2025 was the year SonyLIV took its reputation for preferring “quality over quantity” deadly seriously. So seriously, in fact, that the platform didn’t release any original titles in January and June last year. It kept things afloat with licensed releases here and there. There’s no denying, however, that the streamer focused on a curated slate prioritising historical gravity, experimental crime formats, and the return of its most beloved political titan.
After a quiet January, SonyLIV returned with Bada Naam Karenge, a much-needed breath of fresh air with the familiar Rajshri Productions touch. Directed by Palash Vaswani, the series was hailed by viewers as a heartwarming family drama that skilfully captured the generational gap. Audiences resonated with its sincerity, making it a sleeper hit for those seeking comfort over thrillers.
The Waking of a Nation was another gem from SonyLIV, premiering in March 2025. Despite some complaints about historical pandering and emotional manipulation, the show connected well with audiences, thanks to its outstanding performances and gripping narrative.
In April 2025, Chamak: The Conclusion stole the spotlight, managing to hit high notes most of the time and benefitting immensely from a pulsating soundtrack and a standout performance by Manoj Pahwa. However, Adrishyam Season 2 proved to be a complete disappointment, despite being marginally better than its debut chapter.
SonyLIV went bold in May. Black, White and Gray was a critical darling for its meta-fiction approach, a mockumentary/restaging hybrid that deconstructed the true-crime genre. Close on its heels, Kankhajura (an adaptation of the Israeli show Magpie) received glowing reviews, with special praise for Roshan Mathew’s remarkable performance and its slow-burn psychological depth.
Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the seven-episode investigative drama The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case (July 2025) was frequently compared to Scam 1992 for its technical brilliance. It was lauded for its authenticity, particularly the decision to retain Tamil and Kannada dialogue, making it a high-engagement title in the South Indian market.
SonyLIV was on fire in August last year. Mayasabha, Court Kacheri, and The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang all received highly positive responses from viewers, despite more mixed reactions from critics. While Mayasabha was noted for its slower pace, strong performances from Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao made it a compelling watch.
TVF’s Court Kacheri became a fan favourite, earning praise for the chemistry between Pavan Malhotra and Ashish Verma. Meanwhile, the dark horse was The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang, a Malayalam gangster epic celebrated for its mischief and bite.
13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms (October 2025) explored mentorship and start-up culture. While critics found it somewhat middling and preachy, Gagan Dev Riar’s performance (of Scam 2003 fame) kept audiences engaged.
Maharani Season 4 returned with a bang on SonyLIV in November. While some tropes felt familiar, the sharp writing and Huma Qureshi’s evolution as Rani Bharti cemented it as one of the year’s finest political dramas.
2025 ended on a high note of grit and hope. Kuttram Purindhavan was celebrated as a nuanced, slow-burning gem anchored by Pasupathy. Meanwhile, Real Kashmir FC provided the year’s most inspiring finale, telling a true story of resilience in the Valley, backed by Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul.
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