Prateek Payodhi

Prateek's foray into the world of screenwriting was marked by the critical and commercial success of his debut web series, "A Simple Murder." Lauded for its intricate plot and compelling character development, the series garnered rave reviews, becoming one of 2019's most-watched shows and securing a spot on the Indian Express's list of the year's best shows. He continued to captivate audiences with "Grahan," a series that not only topped viewership charts on Hotstar but also featured prominently in must-watch lists of 2021. Prateek's creative vision as the creator and sole writer of "London Files" further solidified his status in the industry, with the show achieving remarkable success on Voot and Jio Cinema, and enjoying multiple reruns across various regions and languages.

Currently, Prateek is expanding his horizons by working on a crime procedural show under the tutelage of Simon Mirren, a veteran showrunner known for his work on "Criminal Minds" and "Versailles." This collaboration has offered Prateek a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the procedural format, enriching his storytelling toolkit with a three-decade-old American framework for running a writer's room. His keen interest in behavioral psychology and trauma-induced behavior underscores his continuous quest for knowledge and his commitment to exploring complex human conditions through his work.

Before embarking on his successful screenwriting career, Prateek's journey began in the field of engineering, where he graduated from LNCT Bhopal and worked at Infosys for six years. However, his passion for filmmaking led him to parallelly create short films, which were showcased in 17 international film festivals. A pivotal moment came during his time in London, where he decided to transition to filmmaking full-time, initially working as a Director's Assistant to Navdeep Singh. This experience sparked his interest in writing, prompting him to further hone his craft and eventually transition into writing for web series, capitalizing on the burgeoning digital content boom.

Prateek's path from an engineer to a celebrated screenwriter is a compelling narrative of transformation, driven by a deep-seated passion for storytelling and an unwavering dedication to learning and evolving within the craft. His work not only entertains but also invites viewers to explore the depths of human behavior and morality, making him a notable figure in the landscape of Indian cinema and beyond.