Prime Video’s original Hindi series Bandwaale will premiere on 13 February. The series stars Zahan Kapoor, Shalini Pandey and Swanand Kirkire, with music by Yashraj Mukhate.
Created and written by Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire, Bandwaale is directed by Akshat Verma and Ankur Tewari, and produced by OML Entertainment.
What is Bandwaale about?
Set in Ratlam, Bandwaale follows Mariam, a young poetess searching for independence and sense of self. She begins sharing her poetry anonymouslyonline, deeply personal poems by Kausar Munir that give voice to emotions she finds difficult to articulate otherwise.
Mariam’s journey unfolds alongside Robo and DJ Psycho, her bandmates and closest companions from the same town, who bring music, humour, and companionship into her world. While Mariam expresses herself through poetry, Robo and DJ Psycho anchor the trio through their shared creative energy and belief in possibility. Spanning 8 episodes, the story traces Mariam’s emotional and creative journey, where small choices and relationships gradually shape confidence and personal growth.
“Bandwaale is a story that grew from everyday observations about expression, hesitation, and the quiet courage it takes to be yourself.” says Swanand Kirkire, actor, co-creator and co-writer. “Mariam’s journey reflects how creativity, friendship, and music can offer strength in moments of doubt. Writing this series allowed us to explore how small choices slowly shape confidence and identity. I’m grateful to Prime Video and OML Entertainment for supporting a story that is intimate in scale, yet universal in emotion, and I look forward to audiences discovering Mariam’s journey when the series premieres.”
What to expect from Bandwaale?
At it’s core, Bandwaale has a rich and diverse musical landscape that reflects the inner lives of its characters. The music is composed by Yashraj Mukhate, his first for a long-format series. The music shapes the emotional journey of the story, making it central to the narrative. While music and poetry play a central role in the narrative, the series remains firmly character-driven, focusing on relationships, doubts, choices, and personal growth.
With creators Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire being musicians themselves, Bandwaale carries a strong musical sensibility lending the dramedy a layered and immersive experience.
“From the very beginning our intention with Bandwaale was to tell a grounded story that feels honest and familiar.” says Ankur Tewari, co-writer, co-creator and co-director. “Working closely with Swanand Kirkire and our amazing team, we wanted to stay true to Mariam’s world, her questions, her conflicts, and the way her poetry shapes her self-discovery. Prime Video’s creative trust allowed us to stay true to the tone of the story, and I’m excited for audiences to experience this warm, heartfelt series.”
Bandwaale cast
The series features a Shalini Pandey, Zahan Kapoor, Swanand Kirkire, Sanjana Dipu, Ashish Vidyarthi and Anupama Kumar in key roles.
“At Prime Video, we stay committed to showcase stories that are authentic in voice and distinctive in tone. Bandwaale is a warm, grounded comedy drama that brings together a beautiful blend of music, humour and emotions in a story rooted in familiar realities,” says Nikhil Madhok, Director and Head of Originals, Prime Video India.
“The series reflects our continued focus on creator-first storytelling, and our collaboration with OML Entertainment, allowed us to support such a passionate narrative that feels immersive yet widely relatable. With a talented ensemble and a thoughtful creative vision, we believe Bandwaale will truly resonate with audiences in India and beyond,” Madhok adds.
“At OML, we gravitate towards stories that feel honest, rooted, and reflective of lived experiences and Bandwaale embodies that approach. At its core, the series is about discovering one’s identity and challenging expectations that are imposed rather than chosen. Collaborating once again with Prime Video has been immensely fulfilling, particularly given their continued support for creator-driven narratives to find a global audience,” says Tusharr Kumar, CEO, OML Entertainment.
“Partnering with Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire to bring Mariam’s journey to life alongside an exceptional cast and crew has been a rewarding experience. We look forward to audiences across India and the world discovering Bandwaale when it premieres on Prime Video,” he adds.
How to watch Bandwaale?
Bandwaale will premiere exclusively on Prime Video across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 13.
