The rise of OTT has changed how India watches stories. You can call it a “cinema in your pocket” — a moving theatre where both the latest blockbusters and timeless classics play at your convenience. Platforms have found fame mostly through original web series. From Mirzapur and The Family Man to Panchayat Sacred Games and Gullak the list of binge-worthy hits is long — and all enjoy glowing ratings. Yet buried deep in this streaming race lies a surprise — a decades-old TV show that still beats them all in audience love and critical acclaim. IMDb has stamped it with a score so high even today’s best titles fail to match it. Which show has this unbeatable legacy? The answer takes us back to 1986 when Malgudi Days first aired on Doordarshan. Based on R.K. Narayan’s simple yet soul-stirring short stories this series had a modest start — shot on borrowed funds carrying the warmth of small-town India. Viewers loved it so deeply that the makers not only recovered every rupee of debt but carved an unshakable place in Indian television history. Behind the lens and the magic The first three seasons were directed by the late Shankar Nag with the fourth handled by Kavitha Lankesh. The English version had 13 episodes while the Hindi one stretched to over 50. Season one and two each had 13 episodes while the final season added 15 more. And the numbers? IMDb rates Malgudi Days at a remarkable 9.4 — higher than Panchayat Gullak Mirzapur or The Family Man. Cast characters and more The show’s cast was a strong blend of talent — Girish Karnad Anant Nag and many more. But the heart of it all was “Swami” played by Master Manjunath whose portrayal of an innocent yet spirited schoolboy became unforgettable. His charm pulled viewers into the slow tender world of Malgudi. Such was the cultural impact that Indian Railways renamed Karnataka’s Arasalu railway station to “Malgudi Railway Station” as a tribute. The love for this world didn’t fade with time. In 2020 a film titled Malgudi Days was released written and directed by Kishor Moodbidri and is now streaming on Amazon Prime. But for many the original TV series remains unmatched — its pace simplicity and human warmth offering a sharp contrast to today’s high-octane storytelling.