The Indian entertainment landscape has been revolutionized by the advent of web series, offering diverse and compelling content that often surpasses conventional television programming. These digital shows have garnered immense popularity for their innovative storytelling, bold themes, and exceptional performances. Here is a look at some of the most popular Indian web series that have left a significant mark on the audience.
1. “Sacred Games” (2018-2019)
Netflix’s “Sacred Games,” based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, became an instant hit for its raw portrayal of crime, politics, and religion in Mumbai. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the series received international acclaim for its narrative and performances.
2. “Mirzapur” (2018-Present)
Amazon Prime’s “Mirzapur” is known for its gritty depiction of power, violence, and lawlessness in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. The series, starring Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyendu Sharma, has been praised for its compelling characters and intense storyline.
3. “The Family Man” (2019-Present)
This action-drama series on Amazon Prime, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, is a unique blend of espionage, family drama, and socio-political commentary. The show has been lauded for its humor, thrilling sequences, and Bajpayee’s exceptional performance.
4. “Delhi Crime” (2019-Present)
Based on the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape case, “Delhi Crime” on Netflix is a gripping police procedural series. The show, led by Shefali Shah, received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a challenging investigation.
5. “Paatal Lok” (2020)
Another Amazon Prime offering, “Paatal Lok” delves into the dark underbelly of crime in India. The series, featuring Jaideep Ahlawat, has been praised for its realistic portrayal of society’s different strata and a gripping narrative.
6. “Made In Heaven” (2019-Present)
This Amazon Prime series explores the lives of two wedding planners in Delhi, navigating through the complexities of Indian weddings and personal dilemmas. “Made In Heaven,” created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, is known for its stylish presentation and exploration of societal issues.
7. “Special Ops” (2020-Present)
A Hotstar Special, “Special Ops,” created by Neeraj Pandey, is a sleek action-espionage thriller that spans several years and multiple countries. The series, starring Kay Kay Menon, has been appreciated for its gripping plot and high production values.
8. “Asur” (2020)
A unique blend of mythology and forensic science, “Asur” on Voot is a crime thriller set in the city of Varanasi. The series, featuring Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti, has been commended for its intriguing storyline and performances.
9. “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” (2020)
Based on the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, this SonyLIV series directed by Hansal Mehta dives into the 1992 Indian stock market scam. Praised for its detailed storytelling and Pratik Gandhi’s stellar performance, “Scam 1992” has become a benchmark in biographical dramas.
10. “Kota Factory” (2019-Present)
This TVF series, available on Netflix, is a refreshing take on the lives of students preparing for competitive exams in Kota, Rajasthan. Known for its black-and-white cinematography and realistic portrayal of student life, “Kota Factory” resonates with many young viewers.
Conclusion
These web series have not only entertained but also pushed the boundaries of content creation in India. They reflect the changing dynamics of Indian storytelling, offering a blend of various genres and themes. With their widespread popularity, these series have established a significant place in the hearts of viewers and have set high standards for future Indian web content.
