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Updated Dec 19, 2025 · 22:36
Tamil Cinema News Updated Dec 19, 2025

Vikranth's OTT Debut: Why 'LBW' Promises a Heartfelt Cricket Drama

The Tamil web series 'LBW – Love Beyond Wicket' is set to premiere on New Year's Day. It features actor and real-life cricketer Vikranth in his OTT debut, streaming exclusively on Jio Hotstar. The story follows a former cricketer who gets a second chance by coaching an underdog team. With its focus on emotion and redemption, it aims to be a relatable sports drama for all audiences.

Web series 'LBW' featuring Vikranth in the lead to release on January 1

Chennai, Dec 19

The makers of the web series ‘LBW – Love Beyond Wicket’, directed by Ganesh Karthikeyan and featuring actor Vikranth in the lead, have now announced that the eagerly-awaited Tamil web series would start streaming from January 1 next year.

The cricket-based web series is to be streamed exclusively on the OTT platform Jio Hotstar.

The series, a Hotstar Specials, will mark Vikranth's OTT debut. Interestingly, Vikranth is a highly rated cricketer in real life as well and has often shown his cricketing abilities during Cricket Celebrity League (CCL) matches.

Produced by Atele Factory, the makers behind the blockbuster series 'Heartbeat', 'LBW' is set to premiere on January 1, 2026.

The makers of the series also released a new promo. From the newly released launch promo, 'LBW – Love Beyond Wicket' unfolds the story of Rangan, a once-promising cricketer whose career never took flight.

Now a reluctant coach, Rangan is tasked with training an underdog team in a struggling cricket academy, determined to revive its lost legacy. Set against the backdrop of grassroots cricket, the series blends sport, emotion, ambition, and redemption, capturing what it truly means to fight for a second chance—both on and off the field.

Speaking about his association with the series, Vikranth Santhosh shared, “This is my first association with JioHotstar, and to make my OTT debut with a series rooted in cricket makes it even more special. Cricket has always been very close to my heart, and 'LBW 'allowed me to explore that connection in a deeply emotional way. I’m truly excited for audiences to experience this journey.”

Written by Aruna Rakhee and directed by Ganesh Karthikeyan, the series features a strong ensemble cast including Sindhu Shyam, Niyathi, Harish, Ayaz Khan, Akshatha, Naveen, Nikhil Nair, and Viswa Mithran, among others.

With its grounded storytelling and relatable characters, 'LBW – Love Beyond Wicket' promises to be a heartfelt sports drama that resonates with viewers across generations.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Rohit P

The plot sounds promising – a fallen cricketer getting a second chance as a coach. We need more stories about grassroots cricket and the struggle behind the glamour of IPL. Hoping the execution matches the concept. All the best to the team!

Aryan P

Excited for this! Vikranth was brilliant in CCL. It's awesome to see actors with genuine sports skills getting such roles. Jio Hotstar is really upping its Tamil content game. My New Year's plan is sorted now.

Sarah B

The premise is good, but I hope they focus on strong character development and not just rely on cricket matches for drama. Sometimes sports series become too predictable. Fingers crossed for a fresh narrative.

Karthik V

As a cricket coach myself, I'm really looking forward to how authentically they portray the training and struggles of a local academy. It's a tough job! Hope they've done their research. Wishing the cast and crew all the very best.

Nidhi U

Love that it's produced by the team behind 'Heartbeat' – that was a quality show. The ensemble cast looks interesting too. January 1st can't come soon enough! Perfect start to the new year with some desi sports drama.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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