Ashish Chanchlani Drops First BTS Look From Web Series ‘Ekaki'; Marks His Directorial Debut

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Ashish Chanchlani shares BTS from his horror-comedy web series Ekaki, marking his directorial debut and a major leap into long-form storytelling.
In a major move that's already making waves online, India's beloved digital content creator Ashish Chanchlani has dropped the first behind-the-scenes (BTS) visuals from his highly anticipated web series debut, 'Ekaki', marking a significant turning point in his already storied career. Known for his comedic sketches and high-energy presence that has earned him over 30 million YouTube subscribers, Chanchlani is now donning multiple hats — director, writer, actor, and producer — as he launches his most ambitious project to date.
Taking to Instagram, Chanchlani shared an intimate BTS photo dump that pulls the curtain back on the intense, emotional, and at times chaotic process of shooting Ekaki. The series, described as a horror-comedy, promises a fresh direction for Indian web content, combining jump scares with sharp wit and emotional beats. It also signals a striking departure from the sketch format that helped establish Ashish as a household name.
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A post shared by Ashish Chanchlani (@ashishchanchlani)
Each of the images he posted tells a story — from Ashish directing shots behind the camera to the entire team hustling through last-minute challenges. He captioned the post with a mix of humor and raw honesty, noting moments of joy, panic, and creative improvisation. 'The most depressing and nightmarish day as a director," he wrote in one slide, followed by, 'You thought last night was the most depressing, but the new day disappointed you even more." The tone is unmistakably personal — a creator letting fans into the unfiltered reality of building something from scratch.
The eerie first-look poster, released just days earlier, had already sparked buzz across platforms. Featuring shadowy figures holding lanterns and shrouded in a haunting glow, it set the tone for Ekaki's supernatural premise. The title itself, which translates to 'The Lonely One," hints at themes of isolation, fear, and possibly introspective horror — a rare genre blend in the Indian digital space. With Ekaki, Ashish isn't just testing new waters — he's plunging in headfirst.
Scheduled to premiere exclusively on ACV Studios' YouTube channel, the series also marks the return of the studio arm behind many of Ashish's viral hits. However, Ekaki is being positioned as more than just a new release — it's a declaration of creative intent, a sign that Chanchlani is ready to evolve from entertainer to auteur.
'From sketches to storytelling, this has been a journey of rediscovery," Ashish has said in earlier interviews. Ekaki reflects that evolution — not just in format, but in ambition. It's a move toward long-form narrative, complex character arcs, and genre experimentation — all while staying grounded in the emotional relatability that defines his work.
More than just a horror-comedy, Ekaki is shaping up to be a passion project that reflects Ashish's maturing vision as a filmmaker. By stepping behind the camera, he joins a growing list of creators who are pushing past the boundaries of digital fame to take charge of storytelling on their own terms.
First Published:
May 31, 2025, 17:57 IST