Madhuri Dixit's latest web series, Mrs. Deshpande, has taken the Indian OTT landscape by storm, achieving a remarkable feat by topping viewership charts and surpassing the highly anticipated Stranger Things Season 5. The series, which premiered on Jio Hotstar on December 19, 2025, has garnered immense popularity among audiences, securing the number one position with 4.2 million views for the week of December 22-28, 2025, according to Ormax Media. Stranger Things Season 5, a global phenomenon, trailed behind with 3.3 million views.
Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Mrs. Deshpande features Madhuri Dixit in the lead role as Seema Deshpande, a convicted serial killer who is released from prison to help catch a copycat killer. Her estranged son, Detective Tejas, is also involved in the case, adding depth to the thriller. The series is an adaptation of the French series The Mantis. While the critics' reviews have been mixed, the audience response indicates a strong preference for the engaging storyline and Madhuri Dixit's powerful performance. This marks Madhuri Dixit's second lead role in an OTT series, following her debut in Netflix's The Fame Game.
The success of Mrs. Deshpande highlights the growing demand for Indian content that can compete with international blockbusters on streaming platforms. Sameer Nair, CEO of Applause Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the audience's love for the series, praising Madhuri Dixit's performance and Nagesh Kukunoor's direction. He also acknowledged the power of Jio Hotstar in making the show a success.
In addition to its success in India, Mrs. Deshpande has also made its mark internationally, breaking into the top 10 in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. This demonstrates the increasing global appeal of Indian original content and the potential for these shows to outperform major international hits.
Other shows featured in the Ormax top five list include Netflix's Single Papa, starring Kunal Kemmu, which secured the third position with 1.8 million views. The Malayalam series Pharma followed in fourth place with 1.6 million views, and Amazon Prime Video's Four More Shots Please Season 4 rounded out the top five.
The triumph of Mrs. Deshpande not only showcases Madhuri Dixit's enduring star power but also signals a shift in the OTT landscape, with Indian content gaining prominence and captivating audiences both domestically and internationally.
