News

From the adrenaline-charged world of live sports broadcasting to crafting some of India's most talked-about digital narratives, Mautik Tolia’s journey is one marked by bold transitions and creative conviction.

As the Managing Director of Bodhitree Multimedia Ltd, Mautik has steered the company into the heart of India’s rapidly evolving content ecosystem, creating genre-defying shows like The Raikar Case, Class, and The Gone Game.

With a sharp eye for layered storytelling and a deep respect for audience sensibilities, Mautik continues to push the envelope, whether it's through regional storytelling, digital-first strategies, or experimenting with emerging technologies.

In this candid conversation with MoneyControl.com, he unpacks the vision, risks, and responsibilities that shape his storytelling ethos.

Your journey from sports broadcasting to founding Bodhitree Multimedia seems fascinating. What inspired your transition into entertainment content creation?

Sports gave me a front-row seat to raw, unscripted drama, but I kept feeling the urge to build something from scratch. I wasn’t content just capturing great moments; I wanted to craft them. I’ve always been drawn to stories that linger, characters that evolve, and worlds that feel lived-in. That passion—to create, not just observe—is what pulled me toward fiction and long-form storytelling. It’s where I found my voice.

What has been your core vision behind building this brand?

The vision was always to create a space where compelling stories could truly flourish, regardless of genre, format, or convention. I wanted to build a brand that respects both the creator and the audience, where storytelling is treated with care, depth, and empathy. For me, success is when a story lives on in the minds of the audience—when it moves them, makes them think, or simply stays. Bodhitree Multimedia was imagined as a space where ideas could be nurtured with passion and precision, and where creativity wasn’t boxed in, but allowed to grow with intent.

In the age of short attention spans and binge-watching, how do you think viewer habits have evolved, and how is Bodhitree adapting to these shifts?

Viewer habits have transformed dramatically; audiences today expect to be hooked within seconds and often prefer to consume entire series in one go. At Bodhitree Multimedia, we see this as a creative challenge and an opportunity. We design our stories with strong openings, dynamic pacing, and layered characters that keep viewers invested from episode to episode. By closely tracking audience data and trends, we refine our narratives to match modern consumption patterns. Ultimately, our goal is to create content that not only captures attention quickly but also sustains engagement.

With digital-first consumption on the rise, what role do platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or even regional OTTs play in your content strategies?

Digital-first platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and regional OTTs are now central to our content strategy. They’re more than just marketing-they’re creative playgrounds and discovery engines, helping us reach new audiences and experiment with fresh formats. With the recent launch of Bodhi Tree Ventures, we’re moving beyond traditional content creation to actually own and monetise digital IPs across these platforms. This marks a pivotal shift from just making content to building and scaling future-ready digital assets. Our goal is to shape a resilient, forward-looking business that thrives in today’s growing creator economy

You've worked with leading OTT players like Netflix and Hotstar. How do content expectations differ between traditional broadcasters and OTT platforms?

Broadcasters stick to family-friendly content with scheduling constraints, focusing on mass appeal and linear ratings. OTT platforms, on the other hand, give us more creative freedom, encouraging bold, niche stories that can push boundaries. They prioritise binge-worthy, serialised content that engages subscribers, allowing us to explore complex themes and innovative formats that might not fit traditional TV.

Netflix’s Class was a bold adaptation that sparked conversations on privilege, youth, and identity. What were the biggest challenges in localising a show like Elite for Indian audiences?

Adapting Elite into Class was more than just changing the setting—it was about grounding the story in India’s unique social dynamics. As a producer, the biggest challenge was weaving in the complexities of class, caste, and family, ensuring each character felt authentic and relatable to Indian youth. We had to balance the original’s boldness with cultural nuances, making sure the themes of privilege and identity sparked meaningful conversations. It was about retaining the edgy tone of Elite while ensuring the narrative was unmistakably Indian, true to both its roots and its new audience.

From thrillers like The Raikar Case to edgy dramas like Class, Bodhitree has explored a wide range of genres. How do you decide what genre to venture into next?

As producers, we never start with a genre—we start with a story that excites us and feels relevant. Whether it's a thriller like The Raikar Case, an edgy drama like Class, or a success like Gunaah, the narrative is what drives us. If the story is strong and the characters offer real depth, we rally the entire team to bring it to life. Every project is a collective effort, with writers, directors, and actors adding layers that make the story resonate. It takes a village to create a hit, and our choices are shaped by both creative instinct and a keen sense of what audiences are feeling right now. Ultimately, delivering the best means building stories that connect, regardless of genre.

