Sharath (Chai Bisket): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Sharath Chandra is a dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder renowned for his pivotal role in establishing Chai Bisket, an influential digital content company that has transformed the Telugu pop culture and entertainment landscape. Founded in 2015 along with Anurag Reddy, Chai Bisket began as a creative platform catering to Telugu-speaking audiences with engaging videos, web series, and later expanded into film production and OTT content. Under Sharath's leadership, the company has nurtured new talent, shaped cultural narratives, and leveraged digital innovation to make regional content accessible and popular globally. This article explores ten key facets of Sharath Chandra's career, contributions, ventures, and his impact on the digital and film industries.

1. Early Entrepreneurial Journey and Education

Sharath Chandra, an MBA graduate specializing in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey soon after completing his studies. Alongside his college friend Anurag Reddy, he launched First Show in 2012, a digital marketing agency focused on promoting Telugu films. This venture was a foundation for their future endeavors in content creation and production. Their passion for storytelling and digital media led to a strategic shift toward building a creative community targeting Telugu audiences, emphasizing relatable content that resonated culturally.

2. Founding of Chai Bisket and Digital Content Revolution

In 2015, Sharath co-founded Chai Bisket, which quickly emerged as a pioneering brand in Telugu digital entertainment. The platform specialized in humorous and culturally rooted content presented in the Telugu language and the unique Tenglish (Telugu-English) mix, which appealed significantly to young audiences. Chai Bisket's success lies in its authentic representation of everyday Telugu life, innovative use of digital media, and a collaborative team of fresh creators chosen for their unique voices rather than formal media backgrounds.

3. Expansion into Film Production

Sharath Chandra played a crucial role in evolving Chai Bisket from a digital startup into a full-fledged production company, Chai Bisket Films. The company co-produced critically acclaimed and commercially successful Telugu feature films such as "Major" (2022) under the A+S Movies banner, and "Writer Padmabhushan" (2023) and "Mem Famous" (2023) with Lahari Films. These productions have showcased a new wave of talent, often working with debutant actors and directors, reinforcing Sharath's commitment to nurturing newcomers and creating meaningful cinema.

4. Chai Shots – pioneering Microdrama OTT Platform

In 2025, Sharath alongside co-founders Anurag Reddy and Krishna Mohan Varma launched Chai Shots, a regional-first, mobile-only OTT platform dedicated to microdramas—short-form fiction episodes of approximately two minutes each. This innovative venture addresses the changing consumption patterns of Gen Z and beyond, focusing on ultra-short, highly engaging narratives in Telugu and other South Indian languages, aiming to build scalable entertainment tailored for mobile devices and a diverse regional audience.

5. Strategic Funding and Investor Support

Sharath Chandra successfully led a $5 million seed funding round for Chai Bisket, facilitated by top venture capital firms InfoEdge Ventures and General Catalyst, supplemented by marquee angel investors including actor Rana Daggubati and founders/co-founders of major Indian startups like Swiggy, redBus, and Rapido. This funding underscores the strong confidence in Sharath's vision and the company's ability to innovate in the competitive space of digital regional content and technology-driven entertainment.

6. Impact on Telugu Culture and Community Building

Chai Bisket under Sharath's stewardship became more than a content provider—it evolved into a cultural movement. By tapping into authentic Telugu narratives, regional humor, and social themes, the company built a community of creators and viewers that spans across generations. The content ranges from web series and short films to podcasts and lifestyle verticals, successfully shaping popular culture and fostering inclusivity, optimism, and regional pride among Telugu audiences worldwide.

7. Commitment to New Talent Discovery

A core philosophy advocated by Sharath Chandra is the discovery and empowerment of new talent. Chai Bisket Films has actively introduced dozens of first-time actors, writers, and directors, many of whom have gone on to significant industry recognition. Sharath's process embraces nurturing creativity through a start-up environment culture that values experimentation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

8. Collaboration with Industry and Creative Networks

Sharath has cultivated valuable relationships within the Telugu film fraternity and digital marketing sectors. Collaborations with top actors like Vijay Devarakonda and Mahesh Babu, as well as acclaimed filmmakers, have enabled Chai Bisket to gain both credibility and creative leverage. Integration of marketing and production expertise by Sharath's team has enabled efficient promotion strategies that amplify impact across digital and theatrical releases.

9. Challenges and Controversies

Operating in a competitive and fast-changing digital entertainment industry, Sharath and Chai Bisket have encountered challenges typical of startups, including funding constraints, market competition, and occasional public controversies. For instance, Sharath faced social media backlash related to film reviews. However, the team has focused on transparent communication, creative integrity, and resilience to maintain audience trust and brand strength.

10. Future Outlook and Innovations

Sharath Chandra continues to pioneer in regional content innovation. Beyond Chai Shots, his ventures include Mutiny Talent (talent management and storytelling) and Studio Panchatantra (arts and creative collaborations). These initiatives reflect Sharath’s vision of converging content, technology, and community to redefine entertainment experiences, supporting creative ecosystems and expanding access for artists and audiences alike.

Conclusion

Sharath Chandra has evolved from a marketing graduate to a visionary entrepreneur and cultural influencer who has significantly shaped Telugu digital content and regional cinema. Through Chai Bisket and related ventures, he has introduced new storytelling formats, empowered emerging talent, and built inclusive platforms that resonate deeply with regional identities. His work embodies an inspiring model of blending creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural roots to craft accessible, engaging, and diverse entertainment. As the digital and OTT landscape evolves, Sharath's innovative outlook positions him as a forward-thinking leader advancing India's regional content frontier.