Streaming series Made in India: A Titan Story has grabbed viewers' attention fast, becoming 2026's most-watched Indian web series on Amazon MX Player just three weeks after release. It covers journey of Xerxes Desai, Titan watch brand founder,and his mentor JRD Tata,set in 1970s and 80s Bombay.
Directed by Robbie Grewal with stars Jim Sarbh and Naseeruddin Shah,show earns praise for its take on ambition and nation-building. Draws from Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand by journalist Vinay Kamath, who’s thrilled by reaction. “I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of emotions for it,” he said, noting how series hits home with themes of innovation and perseverance.
Kamath's book, out since December 2018,took three years of research and interviews,done while at The Hindu Business Line. He stressed Titan's story is unique,built on firsthand accounts from those key in its creation. “It took time,” he said,reflecting on depth of original material he gathered .
Titan's start is gripping,as neither Desai nor co-founder Anil Manchanda had engineering backgrounds. Yet they pushed into high-precision field,undaunted by India's regulatory hurdles,showing their vision. Titan's birth also owed to lucky breaks,like backing from Iravatham Mahadevan, a Tamil Nadu IAS officer and noted epigraphist.
Kamath remembers excitement of Titan's watch launch in India. First met Desai in 1989, through AL Mudaliar, then company chairman. Desai urged Kamath to visit Titan's Hosur factory, deepening his insight into brand's journey. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; while Titan soared in India, its European market push stumbled.
As a series viewer,Kamath values how visuals bring Titan's key moments alive. He notes scenes like Tata's reaction to a Swiss watchmaker's skepticism and his vow not to wear a watch until Tatas made one . These moments, plus Mozart’s 25th symphony as Titan's signature tune, strike a chord with audiences.
With its unique storytelling, Made in India: A Titan Story might open doors for more business tales on streaming platforms. Kamath sees this distinctiveness as a draw, hinting that watchmaking's intricacies can engage viewers like crime dramas…
