"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
9 Jun 2026
Long before “Make in India” became a national slogan, a group of dreamers dared to prove that India could create a world-class product capable of competing with the best in the world. Their creation was not a rocket, a car, or a computer—it was a watch.
Now, that remarkable story has found its way to the screen with the release of Made in India: A Titan Story, a six-episode historical drama that traces the journey behind the creation of Titan, India’s first world-class quartz watch.
Released on June 3, 2026, the series is more than a corporate success story. It is a tribute to vision, perseverance, and the belief that Indian innovation could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global giants at a time when the country was still finding its industrial footing.
Set in an era when foreign products dominated the market and Indian manufacturing was often underestimated internationally, the series follows the extraordinary efforts of two visionaries—J.R.D. Tata and Xerxes Desai.
At a time when many believed India lacked the capability to build premium consumer products, these pioneers set out to challenge convention. Their ambition was simple yet audacious: create a watch designed, manufactured, and trusted by Indians. What followed was a journey filled with bureaucratic roadblocks, financial hurdles, skepticism, and resistance from established players. Yet the dream persisted.
The result was Titan, a brand that would eventually redefine how Indians viewed timepieces and become one of the country's most recognizable success stories.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah steps into the role of the legendary J.R.D. Tata, portraying a leader whose greatest strength was his ability to inspire people to think beyond limitations. Through Shah’s nuanced performance, viewers witness a mentor who nurtured talent and trusted bold ideas.
Opposite him, Jim Sarbh delivers a compelling portrayal of Xerxes Desai, the charismatic and visionary force behind Titan. Desai emerges as a quietly rebellious entrepreneur determined to challenge the status quo and build something unprecedented. The chemistry between the two characters forms the heart of the series.
Great achievements are rarely the work of one individual. The series highlights the talented team that stood beside Desai during Titan’s formative years. Vaibhav Tatwawadi plays Akash Dixit, a trusted confidant who helps navigate crises, secure support, and maintain momentum during difficult phases.
Other key characters include Gaurav Dhar, Megha Mhatre, and several dedicated professionals who contribute their expertise to the mission. Together, they represent the engineers, dreamers, managers, and innovators who worked tirelessly to bring Titan to life.
When Titan launched its quartz watches in the late 1980s, it did more than introduce a new product. It challenged long-standing consumer habits. At a time when winding mechanical watches was routine and established brands dominated the market, Titan offered a modern alternative that symbolized quality, reliability, and innovation.
The company’s success became proof that Indian manufacturing could compete globally without compromising on design or technology. In many ways, Titan became a symbol of a changing India—an India increasingly confident in its ability to create products that could rival international standards.
Directed by Robbie Grewal and inspired by Vinay Kamath’s acclaimed book, Made in India: A Titan Story arrives at a moment when conversations around entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance are more relevant than ever.
The series captures the excitement of building something from scratch, the challenges of pursuing an unconventional idea, and the courage required to persist when success seems distant. More than a nostalgic look at one of India’s most beloved brands, it is a reminder that transformative achievements often begin with a simple belief: that the impossible can be made possible.
'Made in India: A Titan Story' premiered on June 3 and is currently streaming on MX Player.