DocuBay’s Fanatics makes history at Asian Television Awards

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.