Indian actor Varun Badola recently shared insights into his role in the fourth season of the crime thriller series Undekhi [1].
Badola's perspective highlights the evolving nature of the Indian entertainment industry as it shifts toward streaming. His experience bridging the gap between writing and acting provides a rare look at the structural demands of long-running crime dramas on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
Badola has a multifaceted history with the series, having written dialogues for the first season before transitioning to act as the character Rajbir Malhotra in subsequent seasons [1]. He said that creating crime thrillers over four seasons [1] is a difficult process due to the narrative complexity required to sustain tension over several years.
The fourth season of Undekhi features a storyline that includes a five-year time jump [2]. This latest installment was released on OTT platforms between April 27 and May 3, 2026 [3].
During his interview, Badola compared the operational differences between traditional television and OTT platforms. He said that while visibility can provide a temporary boost, genuine skill is the only sustainable asset for an actor's career [1]. He said that the industry often places constraints on actors, which can limit their ability to explore varied facets of their craft [4].
Badola said that the transition to digital platforms has changed how stories are told and consumed. He said that the ability to adapt to these new formats is essential for modern performers. By focusing on the technical aspects of acting and the strategy of career longevity, he highlighted the necessity of continuous learning in a competitive market [1].
“Crime thrillers are not easily made in four seasons”
The transition of Indian content from linear television to OTT platforms is creating a demand for more complex, serialized storytelling. Badola's emphasis on skill over visibility reflects a broader industry shift where the 'star system' is being challenged by a preference for performance quality and narrative depth, as seen in the multi-season trajectory of series like Undekhi.
