Documentary
Discovery Channel premieres Unani Ki Kahaani on World Unani Day
Actor Jim Sarbh narrates a journey through Unani medicine, history, and modern wellness
MUMBAI: In celebration of World Unani Day, Discovery Channel has premiered Unani Ki Kahaani, a captivating new documentary narrated by actor Jim Sarbh. The film explores Unani medicine not just as an ancient tradition but as a philosophy of health that remains relevant in today’s world of lifestyle disorders and chronic illnesses.
Produced in collaboration with Hamdard Laboratories, the documentary traces Unani medicine from its roots in ancient Greece to its flourishing practice in India. Along the way, it asks a simple yet profound question: what does it really mean to be healthy? And why do we often treat symptoms without curing the underlying problem?
At the heart of Unani medicine is the belief in balance, between body, mind, spirit, and environment. The documentary reflects on moments like the Covid-19 pandemic, when India turned to both modern medicine and its own centuries-old systems of preventive care.
Jim Sarbh’s narration gives the story a modern voice, guiding viewers through history, philosophy, and science with curiosity and clarity.
Hamdard Laboratories chairman and managing trustee Abdul Majeed said, “Unani Ki Kahaani invites viewers to see healing as more than symptom relief. It is about balance, prevention, and long-term wellbeing. Through Unani medicine, we aim to help everyone understand that true healing restores harmony.”
Commenting on his role, Jim Sarbh added, “Narrating Unani Ki Kahaani was a learning experience. I was struck by how this system connects history, culture, and the idea of living in balance.”
The film brings historical icons such as Hippocrates and Ibn Sina together with Indian pioneers including Hakim Ajmal Khan, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, and Hakeem Abdul Hameed, showing how Unani has evolved as a living, adaptive system shaped by multiple cultures.
Featuring insights from modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani practitioners, academics, and public health experts, Unani Ki Kahaani bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary healthcare. Its aim is to make holistic healing approachable for everyone, especially younger audiences seeking deeper understanding in a fast-paced world.
INDONESIA: DocuBay’s original documentary Fanatics has made history by becoming the first Indian film to win Best Documentary Programme (OTT) at the 30th Asian Television Awards 2025 in Indonesia. The win marks a milestone for the streaming platform, part of The Epic Company, which is known for bold, culturally rooted, and globally resonant storytelling.
Produced by Arpita Chatterjee under Studio 9 and directed by Aryan D Roy, Fanatics delves into the extreme devotion surrounding South Indian cinema. The documentary captures how actors are often treated like deities, and how fan loyalty, fuelled by emotion, pride and rivalry, can sometimes have real-life consequences. Through intimate personal stories and rare insights, the film presents an unfiltered look at the psychology of fandom in a region where cinema is nothing short of religion.
Featuring interviews with stars such as Allu Arjun and Kiccha Sudeep, the documentary also explores the role of social media in amplifying both solidarity and conflict among fans.
The category was highly competitive, featuring acclaimed international entries including Bitter Sweet Ballad (China), Polar Alarm (Taiwan), Life on the Millennia Old Grand Canal (China), Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli (India), and Echoes of Life (China). DocuBay distinguished itself with three nominations from its originals, Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of Indian Air Force, The Dupatta Killer, and Fanatics, cementing its place in impactful nonfiction storytelling.
The award was accepted at the ceremony in Indonesia by Samar Khan, chief content officer, DocuBay, and Adita Jain, VP – acquisition & syndication, The Epic Company. Fanatics’ win celebrates both the devotion of cinema fans and India’s rising influence in global documentary filmmaking.
