A brass band playing at a wedding, a poem posted anonymously online, and three young people trying to figure out what their art means in a town that already knows their limits. Prime Video’s Bandwaale brings these threads together in a heartfelt musical dramedy set in Ratlam, where tradition and ambition constantly rub against each other. The series follows three misfits, Mariam, Robo, and DJ Psycho, who find connection through music, friendship, and the need to be heard beyond familiar lanes and inherited expectations. Blending poetry, humour, and a fusion of ‘Desi Raag’ and ‘Modern Swag’, Bandwaale is as much about finding your voice as it is about finding your people. Here are five reasons why it should be on your watchlist!
A Stellar Ensemble
Led by Shalini Pandey as Mariam, Swanand Kirkire as Robo, and Zahan Kapoor as DJ Psycho, Bandwaale features a powerhouse ensemble, including Sanjana Dipu, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Anupama Kumar in supporting roles. Together, the cast elevates the series beyond a conventional coming-of-age story. Their performances never try too hard to impress, and that subtlety aligns perfectly with the series’ grounded tone. Bandwaale marks Swanand Kirkire’s debut as a series creator and Ankur Tewari steps into long-form storytelling for the first time.
Music That Is the Soul of the Story
In Bandwaale, music is the story’s soul. With original compositions by Yashraj Mukhate and poems penned by Kausar Munir, the music reflects the inner lives of the characters. The creative vision of musician-creators Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire further lends the musical dramedy an authentic, layered sensibility, making every beat, lyric, and silence feel intentional.
A Small-Town Story That Feels Personal and Real
At the centre of Bandwaale is Mariam, a young poet trying to carve space for herself in a town that feels too small for her aspirations. As she begins sharing her poetry anonymously online, her quiet rebellion becomes a journey towards self-discovery. The series captures the emotional texture of small-town life with nuance, showing ambition without turning it into melodrama. Mariam’s story feels personal and relatable because it speaks to anyone who has ever tried to grow beyond the boundaries placed around them.
Three Unlikely Dreamers You’ll Root For Instantly
Mariam’s journey unfolds alongside her bandmates and closest companions, Robo, a brass band singer, and DJ Psycho. Together, the trio leans on humour, shared ambition, and creative energy to imagine a life beyond their circumstances. Their bond forms the emotional core of the series, capturing the fragile hope that art can be both a way out and a way forward. You root for them not because they might “make it,” but because their friendship is already a victory.
Humour That Feels Natural
While Bandwaale explores themes of identity and self-discovery, it never forgets to have fun along the way. The humour flows effortlessly and organically through the trio’s dynamic, from playful banter and awkward encounters to the quirks of small-town life. It’s the kind of comedy that feels natural, situational, character-driven, and sharp with its comic timing. Because sometimes, the most honest stories are also the funniest ones!
Created and written by Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire, and directed by Akshat Verma and Ankur Tewari, Bandwaale is produced by OML Entertainment. The musical dramedy is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
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