Punjabi as a language has quietly delivered some of the finest shows on Indian OTT, yet it remains one of the most ignored spaces. In the initial phase of OTT, we got Tabbar in 2021, a deeply emotional crime drama about an ordinary family pushed into murders and Shakespearean sufferings. Then came CAT in 2022, which explored the dark nexus of drugs, politics, and informants in Punjab. In 2023, Kohrra raised the bar even higher. It was not just a murder mystery. It was a powerful look at loneliness, masculinity, and emotional repression. Now, with Kohrra returning for its second season in 2026, it is clear that Punjabi storytelling is not a one-time success. It is a consistent creative force.
What makes these shows special is their honesty. They do not rely on loud twists or artificial drama. They feel rooted in real people and real emotions. The characters are vulnerable and they are beautifully written to say the least. This realism makes them stand out in an OTT space that often chases scale over substance.
And yet, the number of Punjabi original series remains shockingly small. This is not because of a lack of talent or stories. It is because the industry has not invested enough in the language. That needs to change.
Malayalam cinema has already shown how strong regional storytelling can reshape the national conversation. Punjabi content has the same potential. If platforms and creators commit to more original Punjabi series, they will not just diversify OTT. They will elevate it. The success of Tabbar, CAT, and Kohrra proves that the foundation is already strong.