KKN Gurugram Desk | The world of OTT (Over-the-top) entertainment has witnessed a tremendous surge in popularity, and with it, an influx of talented artists who have made their mark with powerful performances across various platforms. The third edition of the OTTplay Awards 2025 was a grand event that celebrated these remarkable talents in the OTT industry. Held on a spectacular night in Mumbai, the event honored the best actors, directors, and creative minds in the OTT space, recognizing their exceptional contributions to films and web series across Indian languages.

The night was filled with excitement as prominent personalities from the entertainment industry gathered to celebrate the achievements of those who have redefined OTT content with their performances. Hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and Kubbra Sait, the awards ceremony was a perfect blend of glamour, entertainment, and recognition for the remarkable work of artists who have contributed significantly to the growing OTT landscape.

Major Winners at the OTTplay Awards 2025

Film Category Winners

1. Best Movie: Girls Will Be Girls – A captivating narrative led by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha.

2. Best Director (Film): Imtiaz Ali for Amar Singh Chamkila, showcasing his ability to delve deep into compelling storytelling.

3. Best Actor (Male) – Popular: Manoj Bajpayee for his powerful performance in Dispatch, proving his versatile acting skills.

4. Best Actor (Male) – Critics: Anupam Kher for his impeccable roles in Vijay 69 and The Signature, winning accolades for his immense depth and portrayal.

5. Best Actor (Female) – Critics: Parvathy Thiruvothu for Manorathangal, garnering praise for her remarkable on-screen presence and depth of character.

6. Best Actor (Female) – Popular: Kajol for her brilliant performance in Do Patti, delivering an exceptional role in a gripping narrative.

7. Best Actor in a Negative Role: Sunny Kaushal for Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba, redefining the concept of antagonist roles.

8. Best Actor in a Comedy: Priyamani for Bhamkalapam 2, showcasing her perfect timing in a comedic role.

9. Breakthrough Performance (Male): Avinash Tiwary for The Mehta Boys, marking his strong entry into the OTT arena.

10. Breakthrough Performance (Female): Shalini Pandey for Maharaj, making a significant impact with her breakthrough role.

Web Series Category Winners

1. Best Series: Panchayat S3 – A brilliant series directed by Arunabh Kumar and Vijay Koshi, a fan favorite for its compelling storytelling.

2. Best Director (Series): Nikhil Advani for Freedom at Midnight and Pradeep Madali for Vikkatkavi, both showing an exceptional command over directing.

3. Best Actor (Male) – Critics: Jaideep Ahlawat for his outstanding performance in Paatal Lok S2.

4. Best Actor (Male) – Popular: Raghav Juyal for Gyarah Gyarah, earning accolades for his powerful performance in a unique role.

5. Best Actor (Female) – Critics: Nimisha Sajayan for Poacher, receiving recognition for her compelling portrayal.

6. Best Actor (Female) – Popular: Aditi Rao Hydari for her captivating role in Heeramandi, a performance that left a lasting impression.

7. Best Supporting Actor (Male): Rahul Bhatt for Black Warrant, impressing critics and audiences alike with his stellar performance.

8. Best Supporting Actor (Female): Jyotika for Dubba Cartel, receiving praise for her supporting role that stood out in the ensemble.

9. Best Actor in a Comedy: Neeraj Madhav for Love Under Construction, adding a fresh twist to comedy in OTT series.

10. Breakthrough Performance (Male): Abhishek Kumar for Thalaivettian Palayam, a promising new talent in the OTT world.

11. Breakthrough Performance (Female): Patralekha for IC 814, making a strong mark with her first performance in the OTT space.

Special Awards

1. Best Talk Show Host: Rana Daggubati for The Rana Daggubati Show, redefining the talk-show format with his charismatic hosting skills.

2. Best Reality Show: The Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives, a reality series that captivated audiences with its drama and glamour.

3. Best Non-Scripted Show: Shark Tank (directed by Bimal Unnikrishnan and Rahul Hotchandani), a platform for entrepreneurial minds.

4. Trailblazer of the Year (Male): Shreemurali for Bagheera, a remarkable actor making waves in the OTT industry.

5. Versatile Performer of the Year (Female): Kani Kusaruti for her diverse performances in Girls Will Be Girls, Poacher, Thalaimai Seyalagam, and Nagendran’s Honeymoons.

6. Versatile Performer of the Year (Male): Siddhant Gupta for his exceptional roles in Freedom at Midnight and Black Warrant.

7. Best Documentary Series: The Roshans (directed by Rajesh Roshan, Rakesh Roshan, and Shashi Ranjan), a profound exploration of an iconic family.

8. New-Wave Cinema Contribution: Ashwini Puneet Rajkumar, for his remarkable contribution to new-wave cinema in India.

9. Promising Actor (Female): Hina Khan for Grihalakshmi, recognized for her exceptional performance and growing presence in the OTT space.

10. Best OTT Series Debut: Vedika for Yakshini, marking an impressive entry into the world of OTT.

11. Promising Actor (Male): Aparshakti Khurana for Berlin, proving his strong potential in OTT.

12. Rising Star of the Year: Avneet Kaur for Party Till I Die, gaining attention with her fresh and vibrant portrayal in the series.