OTT’s Bloody Budget War: 'Dahaad 2' Rises While 'Kaala Paani' & 'Guilty Minds' Sink

There was a time, not too long ago, when streaming platforms were hailed as the saviours of authentic storytelling. They promised creators breathing space, performers new avenues, and audiences the rare thrill of something different. Yet, over the past few months, the very platforms that ushered in this era of innovation seem to be faltering under the weight of budgets, bottom lines, and algorithm-driven second-guessing. In the midst of this, the news of Dahaad Season 2 being greenlit feels like a mini-rebellion—an act of faith in quality over cautious corporate conservatism.

For the uninitiated (which, at this point, would be a rare few), Dahaad premiered in 2023 with a fiercely memorable cast led by Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Varma, and Gulshan Devaiah. A taut thriller that tackled gender, caste, and socio-political tensions in rural Rajasthan, the series wasn't just good television—it was appointment viewing. It was also, notably, Sonakshi Sinha's debut in the OTT space, and what a riveting debut it was. Backed by creators Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, the show earned its place among the standout web series of the year.

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter India, Season 2 is in the scripting stage, and Prime Video has given the nod to go ahead. A green light in today’s times isn't just a confirmation of logistics, it’s a subtle declaration that some content still cuts through the noise. A source reportedly revealed that the team is "working out the shooting schedule soon," and while there is no official confirmation about the returning cast, anticipation already brews.

Zoya Akhtar, in a 2023 interview, had already dropped hints that writer Reema Kagti had something brewing for the second season. That seed of a thought seems to have grown into a full-fledged project. With the script underway, it is evident that this is not a half-hearted sequel greenlit for algorithmic reasons, but rather a story that demanded more room to breathe.

Of course, the timing of this update is as poetic as it is strategic. In a month that saw two of the more loved Indian web shows—Netflix's Kaala Paani and Prime Video's Guilty Minds—get unceremoniously axed, the conversation around whether budget has begun to dictate creativity in the streaming world hit a fever pitch. The decision to shelve Kaala Paani right before pre-production felt particularly abrupt. It led many to believe that OTT platforms might be pulling back from their earlier risk-taking identities, prioritising profits and safer bets over inventive storytelling.

Which is why Dahaad 2 feels more than just another renewal—it feels like a crack of thunder in a stalling monsoon. That Prime Video is choosing to invest again in a show with heft, nuance, and an ensemble cast that demands both acting chops and layered writing is heartening.

To add to this momentum, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti had already opened the year strong with their film Superboys of Malegaon, which featured Adarsh Gourav, Shashank Arora, Viineet Kumar Singh, and Muskkaan Jafferi. The film, after its festival rounds including a screening at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, saw a theatrical release and earned acclaim for its simplicity and emotional intelligence.

What is worth pondering now is whether Dahaad 2 might set a new precedent. Will we see a resurgence of shows where narrative value trumps numerical viability? The jury's still out, of course. There’s still no clarity on whether the original trio of Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Varma, and Gulshan Devaiah will return, or whether a new cast will take the baton forward. But the fact that this baton is being picked up again is a story in itself.

Perhaps it is also worth interrogating how often stories with a clear sociopolitical gaze get multiple seasons, especially in India. Dahaad dared to go there—and go hard. It wasn’t just about crime and consequences, but about systemic rot and personal redemption. That this narrative is getting a chance to continue is not just a win for the creators, but for the ecosystem as a whole.

And so, while we wait for more clarity, for casting updates, for behind-the-scenes glimpses, it is worth savouring this rare moment where a streaming platform looked beyond the immediate numbers and remembered the power of slow-burn storytelling. In a climate where decisions are made with calculators more than creative conviction, Dahaad 2 is a pulse.

Let’s hope it gets louder.