2023 saw a number of ground-breaking over-the-top performances that enthralled audiences all throughout the world. We examine this year’s best in OTT programming, from dark characters to brilliant comedy moments. A compilation of the top films and TV series from 2023 is provided below.
1. Bhuvan Arora – Farzi
For actor Bhuvan Arora, it was an eye-opening year, particularly following his breakout role as Firoz in Raj and DK’s Farzi, where he assisted Shahid Kapoor (Sunny) in printing money. “This year has been very fruitful and enriching both personally and professionally, indeed a happy year for me. After Farzi’s release, I have just got around 20 days off in the entire year. I am thankful to God that that has happened. It has materialised in a lot of good things, which I am hoping would come out next year. Everything has taken a big turn after the show, people have started trusting more, finances getting better, and I am being offered meatier roles. My role brought much unexpected appreciation that I never thought about,” he averred in conversation with HT.
2. Sukant Goel – Kaala Paani
Actor Sukant Goel, who was already well-known for his powerful performances, left audiences in awe with his depiction of Chiru in Kaala Paani. “This year has been hectic, but also very giving. Post Kaala Paani, I have been getting many more interesting projects. 2023 was much busier for me. The show’s success brought many more opportunities to me, I am getting to do roles that never came to me earlier. When work is noticed, it reaches more people. I definitely got a lot of appreciation for my performances, did not expect that at all. I am very fearful when I am acting, thinking how it would come out. I am absolutely loving it. By the time I saw the show, it was already 3 weeks, I had already gotten a lot of good feedback, so the fear was managed early on,” mentioned Goel to HT.
3. Amruta Subhash – Lust Stories 2
For actor Amruta Subhash, too, this year has been incredible, particularly after she played Seema, the multifaceted role of a housekeeper who slept with her husband on her boss’ bed. “I am really overwhelmed by the responses the project has got. I am glad that Seema’s character came to me. I am very vulnerable with each new project, so I concentrate only on the truth of the character. I had never done such a role before. For me, the success of a performance is in finding the truth of a character. However yes, it did give me many awards and appreciation, I am really happy and grateful about that. My dream was not to get slotted in any particular character, and the industry has done that for me. This year has been great in terms of opportunities and the love that I’ve been getting. I want to thank OTT for giving me diverse characters,” added Subhash.
4. Rajshri Deshpande – Trial By Fire
Rajshri Deshpande, the actor, received a lot of praise and recognition this year. The audience will never forget her portrayal of Neelam in Trial by Fire. Deshpande says, “It was a roller coaster ride this year, because I am in an unpredictable profession, every year is different. Because of the show’s success and my performance which was appreciated by many, a lot of people got to know about my work and got confidence about casting me. I like to do layered characters. I am still hopefully waiting for better scripts after Trial By Fire. Everything is very positive because my work in that show reached out to many people. This was my first show as a protagonist and before that it was always in an ensemble cast. People now look at my carrying a project alone.”
5. Suvinder Pal Vicky – Kohrra
The performance of Punjab Police officer Balbir Singh in Kohrra would not have been possible without the assistance of actor Suvinder Vicky in the camera. “After Kohrra, I got a lot of appreciation on a different level, because of which this year has been amazing for me. In fact, industry ka nazariya meri taraf change hogaya, they have started taking me more seriously. Moreover, I got so many awards for Kohrra this year, and recognition for an actor plays a very important role in his career. Koi character acha kia ho toh log yaad rakhte hain. I started with very small scenes with my career, but now that has changed. I have always given my 100% to every character in my life. Yeh itne bade level par hojayega, yeh kabhi nahi socha tha,” he said.
6. Chintan Rachhch – Class
With Class, Chintan Racchch won over hearts as the closeted gay man Faruq, who struggled with drugs and tried to live his true life while trying to please his parents. He avers, “It feels like I’ve been exposed to the world and it’s not going to be the same exactly. I am grateful that the year turned out to be this way for me. The exposure Class has given and the reception has been of both – quality and quantity. I didn’t consider myself a part of this industry before, I’ve entered the industry after I played the character of Faruq. I didn’t like my part when it was being shot, but maybe I’m too self critical. But the final product turned out to be really good.”
7. Sidhant Gupta – Jubilee
In Vikramaditya Motwane’s television series Jubilee, actor Siddhant Gupta played impoverished immigrant Jay Khanna. Following his incredible breakout performance that left everyone in awe, he spoke with HT earlier and remarked, “I haven’t felt so much love ever, suddenly life has meaning. I feel like a complete different human being to be honest. I don’t regret anything. I’m at a position where I’m happy creatively. If this (show) has come to me, I thank God I didn’t give up, thank God, I didn’t know how to give up.”
8. Jaya Ahsaan – Kadak Singh
Following her remarkable portrayal of Naina in Kadak Singh, actor Jaya Ahsan tells HT, “It was a fresh and layered character and people noticed it. It was something that I did out of my comfort zone, and if it still stood out, then it is a huge thing for me. For me, the journey of shooting matters more but I never thought that it would be appreciated so much. Some people said that the screen time would be more, but I felt it was quite strong and good. I am getting more scripts after the film, but I am waiting for something fresh and new.”
9. Gagan Dev Riar – Scam 2003
The resemblance, effortlessness, and style of acting made it difficult to distinguish between the real Abdul Karim Telgi and actor Gagan Dev Riar. Speaking on his stint, he remarks, “After the show, this year has been like a very big Christmas party, which is still going on. I have not been working at all, only attending events, interviews and parties. It is a roller coaster ride for me right now. The response to my performance was great. I was happy that the directors and writers were also very happy, which is really important for me. Audience’ love and people messaging me to tell that they couldn’t differentiate between me and the real Telgi is a big compliment. I tried my best as an actor. I did get some offers after the show, but I am waiting it out for the right role to come.”
10. Karishma Tanna – Scoop
Following her excellent work as an investigative journalist on Scoop, Karishma Tanna averred, “This year has been incredible, especially after the success of Scoop. It’s been a whirlwind of excitement and growth, both personally and professionally. The show’s success opened up several new opportunities. It allowed me to explore diverse roles and collaborate with talented individuals in the industry. There’s been a noticeable shift in the industry’s approach, which has been incredibly encouraging. The recognition from “Scoop” has led to more engaging discussions and diverse projects. I’m grateful for the appreciation the performance received. It was a challenging role, and I hoped audiences would connect, but the overwhelming response has been beyond my expectations.”