The conversation around content censorship on OTT platforms has been heating up, especially with political and social sensitivities involved. How do you navigate these waters creatively and ethically?

As producers, we take content sensitivities seriously, ensuring our stories are both honest and respectful of the diverse perspectives around us. While we aim to reflect the world authentically, we approach complex themes with empathy, intent, and responsibility. Our creative decisions are guided by a commitment to engage thoughtfully, never to provoke, and always to contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation. We balance creative freedom with cultural and regulatory considerations, ensuring our narratives resonate with authenticity and care.

Do OTT platforms offer enough protection and creative leeway for producers and writers to tell bold, truthful stories in today’s climate? Or do you feel we’re entering a phase of self-censorship?

OTT platforms have expanded creative possibilities, giving producers and writers more room for bold and layered storytelling. Still, the landscape is shifting, there’s more awareness of sensitivities and evolving regulations, which sometimes leads to self-censorship as creators anticipate reactions. For us, it’s about finding that balance: we aim to stay true to our voice while being mindful of the broader environment and guidelines.

Our projects like The Gone Game, which we shot virtually during the pandemic, and Fear Files, where we explored real-life supernatural experiences, are examples of how we push boundaries with honesty and care. Ultimately, the most powerful stories come from intent, empathy, and responsibility guiding every creative choice.

How important is risk-taking and genre experimentation in today's competitive content landscape? Can you share an example where taking a risk paid off?

Risk-taking and genre experimentation are essential in today’s crowded content landscape. Audiences crave stories that surprise and challenge them, so as producers, we have to keep pushing boundaries. During the pandemic, we took a leap with The Gone Game, a psychological thriller shot and released virtually, which was a first for Indian streaming. Similarly, with Class, we adapted a bold international format for Indian youth, sparking important conversations. Our earlier series, The Raikar Case, blended family drama with suspense, taking risks in both form and theme. Each time, these choices paid off by connecting deeply with viewers and setting new benchmarks for what’s possible in Indian storytelling.

Bodhitree also produces content in regional languages like Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali. What regional trends have caught your attention recently?

What excites us most as producers is how regional storytelling is thriving, with bold, rooted narratives in languages like Tamil, Marathi, and Malayalam finding both national and global resonance. Audiences are embracing stories that reflect their worlds, yet speak universally. At Bodhitree Multimedia, we’re inspired by this shift and committed to exploring untapped regions and genres, always celebrating identity, language, and emotion with authenticity and intent.

What’s your take on the evolving future of content distribution? Do you see innovations like AI-driven personalisation or gamified content changing the landscape?

As producers, we see AI-driven personalisation and interactive formats as exciting frontiers in content distribution. While great storytelling remains our foundation, tools like AI can help us reach and engage audiences in smarter ways. With Madlab Alpha, our new venture with Madlabs Films and Universe of Ideas, we’re building a creative lab focused on cerebral thrillers, speculative dramas, and immersive formats. It’s our way of future-proofing storytelling—bold, experimental, and deeply audience-aware.

What advice would you give to emerging content creators looking to make their mark in the Indian or global media ecosystem?

My advice to emerging creators is simple: start with a story only you can tell. Stay true to your voice—audiences respond to authenticity. Don’t just chase trends; create what excites you, take risks, and keep learning. In a crowded landscape, what stands out is heart, craft, and a clear point of view. Build your tribe, stay curious, and trust your instincts.

Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

${res.must_watch_article[0].headline}

Stock Market Holiday Jammu Kashmir News Live GT vs SRH Live Score Delhi Rain PM Modi on Shashi Tharoor Odisha 10th Result 2025 Ganga Expressway Indian Rupee Hyderabad Water Crisis IPL Points Table 2025

Business Markets Stocks India News City News Economy Mutual Funds Personal Finance IPO News Startups

Home Currencies Commodities Pre-Market IPO Global Market Bonds

Home Loans up to 50 Lakhs Credit Cards Lifetime Free Finance TrackerNew Fixed Deposits Fixed Deposit Comparison Fixed Income

Home MC 30 Top Ranked Funds ETFs Mutual Fund Screener

Income Tax Calculator EMI Calculator Retirement Planning Gratuity Calculator

Stock Markets

News18 Firstpost CNBC TV18 News18 Hindi Cricketnext Overdrive Topper Learning

About Us Contact Us Advisory Alert Advertise with Us SupportDisclaimer Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Financial Terms (Glossary) Sitemap Investors

You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user.