The Indian digital entertainment landscape has witnessed a flood of bold, experimental content over the past few years, and few shows captured the attention of audiences quite like Mastram. Loosely inspired by the life of the legendary pulp fiction writer who shaped an entire generation’s reading habits in small-town India, this web series blends nostalgia, humour, sensuality, and sharp social observation into one curious package. With its 1980s setting, quirky characters, and unapologetic storytelling, Mastram sparked debates, drew curious viewers in droves, and eventually became one of the most talked-about Hindi web series of its time. Here is everything you need to know about the cast, crew, OTT platform, story, and more.
Story and Premise
The story revolves around Rajaram, an aspiring writer in the 1980s living in a remote valley, whose initial book is dismissed as boring. Frustrated, he is taken by his friend to a shady theatre where he watches soft porn for the first time, and after exiting in disgust, he is told this is what the public wants to read. Drawing from his real-life observations, encounters, and memories, Rajaram begins crafting steamy short stories, each inspired by a person he meets or a moment from his past. His first story, “Khali bus ka suhana safar,” is sparked by a woman named Rani who flirts with him on a bus, while his second tale, “Master ji ka danda,” draws from a memory of his school days. As his erotica gains underground popularity, Rajaram simultaneously juggles a budding romance with Madhu, whom he eventually plans to marry. The narrative cleverly weaves Rajaram’s secret double life as the mysterious “Mastram” with the warmth, comedy, and chaos of his everyday existence in small-town India.
Cast and Crew
The series boasts a strong ensemble of talented performers who breathe life into the eccentric world of Mastram. Anshuman Jha plays the lead role of Rajaram, while Tara Alisha Berry portrays Madhu, his love interest. Aakash Dabhade appears as Gopal, Jagat Rawat plays Mama, and Vipin Sharma also features in the cast. Other notable actors include Rani Chatterjee, Murari Kumar, Ghanshyam Garg, Jignesh Joshi, and Ambika, all playing pivotal roles across the ten episodes. On the technical side, the series was directed by Harish Vyas, and its first season released on 30 April 2020 with ten episodes. Prabhleen Sandhu served as the producer, with Almighty Motion Pictures backing the production.
OTT Platform
Mastram is an Indian erotic drama streaming series that originally premiered on MX Player. However, it was later removed from the platform following the implementation of the IT Rules 2021, after which the series was acquired by the Ullu platform. This shift made the show accessible to subscribers on Ullu, where adult-themed content is more commonly hosted.
Episodes and Reception
The series consists of ten episodes, each roughly thirty minutes long, allowing for tight, self-contained narratives that connect into a larger arc. Audience response was a mixed bag — many praised the strong writing, period detailing, and Anshuman Jha’s grounded performance, while others felt the show leaned too heavily on its sensual elements. Despite the polarising opinions, Mastram developed a niche fan following thanks to its distinct flavour of small-town humour and storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Mastram stands out in the crowded Indian OTT space as a series that dared to revisit a culturally significant yet rarely discussed slice of pulp literature history. With its compelling premise, period authenticity, and committed performances, the show offers more than just titillation — it presents a writer’s journey, a love story, and a snapshot of an India that thrived on whispered tales and dog-eared paperbacks.