When it comes to coming-of-age romance shows in India, Flames holds a special place in the hearts of viewers. Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), this Hindi-language web series captures the innocence, awkwardness, and butterflies of first love with such honesty that it instantly feels relatable. Set against the backdrop of a Delhi tuition center, Flames takes its name from the popular childhood game and beautifully traces the chemistry, confusion, and emotional growth of teenagers navigating studies, friendships, and budding romance. Whether it is the nostalgic vibe of coaching classes or the simplicity of teenage crushes, the series strikes the right chord with audiences across age groups. Here is everything you need to know about the cast, crew, OTT platform, story, and more.
Cast and Crew
The series features a charming ensemble of young and supporting actors who bring authenticity to every character. The main cast includes:
- Ritvik Sahore as Rajat Bakshi (lead male role)
- Tanya Maniktala as Ishita Sharma (lead female role)
- Sunakshi Grover as Gauri Brar
- Shivam Kakar as Pandu (Pradyumna)
- Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish as Pradeep “Kaushal Sir”
- Neelu Dogra as Geeta Bakshi (Rajat’s mother)
- Purnendu Bhattacharya as Mr. Bakshi (Rajat’s father)
- Raj Sharma as Ishita’s father
- Nikki Narulaa as Radha Kaushal, Pradeep’s wife
- Sahil Verma as Abhijat Walia, Maths teacher
On the technical front, the series is directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and Divyanshu Malhotra, with Arunabh Kumar serving as the producer. The show is created and produced under the banner of The Viral Fever (TVF), with writing contributions from Kunal Aneja and Jasdeep Singh, who give the dialogues their signature realistic flavour.
OTT Platform
Flames originally premiered on MX Player in 2018 and gained massive popularity across the digital space. The series is now also available on Amazon Prime Video and on TVF’s official YouTube channel and TVF Play app, making it accessible to fans across multiple platforms. The first season released in February 2018, the second in October 2019, the third season dropped in October 2022, and the fourth season followed in 2023, completing the journey of its beloved characters.
Story and Premise
Flames is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age romantic drama web series that takes its name from the classic schoolyard game used to predict relationships — Friends, Lovers, Affectionate, Married, Engaged, Sisters/Siblings.
The story is set in Sunshine Tuition Centre in west Delhi and follows the lives of two students, Rajat and Ishita. Rajat is a studious, rule-abiding boy who develops an instant crush on Ishita, the new girl in class who is equally smart and charming. As the two slowly grow closer, their bond evolves from awkward stares and nervous conversations into a heartfelt romance built on shared dreams, study sessions, and small, tender moments. Around them are their best friends Pandu and Gauri, whose own quirky love story adds humour and warmth to the narrative.
As the seasons progress, the show transitions from a sweet teenage crush story into a deeper exploration of growing up. Rajat and Ishita face the realities of long-distance, college life, career pressures, family expectations, and the changing dynamics of love as they mature. Conflicts with parents, friend-zone heartbreaks, exam stress, and the painful balance between ambition and relationships form the emotional core of the later seasons. Through it all, the series stays grounded in its simplicity, never glamorizing emotions but instead presenting them in their rawest, most relatable form.
Reception and Appeal
Flames has been widely praised for its authentic writing, natural performances, and refreshing portrayal of young love without the over-the-top drama typical of mainstream content. Ritvik Sahore and Tanya Maniktala’s effortless chemistry has made them one of the most loved on-screen pairs in the Indian web space. The supporting cast, especially Shivam Kakar and Sunakshi Grover, also became fan favourites for their comic timing and emotional depth. The show’s nostalgic feel, evocative background music, and small but meaningful storylines have helped it earn a strong cult following.
Final Thoughts
Flames is more than just a teenage romance series — it is a heartfelt journey that mirrors the real, awkward, and beautiful chapters of growing up. With its memorable cast, simple yet powerful storytelling, and emotionally rich moments, the show stands as one of TVF’s finest creations. For anyone who has ever experienced their first crush, written notes during boring lectures, or dreamed of love in a tuition class, Flames feels like reliving those golden days all over again — making it a must-watch for every romance fan.
