For those who believe great brands are built on vision, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, Made In India: A Titan Story offers a compelling lesson in ambition. Directed by Robby Grewal and inspired by journalist Vinay Kamath’s bestselling book Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand, the six-episode series traces the remarkable rise of Titan Watches from a bold idea to one of India’s most successful consumer brands.
The series opens with a powerful line: “Waqt kisi ke liye nahi rukta, par badal sakta hai, usko visionary bolte hain” (Time does not stop for anyone, but it can certainly change — that is what a visionary does). The dialogue perfectly captures the spirit of the story that follows — the journey of Xerxes Desai, the man who dared to dream of creating a world-class Indian watch brand at a time when foreign products dominated aspirations.
At the heart of the narrative is Xerxes Desai, portrayed brilliantly by Jim Sarbh. His performance anchors the series, capturing both the determination and vulnerability of a man obsessed with creating something extraordinary. Standing beside him is the legendary JRD Tata, played with remarkable grace and authority by Naseeruddin Shah. Together, they form the emotional and strategic backbone of the story.
The origins of Titan are rooted in a challenge. A Swiss watchmaker dismisses India’s ability to produce high-quality watches, provoking JRD Tata and planting the seed for what would eventually become Titan. The insult serves as a catalyst for one of India’s most significant industrial success stories.
Before Titan, however, came Tata Press. The series carefully explores how Xerxes Desai returned to the Tata Group after a brief stint elsewhere and was tasked with reviving the struggling Tata Press. While investigating its losses, he stumbled upon a surprising opportunity. Conversations with industry insiders revealed the enormous demand for watches in India and the thriving black market for imported timepieces. This discovery slowly evolved into a much larger vision — creating an Indian watch that could rival the world’s best.
The show excels in portraying the painstaking process behind building Titan. From boardroom pitches and product design to manufacturing challenges and market research, every stage of the journey is presented with impressive detail. Rather than romanticising entrepreneurship, the series highlights the countless obstacles faced by the team, including government red tape, funding challenges, licensing hurdles, and market scepticism.
One of the strongest aspects of the series is its ensemble cast. Vaibhav Tatwawadi as Akash Bansal, Lakshvir Singh Saran as Gaurav Dhar, Kaveri Seth as Megha Mhatre, and Namita Dubey as Rajini Desai all play crucial roles in bringing Titan’s story to life. Their characters reinforce a central theme of the series — that revolutionary achievements are rarely the work of a single individual.
Visually, the show captures the spirit of the era beautifully. Vintage footage of Bombay’s bustling streets, Chor Bazaar, and retro India is seamlessly blended with classic Bollywood tracks such as Yeh Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra, Main Jhumroo Ban Ke Ghumroo, Yeh Mera Dil, and Zindagi Kaisi Yeh Paheli. These nostalgic touches enrich the storytelling and transport viewers back to the decades when Titan was taking shape.
The series also cleverly blends archival photographs and real-life moments from Titan’s history with dramatized recreations. This fusion of fact and fiction adds authenticity while maintaining an engaging narrative flow.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the story is watching how Titan evolved beyond a simple watch company. The emergence of iconic sub-brands such as Fastrack, Royale, Exacta, and Classique demonstrates the company’s ability to innovate continuously and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The final episodes focus on Titan’s most difficult period. Sales disappoint, distribution challenges mount, and internal tensions threaten to derail years of hard work. Yet these setbacks ultimately become defining moments. With JRD Tata’s continued support and Xerxes Desai’s refusal to surrender, Titan reinvents itself and introduces one of its most iconic innovations — the Titan Edge.
The Titan Edge would go on to redefine slim watchmaking and cement the company’s reputation for engineering excellence. In a fitting conclusion, the series reveals how the brand eventually surpassed many of its critics, including those who once doubted India’s ability to compete globally.
Jim Sarbh delivers one of the finest performances of his career, portraying Xerxes Desai with remarkable depth and conviction. Naseeruddin Shah is equally impressive, embodying JRD Tata’s wisdom, humility, and leadership with effortless finesse. The supporting cast consistently elevates the material, ensuring that every character leaves a lasting impression.
Despite episodes running close to an hour, the pacing remains consistently engaging thanks to crisp editing and focused storytelling. The narrative never loses sight of its core message: transformative success requires courage, patience, and an unshakable belief in one’s vision.
Made In India: A Titan Story is more than a corporate success story. It is a tribute to Indian innovation, perseverance, and the people who dared to challenge global perceptions. By the time the credits roll, viewers are left with a renewed appreciation for the brand that transformed India’s watch industry and proved that world-class craftsmanship could indeed be built at home.
Rating: 4.5/5