The new Telugu web series ‘All India Rankers’ is getting people talking—for better or worse. While fans are loving the nostalgic vibe and storytelling, others say the show crossed a line.
A Surprise Hit—With Some Unexpected Backlash
The ETV Win original All India Rankers kind of snuck onto the OTT scene. It didn’t have a flashy launch or big-budget promos—but somehow, it found its audience. Set in a 1990s IIT coaching academy in Vijayawada, the show follows a bunch of students as they juggle pressure, friendships, self-discovery, and yes—caste dynamics.
Over the past few days, social media has lit up with complaints. Some viewers claim the show paints their caste in a bad light, especially in a few specific scenes. That criticism has quickly turned into a mini storm, with heated debates and hashtags flying around.
What the Creators Are Saying
The creators, though, are standing by their work.
Sandeep Raj—the Vijayawada-based director known for his raw, grounded storytelling—produced the series. He says there was never any agenda behind the scenes. According to him, All India Rankers is simply telling it like it was. Back in the ’90s, caste issues did shape student life in many Andhra colleges, and this show reflects that reality.
Director Joseph Clinton, along with lead actor Harsh Roshan (remember him from Nani’s Court?), helped bring the story to life on a modest budget. And honestly, that “realness” may be exactly why it’s resonating with so many.
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Controversy = Free Publicity?
Whether the backlash was fair or not, one thing’s for sure: the controversy gave AIR a massive boost.
People who’d never even heard of it are now curious enough to stream it. In fact, with many other Telugu OTT releases struggling lately, All India Rankers is now climbing the charts on ETV Win and even gaining traction on platforms like OTTplay.
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Where Things Stand Now
For all its criticism, AIR is being praised just as much—if not more—for its storytelling, characters, and honest take on a stressful time in students’ lives. It’s nostalgic, raw, and hits home for a lot of people who went through the rigors of coaching centers in small-town India.
Still, it’s unclear how this storm will affect the show’s future. Will the makers address concerns more directly? Will the buzz fade out in a week? Either way, All India Rankers has already made its mark.
Final Take
In a world where OTT content is getting flashier by the day, All India Rankers is proof that simple, honest storytelling can still win hearts—and stir up important conversations
