‘Made In India – A Titan Story’ Review: A Watchable Triumph That Stands The Test Of Time

Inspired by journalist Vinay Kamath’s bestselling book “Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand,” “Made In India - A Titan Story” opens in Mumbai in 1978, grounded by the hauntingly accurate notes of “Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu... Jo Bhi Hai, Bas Yahi Ek Pal Hai." It’s a brilliant, timely choice of a song for a story that is entirely about capturing time itself. Right from the word go, Jim Sarbh makes a stellar first impression as the legendary Xerxes Desai — the maverick who built the groundbreaking enterprise of Titan Watches from scratch. Sarbh infuses the character with incredible ideas, sharp intent, and a biting wit that keeps you hooked.

Alongside the stellar characters, 1970s Bombay emerges as a character in its own right, drenched in a distinct retro charm. From the bustling lanes of Zaveri Bazaar to the hallowed halls of Tata House, the show beautifully recreates the eras it traverses. Adding immensely to this atmosphere is a stellar soundtrack of old Hindi gems — from the whimsical “Jhoom Jhoom Jhumru” to the melancholic “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli” and the triumphant “Saathi Haath Badhana.” These songs are not just background noise; they are the emotional heartbeat of the narrative.

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While Titan may have been Desai’s brainchild, the show rightly emphasizes that he didn’t do it alone. The ensemble cast packs a solid punch. The relationship between JRD Tata (played with effortless grace by Naseeruddin Shah) and Xerxes perfectly captures the essence of deep trust and visionary teamwork. With JRD serving as his constant North Star and his friend Akash Bansal (Vaibhav Tatwawaadi) acting as his trusted confidant, the duo successfully makes history. 

The supporting cast, including Namita Dubey as Xerxes’s supportive wife Rajini, Lakshvir Singh Saran as Gaurav Dhar, and Kaveri Seth as Megha Mhatre, is integral to bringing this legacy to the screen. The subplot involving Gaurav and Megha is particularly delightful. You know they are destined to fall in love, but it is their shared professional journey and how they collaborate to make the brand better that truly makes you root for them.

The undisputed high point of the series is the “Eureka” moment of creating the iconic Titan tune. Watching the birth of that advertisement — a melody that has transcended time to become a part of Indian culture, history, and heritage — is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. It is more than just a trip down memory lane; it is a testament to a brand that represents India for what we are.

The show isn’t without its flaws. At times, conversations are driven so heavily by emotions and nostalgia that audiences might pause to wonder where the cold, corporate practicality went. It does get over-the-top occasionally. However, even when the drama feels slightly dramatized, it’s easy to forgive because the show never loses sight of the fact that these real-life pioneers always had their hearts in the right place.

Ultimately, despite a few dramatic detours, this homegrown story is a definitive must-watch that is well worth your time, proving that some legacies only get better with every passing second.