RBI Premieres 5-Part Docuseries ‘Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee’ to Demystify India’s Central Bank

On June 3, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a five-part documentary series titled ‘RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee’, in collaboration with Jio Hotstar. Produced by Chalkboard Entertainment, the series offers an unprecedented look into the RBI’s 90-year journey, illuminating the roles, responsibilities, and relevance of India’s central bank. This marks a strategic outreach effort to improve public understanding of complex economic and financial systems through mainstream digital platforms.

Why in News?

RBI launched a documentary on June 3, 2025, marking its first major public visual outreach project. Titled ‘RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee’, it is now available for streaming on Jio Hotstar. The release is part of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the RBI and aims to make its internal workings accessible and relatable to the general public.

Aims and Objectives

• To visually document the RBI’s 90-year history and legacy.
• To demystify the functions of India’s central banking system.
• To educate the public about the significance of monetary policy, currency regulation, and financial inclusion.
• To enhance financial literacy and public trust in regulatory institutions.

Highlights of the Documentary Series

• Title: RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee
• Episodes: 5-part series
• Platform: Jio Hotstar
• Production House: Chalkboard Entertainment
• Format: Documentary-style storytelling with real RBI footage, expert interviews, dramatizations, and animations

What the Documentary Covers

• Monetary Policy: How interest rates and inflation are managed.
• Currency Management: Design, production, and security features of Indian currency.
• Bank Supervision: Regulation of commercial banks and NBFCs.
• Digital Payments and Fintech: UPI, RTGS, and innovations.
• Financial Inclusion: RBI’s role in improving access to finance for underserved communities.

Significance and Impact

• Public Outreach: A rare move to engage with the general public, not just industry professionals.
• Educational Value: Supports school and college-level economic literacy programs.
• Transparency and Trust: Aligns with global trends of institutional transparency.
• Digital Strategy: Leverages OTT platforms to reach India’s digitally connected youth.