the series has all the ingredients for both critical acclaim and popular success.
The underlying message resonates beyond business history: “If we don’t create history, then who will?” This question, posed in the first look video, captures the spirit of a generation that refused to accept limitations and dared to compete on the global stage—a spirit that continues to inspire contemporary India.
FAQs
When will Made in India A Titan Story release?
The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2026 on Amazon MX Player, available for free streaming. It will also be accessible on Prime Video and Fire TV platforms.
Who plays JRD Tata in Made in India A Titan Story?
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah portrays J.R.D. Tata, the visionary industrialist who served as Tata Group chairman from 1938 to 1991 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1992.
What is the series based on?
The show is inspired by Vinay Kamath’s bestselling book “Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand” and chronicles the founding and growth of Titan Company in the 1980s.
Who directed Made in India A Titan Story?
Robbie Grewal directed the series, with a screenplay written by Karan Vyas. It’s produced by Prabhleen Sandhu under Almighty Motion Picture and co-produced by T-Series Films.
How many episodes will the series have?
The series comprises six episodes that will document the journey from boardrooms to factory floors, showcasing how Titan became one of India’s most iconic brands.
