'Made in India – A Titan Story' review: Jim Sarbh, Naseeruddin Shah shine
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
'Made in India – A Titan Story', the new series chronicling the birth of Titan Watches, lands as a rare blend of inspirational drama and cinematic craft, anchored by standout performances from Jim Sarbh and Naseeruddin Shah. Directed by Robbie Grewal and written by Karan Vyas, the show traces how Xerxes Desai's vision — backed by the quiet conviction of J.R.D. Tata — gave India one of its most enduring consumer brands.
What the series is about
At its heart, the series is a tribute to institutional belief. It follows Xerxes Desai, the man entrusted with turning an ambitious idea into a homegrown watchmaking giant, and the unwavering faith J.R.D. Tata placed in him. What unfolds is less a corporate origin story and more a meditation on ambition, risk, and the quiet power of trust that turns dreams into legacy.
Performances that anchor the show
Jim Sarbh delivers one of his most layered turns to date as Xerxes Desai — controlled yet emotionally porous, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a man chasing something larger than himself. Naseeruddin Shah, as J.R.D. Tata, is understated brilliance; even with limited screen time, his presence forms the emotional spine of the series — commanding, graceful, and quietly powerful.
The ensemble adds genuine texture. Namita Dubey brings sincerity, Lakshveer Saran carries emotional weight, and Kaveri Seth lends authenticity. Supporting turns from Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Paresh Ganatra, Ashwath Bhatt, Viraf Patel, Joy Sengupta, and Prateeksha Lonkar build a world that feels lived-in rather than staged.
Craft, scale and storytelling
Director Robbie Grewal handles the material with precision and maturity, letting the story breathe without losing narrative grip. Writer Karan Vyas's dialogues feel organic yet purposeful, avoiding the over-explanation that often weighs down period dramas.
Visually, the show carries a cinematic scale — elegant production design, carefully chosen locations, and a background score that subtly amplifies the emotional beats. The integration of classic music adds texture without overwhelming the narrative.
Why it matters
Backed by Almighty Motion Picture and co-produced with T-Series Films, the series sits in a small but growing slate of Indian streaming projects built around real institutional histories. Patriotism seeps in naturally as the story unfolds, but the show resists the temptation to lecture — its pride is in the telling, not the messaging.
For viewers, 'Made in India – A Titan Story' is more than a watch — it is a reminder of the power of vision, perseverance, and nation-building, and a strong addition to India's expanding catalogue of homegrown biographical drama.