The stage is set for the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024, co-powered by Hyundai Motor India Limited. Filmfare unveiled the nominations for its fifth edition, celebrating the best in storytelling, acting, direction, and technical artistry in the OTT industry.

According to a press release, the announcement was made at an exclusive press meet held at Times Tower, Mumbai, attended by notable industry figures, including Bhumi Pednekar, celebrated filmmaker duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., and Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief of Filmfare.

This year’s awards showcase exceptional talent and groundbreaking content, with some clear frontrunners:
• ‘Heeramandi’ and ‘Panchayat S3’ lead with 16 nominations each.
• ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ follows with 12 nominations, while ‘Made in Heaven S2’ secures 7 nominations.
• On the film front, ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ dominates with 14 nominations, alongside ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ (12 nominations) and ‘Kadak Singh’ (11 nominations).

Best Series: ‘Heeramandi: ‘The Diamond Bazaar’; ‘Guns & Gulaabs’; ‘Kaala Paani’; ‘Made In Heaven Season 2’; ‘Mumbai Diaries Season 2’; ‘The Railway Men’.

Best Web Original Film: ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’; ‘Jaane Jaan’ (starring Kareena Kapoor Khan); ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ (featuring Ananya Panday and Siddhant Chaturvedi); ‘Kadak Singh’; ‘Mast Mein Rehne Ka’.

Best Actor Series (Male): Drama – Arjun Mathur (‘Made In Heaven Season 2’); Kay Kay Menon (‘Bambai Meri Jaan’); Priyanshu Painyuli (‘Shehar Lakhot’); Riteish Deshmukh (‘Pill’).

Best Actor Series (Female): Comedy – Neena Gupta (‘Panchayat Season 3’); Rasika Dugal (‘Humorously Yours Season 3’); Tillotama Shome (‘Tribhuvandas Mishra CA Topper’).

Best Actor: Web Original Film (Male) – Adarsh Gourav (‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’); Diljit Dosanjh (‘Amar Singh Chamkila’); Pankaj Tripathi (‘Kadak Singh’).

Best Actor: Web Original Film (Female) – Ananya Panday (‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’); Bhumi Pednekar (‘Bhakshak’); Parineeti Chopra (‘Amar Singh Chamkila’).
Bhumi Pednekar shared her thoughts, “OTT has been an incredible medium in my journey as an actor. Last year, I had the opportunity to explore it, and it reaffirmed my belief that there’s nothing bigger than good content. I am, after all, a product of good storytelling. OTT allows me to be part of diverse narratives and bring my most authentic self to the characters I portray. That’s why it’s so impactful and important to me. Growing up, holding that iconic Black Lady was always a dream, and it continues to be one.”

Celebrated filmmaker Raj Nidimoru stated “Filmfare was among the first to recognize the potential of OTT, setting a benchmark for the industry. OTT has given actors a new way to explore storytelling. When this format emerged, we embraced it eagerly, even pausing our films to create something fresh. For us, creative control is key — we strive to innovate and bring originality to our work. Even after 15 years, our passion for cinema and storytelling remains unwavering.”

Adding to that, Krishna D.K. said, “We now have a new set of stars, and OTT has also helped actors gain widespread recognition. This form of storytelling has allowed both actors and storytellers to explore new horizons, experiment with diverse narratives, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.”

Recognizing the shows released between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, the grand awards ceremony is scheduled for December 1, 2024, promising an evening filled with style and celebration of innovation at its finest.

Speaking about the announcement, Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL BCCL TV & Digital Network expressed, “Filmfare has long stood as a pillar of credibility and excellence in Indian entertainment, capturing the industry’s growth and transformation. In recent years, OTT platforms have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, acting, and direction, setting new benchmarks for cinematic expression. With immense pride and the steadfast support of our partners, Danube Properties Dubai and Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Filmfare OTT awards 2024 celebrates the creators shaping this evolving world of storytelling with their exceptional talent.”

Jitesh Pillaai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, added, “The Filmfare OTT Awards have become a hallmark event, celebrating creativity, diversity, and innovation in India’s fast-growing digital entertainment space. We’re thrilled to witness the expanding talent pool and compelling stories shared on these platforms. We look forward to spotlighting the best of digital entertainment and honouring the artists who make it unforgettable.”

Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Group, shared his thoughts, “Our association with Filmfare reflects our shared vision of celebrating excellence and making a difference. As one of the leading platforms honoring artistic and technical brilliance in Indian cinema, the Filmfare Awards inspire creativity and joy. At Danube Properties, we are proud to support this iconic initiative that aligns with our mission of building dreams.”

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited said – “Over the past few years, the OTT landscape in India has witnessed a remarkable transformation, redefining how content is consumed and experienced. OTT platforms have empowered audiences with the freedom to move away from traditional, push-driven TV programming to more personalized, on-demand content tailored to their individual preferences available at a click of a button. The Filmfare OTT Awards stand as the pinnacle of recognition in this dynamic space, celebrating the exceptional talent and creativity that drive the industry forward. We, at Hyundai are proud to have partnered with the Filmfare OTT Awards for the last two years, leveraging this innovative platform to deepen our connection with new-age Indians and resonate with their evolving lifestyles and choices. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey with Filmfare OTT Awards, celebrating the best in entertainment while driving meaningful connections with India’s progressive and digitally savvy audience.”

Fiama, for the second consecutive year, partnered with Filmfare to recognize content that sensitively portrays mental health, encouraging meaningful conversations around well-being.

The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 will culminate in a grand ceremony on December 1, 2024, celebrating the pioneers of the OTT industry. Stay tuned for updates on Filmfare.com.