Ashish Chanchlani’s ‘Ekaki’ Review: The YouTube King’s Horror Debut Hit or Miss?

Okay, stop scrolling and grab your chai (or iced coffee, we don’t judge), because the internet is screaming. The OG of the Indian YouTube scene, Ashish Chanchlani, has finally dropped his ambitious horror-comedy project, Ekaki. We love to see our faves leveling up giving us that Main Character Energy by moving from handheld skits to full-blown production sets. It’s the same vibes we got when Bhuvan Bam dropped Dhindora or seeing Prajakta Koli slay in Bollywood. But here’s the tea: Does Ekaki actually slap as a show, or are we just stanning the nostalgia? We watched the first episode so you don’t have to (or so you know what to expect). Let’s dive in.

The YouTuber-to-Actor Pipeline: Respect vs. Reality

Let’s be real for a second. We all root for creators when they take the leap from 5-minute sketches to 40-minute storytelling. It takes guts to leave the "autopilot" mode of easy views and try something risky. Ashish has been in our feed since, like, forever (2015-2018 era represent!), and Ekaki is clearly his bid to enter the big leagues. However, here’s the harsh truth: The audience doesn't care about the behind-the-scenes struggle if the final product doesn't land. Just because we are loyal subscribers doesn't mean we’ll ignore the flaws. The product has to stand on its own, minus the "YouTuber sympathy card."

The Plot: Weekend Getaway or Nightmare Fuel?

The first episode introduces us to Karthik (Ashish) and his squad heading to Ambora for a weekend chill session at a property owned by Karthik’s Mama. Standard horror setup, right? As the bottles pop and the party starts, things get weird. Akash Dodeja’s character is the first to catch the "something is wrong" vibe. The lore is there, the setting is spooky, and the production value is definitely a step up. But is the storytelling keeping pace with the camera quality?

The Humor: Is it Giving 2015?

Here is where the vibe check gets a little shaky. Ashish mentioned on the Men of Culture podcast that he wanted to try something new without alienating his core fan base. But honestly? It feels like he played it too safe.

The comedy feels... dated. We’re talking shout-fests, incessant insults, and "roasting" your friends as the only form of dialogue. It was exhausting. The writing relies heavily on that Bollywood-coded template where pop culture references = jokes.

• “Chhat pe baith ke Chaiyya Chaiyya”

• “Tardeo ke Taylor Swift”

• “Nalasopara ke Rocky Randhawa”

It felt forced, fam. Like they were trying to fit as many punchlines as possible into 35 minutes instead of letting the characters breathe. It’s giving "WhatsApp forward humor," and frankly, our attention spans (and tastes) have evolved.

Character or Caricature?

35 minutes in, and do we really know these people? Not really. We have the classic tropes:

• The Nerd

• The Stoner

• The Perpetually Horny Guy

They feel more like caricatures than real people. The only saving grace? Grishim Nawani. His performance felt grounded and real, a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos.

Quick Look: 'Ekaki' Details

(For the ones who just want the facts)

• Project Name: Ekaki (Chapter 1)

• Creator/Star: Ashish Chanchlani

• Genre: Horror-Comedy

• Platform: YouTube

• Episode Duration: ~35 Minutes

• Vibe: Old-school YouTube sketch humor meets high-production horror.

• Verdict: Great production, but the writing needs a software update.

Fans Also Asked

What is the release date and platform for Ashish Chanchlani's Ekaki?

Answer: Ekaki Chapter 1 was released on Ashish Chanchlani’s official YouTube channel in late 2024. It’s free to watch, so you don’t need to beg your bestie for their OTP yet.

Who are the cast members in Ekaki web series?

Answer: The series stars Ashish Chanchlani (as Karthik), Akash Dodeja, Simran Dhanwani, and Grishim Nawani, among others. It’s basically the ACV team you know and love, but in a haunted house.

Is Ekaki actually scary or just funny?

Answer: It’s a mix. While the setup and location (Ambora) bring some genuine eerie vibes and "odd activities," the first episode is heavily dominated by loud, slapstick comedy. Expect jump scares mixed with outdated roast jokes.

Why are people criticizing the humor in Ekaki?

Answer: Many viewers feel the humor is stuck in 2016. The jokes rely heavily on shouting and pop-culture insults (like "Nalasopara ke Rocky Randhawa"), which feels a bit cringe for an audience that has grown up and evolved.