The Indian OTT landscape is set to witness a spine-tingling transformation with the arrival of “Andhera,” a supernatural horror-investigative series featuring powerhouse performers Surveen Chawla and digital sensation Prajakta Koli. This eight-episode psychological thriller promises to redefine genre storytelling in India, combining atmospheric horror with compelling character development when it streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from August 14, 2025.
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Surveen Chawla Leads Star-Studded Ensemble in Groundbreaking Horror Series
Surveen Chawla, acclaimed for her versatile performances across television and digital platforms, takes center stage in “Andhera,” Prime Video’s latest supernatural horror offering.
The series, created by Gaurav Desai, features an ensemble cast including Surveen Chawla, renowned YouTuber-turned-actress Prajakta Koli, Priya Bapat, Karanvir Malhotra, Vatsal Sheth, Parvin Dabas, and Pranay Pachauri in pivotal roles.
Excel Entertainment’s Bold Vision
Produced under the prestigious banner of Excel Entertainment by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Kassim Jagmagia, Mohit Shah, and Karan Anshuman, “Andhera” represents a significant investment in pushing the boundaries of Indian horror storytelling. Executive Producer Kassim Jagmagia emphasizes that “this isn’t just a supernatural thriller—it’s a layered narrative about fear, power, and the human psyche”.
Prajakta Koli’s Genre Transformation
Prajakta Koli, who gained immense popularity with the romantic drama “Mismatched,” is stepping into the horror genre for the first time, marking a significant career pivot that showcases her range as an actor.
This transition from comedy content creation to serious horror drama demonstrates the evolving landscape of Indian digital entertainment, where creators are increasingly taking on challenging dramatic roles.
Series Overview: A Psychological Deep Dive
Plot and Premise
The story revolves around a fearless cop and a haunted medical student, combining investigative drama with supernatural horror elements. Creator Gaurav Desai reveals that the series aims to create something that “wasn’t just scary, but stayed with you—something that made you uneasy in a quiet and lasting way”.
Production Excellence
The eight-episode riveting drama is written by Gaurav Desai, Raaghav Dar, Chintan Sarda, and Karan Anshuman, and directed by Raaghav Dar. The collaborative approach to storytelling ensures multiple perspectives enrich the narrative complexity, while maintaining the series’ core supernatural elements.
Technical and Creative Vision
The series explores “what happens when darkness is not just around us, but within us,” according to the production team. This philosophical approach to horror suggests a mature treatment of the genre, focusing on psychological depth rather than superficial scares.
Cast Performance Analysis
Surveen Chawla’s Career Trajectory
Surveen Chawla brings considerable experience to “Andhera,” having recently appeared in mystery thriller “Mandala Murders” alongside Vaani Kapoor. Her transition into horror represents a natural evolution for an actor known for taking on complex, nuanced roles across various genres.
Supporting Cast Dynamics
The inclusion of established performers like Priya Bapat, known for her work in Marathi cinema, and Karanvir Malhotra adds gravitas to the ensemble. The supporting cast includes TV and OTT veteran actors who bring diverse acting backgrounds to create a compelling narrative fabric.
Prime Video’s Horror Strategy
For Prime Video, “Andhera” represents another attempt to replicate the success of “Khauf,” their earlier horror series featuring Rajat Kapoor and Monika Panwar, which earned critical acclaim for its raw and intense storytelling. This strategic focus on horror content reflects the platform’s commitment to diversifying its content portfolio and catering to audiences seeking premium genre entertainment.
Global Release Strategy
The supernatural horror series will release all eight episodes on August 14, 2025, allowing viewers in India and over 240 countries to binge-watch it without waiting for weekly drops. This global simultaneous release strategy maximizes audience engagement and prevents content piracy.
Technical Production Details
| Production Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Creator | Gaurav Desai |
| Director | Raaghav Dar |
| Writers | Gaurav Desai, Raaghav Dar, Chintan Sarda, Karan Anshuman |
| Production House | Excel Entertainment |
| Producers | Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Kassim Jagmagia, Mohit Shah, Karan Anshuman |
| Associate Producer | Vishal Ramchandani |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Genre | Supernatural Horror-Investigation |
| Language | Hindi |
Cast and Character Breakdown
| Actor | Previous Notable Works | Role in Series |
|---|---|---|
| Surveen Chawla | Mandala Murders, Decoupled | Lead Role |
| Prajakta Koli | Mismatched (Netflix) | Lead Role |
| Priya Bapat | Marathi Cinema Powerhouse | Supporting Lead |
| Karanvir Malhotra | Television and OTT | Supporting Lead |
| Vatsal Sheth | Television Veteran | Prominent Role |
| Parvin Dabas | Film and Television | Prominent Role |
| Pranay Pachauri | Digital Content | Prominent Role |
Release and Marketing Strategy
Independence Day Release
The series strategically releases on August 14, 2025, ahead of India’s Independence Day, capitalizing on the extended weekend to maximize viewership engagement. This timing allows for comprehensive binge-watching sessions during the holiday period.
Social Media Buzz
Prime Video’s social media announcement generated significant excitement, with fans expressing enthusiasm through comments like “Finalllllyyyy the waitt is overrr” and specific appreciation for Prajakta Koli’s career evolution.3
Industry Impact and Expectations
Genre Evolution in Indian OTT
“Andhera” represents the continuing evolution of horror content in Indian digital entertainment. Unlike traditional supernatural narratives, this series promises psychological depth and character-driven storytelling that appeals to mature audiences seeking sophisticated genre entertainment.
Market Competition Analysis
The series enters a competitive landscape where horror content must distinguish itself through quality storytelling rather than shock value. The focus on creating content that is “intense, immersive, and thought-provoking” positions “Andhera” as premium entertainment.
Creator’s Vision and Philosophy
Creator Gaurav Desai emphasizes that horror and supernatural elements fascinate him, making “Andhera” a deeply personal project. His approach focuses on creating lasting psychological impact rather than momentary scares, suggesting a mature understanding of effective horror storytelling.
Storytelling Approach
The narrative strategy emphasizes “tension, twists, and slow reveals” designed to maintain audience engagement throughout the series. This methodical approach to horror storytelling aligns with international standards for premium genre content.
Production Timeline and Development
The series represents a significant production investment from Excel Entertainment, known for creating commercially successful and critically acclaimed content. The collaboration between established producers and emerging creative talent suggests a balanced approach to content development.
Post-Production Excellence
The series benefits from comprehensive post-production work that enhances the atmospheric elements crucial to effective horror storytelling. The technical team’s commitment to creating an immersive world reflects the production house’s standards for premium content.
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FAQs
When does Surveen Chawla’s series “Andhera” release on Prime Video?
“Andhera” premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on August 14, 2025, with all eight episodes available for binge-watching from day one.
What genre does “Andhera” belong to and who are the main actors?
“Andhera” is a supernatural horror-investigative series starring Surveen Chawla and Prajakta Koli in lead roles, with Priya Bapat and Karanvir Malhotra in supporting leads.
Who has produced and directed this supernatural series?
Excel Entertainment (Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar) produces “Andhera,” with Raaghav Dar directing and Gaurav Desai as the creator and writer.
Is this Prajakta Koli’s first horror series?
Yes, “Andhera” marks Prajakta Koli’s debut in the horror genre, representing a significant departure from her previous romantic comedy work in “Mismatched.”
How many episodes does “Andhera” have and what is the core theme?
The series consists of eight episodes focusing on the psychological exploration of fear, power, and human psyche, combining supernatural elements with investigative drama.
