Prime Video has made history by winning the inaugural Best Web Series (OTT) Award for ‘Panchayat Season 2’ at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The award has been instituted to acknowledge and encourage India’s thriving streaming sector.
A total of 32 entries across 10 languages from 15 OTT platforms were selected for the introductory Best Web Series award. The entries for the coveted award were judged by a five-member jury headed by filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Other members of the jury included filmmakers Utpal Borpujari and Krishna DK, and actors Divya Dutta and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
A testament to the platform’s commitment to showcasing rich and diverse narratives, Panchayat Season 2, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and produced by TVF’s Arunabh Kumar, captivated audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of rural life. The series, boasting an ensemble cast including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, and others, weaves a tale of an urban graduate navigating the complexities of a Panchayat office in a fictional village, blending humor and slice-of-life moments seamlessly.
“At Prime Video, our aim is to bring to life distinctive, relatable and ultimately deeply entertaining stories that reflect the rich and diverse cultures of our amazing country. These are stories from deep within India that at the same time represent universal themes and emotions, ultimately delighting audiences across the globe.” said Sushant Sreeram, Country Director, Prime Video, India.
Director of Panchayat, Deepak Mishra from TVF said, “Panchayat wasn’t just a project; it was a narrative meant to reflect the intricate tapestry of India’s quintessential village life – rich in surprising complexities yet brimming with heart. Our aim was to craft a story set in rustic India, with a compelling slice-of-life narrative and a dash of humor. The exceptional talents of versatile actors like Neena Gupta, Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, and the entire Panchayat cast made it possible to transform this simple tale of everyday occurrences in an Indian village into an award-winning series. It’s heartening to see audiences in India and across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video appreciating the storytelling. Thank you for the global love!”
Panchayat Season 2 has been a runaway success since its release, receiving acclaim from audiences and critics worldwide, earning accolades at the Filmfare OTT, Midday OTT Hitlist, Indian Television Academy Awards, and now solidifying its place in cinematic history with the prestigious IFFI Best Web Series Award.
