iWorld
Amit Khan, the celebrated novelist and OTT creator, is now stepping strongly into the fast-rising world of micro-drama series
Known for more than a hundred published novels across Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Bangla, Amit Khan began his literary career at just 12 and published his first novel at 15. His hit series Commander Karan Saxena and Reeta Sanyal were adapted into successful web series on Jio Hotstar, while Bichhoo Ka Khel, produced by Ekta Kapoor, also became a major success.
After three superhit web series, Amit Khan is now expanding his creative universe. Several micro-dramas based on his stories are currently under production. His first two micro-drama series — Paagal Ishq and Gabbar Ka Game for Amazon MX Player — have already been shot, and more than ten new micro-dramas for various platforms will begin shooting soon.
Amit Khan explains that micro-dramas are designed for today’s fast-moving audience. Shot in reel format, every episode is just two minutes long, with rapid storytelling meant for instant binge-watching.
Speaking about Paagal Ishq, now streaming on Amazon MX Player, he describes it as a supernatural love story taken to shocking extremes — where a boy, madly in love, commits suicide and his spirit enters the body of the man whom the girl loves, allowing him to marry her even after death. The series uses extensive VFX and AI for a striking visual experience.
Amit Khan is confident about the future of micro-dramas. With over 576 million global viewers in 2024 and rising popularity in China, Korea, and the USA, he believes India is on the verge of a similar boom. According to him, micro-dramas are like the T20 or T10 format of cricket — extremely fast, extremely entertaining, perfect for smartphone audiences.
With two projects completed and ten more in the pipeline, Amit Khan aims to deliver premium, world-class short-format storytelling. “I want to create content that isn’t just a good story, but visually spectacular and at par with international standards,” he says.
Amit Khan’s entry into micro-dramas marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in Indian short-form entertainment.
iWorld
Prime Video drops trailer for Lukkhe, a rap crime drama starring KING in his acting debut
Eight episodes of revenge, redemption and hard-hitting rap arrive on the streaming platform on 8th May
MUMBAI: Prime Video has unveiled the trailer for Lukkhe, an eight-episode musical action drama built around the world of rap, crime and bruised relationships — and it has done so in suitably loud fashion, launching it at a live concert in Mumbai featuring electrifying performances by KING, Amira Gill, Akshath, Raashii Khanna, Ruaa Kayy and RUTVXK. As if that were not enough, the show’s music album was also dropped at the event, in collaboration with exclusive music streaming partner Amazon Music and music label Warner Music India.
The series is directed by Himank Gaur and produced by Vipul D. Shah and Rajesh Bahl under the banners of Optimystix Entertainment and White Guerrilla LLP. It is created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha.
The cast is the talking point. KING, the acclaimed Indian rapper and songwriter, makes his acting debut as MC Badnaam, a performer consumed by rivalry and hunger for recognition. Raashii Khanna, returning to Prime Video after Farzi, plays Gurbani. Palak Tiwari, making her streaming debut, plays Sanober. Lakshvir Singh Saran plays Lucky. The ensemble also includes Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kritika Bharadwaj, Shivankit Parihar, Yograj Singh and Ayesha Raza Mishra in pivotal roles.
The trailer plants its flag squarely in the tension between MC Badnaam and his rival MC OG, played by Parihar, while threading in the love story between Lucky and Sanober. The soundtrack, which spans hard-hitting rap anthems to emotionally charged melodies, is as much a character in the show as any of its leads.
Gaur was candid about what drew him to the project. “Lukkhe gave me a chance to dive into a world that’s loud, emotional, and constantly on edge,” he said. “What stayed with me was how every character is chasing something personal, and music becomes their way of expressing it. Working with this cast, especially KING in his debut, along with Raashii, Lakshvir, and Palak, was incredibly rewarding because they brought honesty that elevated every moment.”
Khanna reflected on her character with evident relish. “Playing Gurbani in Lukkhe was a really intense and fulfilling experience,” she said. “What I found most interesting was how her strength comes from something deeply personal, which shapes every decision she makes. It was about finding that balance between vulnerability and grit.”
KING, stepping in front of the camera for the first time, was characteristically direct. “Stepping into Lukkhe as MC Badnaam has been a defining moment for me,” he said. “What drew me in was how real his hunger and need to be heard felt. It’s something I connect with as an artist. Bringing music into his journey made the experience even more personal.”
Tiwari described the role as a first on multiple fronts. “It was my first time working with Prime Video, and the whole experience felt new and creatively satisfying,” she said. “Being part of a story that has both intense and heartfelt moments, along with a team that brought so much honesty to it, made this journey truly memorable.”
Saran, for his part, zeroed in on what made Lucky tick. “Lucky is someone who’s trying to move forward while still carrying the weight of his past, and that push-pull made him really interesting to explore,” he said. “There’s a sincerity to his journey that I hope people connect with.”
Lukkhe premieres on Prime Video in Hindi on 8th May, across India and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. In a streaming landscape drowning in crime dramas, this one is betting that putting a rapper at its centre – and meaning it – is enough to cut through the noise. On the evidence of the trailer, it might just be right.
