DocuBay’s original documentary ‘Fanatics’ has scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indian documentary to win the Best Documentary Programme (OTT) at the 30th Asian Television Awards 2025 held in Indonesia.

The achievement marks a major milestone not only for DocuBay—part of The EPIC Company (formerly IN10 Media Network)—but also for India’s growing nonfiction ecosystem.

According to a press release, ‘Fanatics’, produced by Arpita Chatterjee under STUDIO 9 and directed by Aryan D Roy, dives deep into the emotionally charged and culturally layered world of South Indian cinema fandom.

The film examines how fan devotion often borders on worship, with actors viewed as larger-than-life figures whose influence extends far beyond the screen. Through intense narratives, socio-cultural insights and rarely seen perspectives, the documentary captures how pride, rivalry, and identity shape fan behaviour—sometimes escalating into real-world consequences.

With compelling interviews from major stars such as Allu Arjun and Kiccha Sudeep, ‘Fanatics’ explores the psychology behind fan culture and traces how social media has amplified both unity and conflict across fan communities. Its raw, unfiltered portrayal of a region where cinema operates almost as a religion has resonated with audiences and jury members alike.

The category at this year’s Asian Television Awards was packed with strong global contenders. Competing films included Bitter Sweet Ballad from iQiyi and multiple Chinese studios; Taiwan’s Polar Alarm: How Our Carbon Footprint is Destroying Penguin Habitats; Life on the Millennia Old Grand Canal from Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation; Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli by Applause Entertainment, Netflix and Film Companion Studios; and Echoes of Life by China Global Television Network.

Amid such powerful entries, DocuBay stood out with three nominations—’Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of Indian Air Force’, ‘The Dupatta Killer’, and the now award-winning Fanatics. This marks a defining moment for the platform as it continues to scale its slate of culturally rooted, globally compelling nonfiction titles.

At the ceremony in Indonesia, the award was received by Samar Khan, Chief Content Officer, DocuBay, and Adita Jain, VP – Acquisition & Syndication, The EPIC Company. The win reinforces DocuBay’s vision of elevating Indian factual storytelling to global platforms and audiences.

‘Fanatics’ is now streaming exclusively on DocuBay.