The rise of digital streaming platforms has revolutionized the Indian entertainment landscape, giving birth to a plethora of web series that have captivated audiences with their storytelling, production quality, and diverse themes.
From gripping crime dramas to heartwarming comedies, Indian web series have carved a niche for themselves, often pushing the boundaries of traditional television narratives. In this article, we explore the 10 best Indian web series of all time, each offering a unique perspective on society, relationships, and the human experience.
1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020)
Scam 1992 is a gripping 10-episode mini-series that chronicles the life of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who single-handedly took the Indian stock market to dizzying heights in the 1980s before his Ponzi scheme came crashing down. Pratik Gandhi delivers a career-defining performance as Mehta, while the series’ taut screenplay and stylish direction make it a must-watch for fans of true crime stories.
2. Paatal Lok (2020)
Paatal Lok is a gritty crime thriller that follows a cynical Delhi cop who lands the case of a lifetime when four suspects are nabbed in the assassination attempt of a high-profile journalist. As he digs deeper, he’s drawn into the dark underbelly of the city’s interconnected worlds – the upper realm (Swarg Lok), middle realm (Dharti Lok), and the nether realm (Paatal Lok). With its layered storytelling and commentary on caste and class divides, Paatal Lok is a gripping, if bleak, exploration of morality and the human condition.
3. The Family Man (2019-)
The Family Man stars Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency. While he tries to protect the nation from terrorism, he also has to keep his high-pressure job a secret from his family. With its perfect blend of action, drama, and humor, The Family Man is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that also offers a moving portrayal of family life.
4. Mirzapur (2018-)
Mirzapur is a crime drama that follows the lives of the Tripathi family, the ruthless carpet mafia rulers of the fictional town of Mirzapur. When the son of a rival family witnesses a shocking crime, he gets drawn into the violent world of the Tripathis. With its gritty depiction of power struggles, drug trade, and gang wars, Mirzapur is a gripping, if gory, exploration of the lawlessness in small-town India.
5. Sacred Games (2018-2019)
Sacred Games is a neo-noir crime thriller that follows Sartaj Singh, a seasoned Mumbai police officer who receives an anonymous phone call from Ganesh Gaitonde, a legendary criminal who has been dead for 16 years. Gaitonde tells Sartaj that he has 25 days to save the city, sending him on a quest to unravel a master plan that has been set in motion by the dead mobster. With its non-linear storytelling, stylish visuals, and strong performances, Sacred Games is a Rashomon-style tale of power, corruption, and betrayal.
6. Panchayat (2020-)
Panchayat is a comedy-drama that follows Abhishek, an engineering graduate who takes a job as the secretary of a panchayat (local government) office in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. As he adjusts to his new surroundings and bureaucratic red tape, Abhishek forms an unlikely bond with the eccentric villagers and panchayat head Brij Bhushan Dubey. With its charming characters and gentle humor, Panchayat offers a heartwarming portrayal of rural life.
7. Aspirants (2021)
Aspirants is a coming-of-age drama that follows the lives of three friends – Abhilash, Guri, and SK – as they navigate the highly competitive world of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams in Delhi. As they support each other through the grueling preparation process, their friendship is tested by jealousy, ambition, and the pressure to succeed. With its relatable characters and authentic depiction of student life, Aspirants is a moving exploration of the dreams and struggles of India’s youth.
8. Gullak (2019-)
Gullak is a heartwarming family drama that chronicles the everyday lives of the Mishra family. Set in a small town in North India, the series offers a slice-of-life look at the family’s joys, squabbles, and life lessons, as seen through the eyes of their old piggy bank (the “gullak”). With its charming performances and nostalgic soundtrack, Gullak is a gentle, feel-good series that celebrates the universal bonds of family.
9. Kota Factory (2019-)
Kota Factory is a coming-of-age drama that follows Vaibhav, a young student who moves to Kota, Rajasthan to prepare for the IIT-JEE entrance exam. As he navigates the intense competition and pressure of Kota’s coaching institutes, Vaibhav forms a bond with his quirky classmates and mentor Jeetu Bhaiya. With its realistic portrayal of student life and relatable characters, Kota Factory is a bittersweet look at the challenges of growing up in India’s education system.
10. Made in Heaven (2019)
Made in Heaven is a drama series that follows the lives of Tara and Karan, two Delhi-based wedding planners who work with the city’s elite. As they orchestrate lavish, over-the-top weddings, the series offers a glimpse into the lives of India’s super-rich while also exploring the dark underbelly of the wedding industry. With its ensemble cast and sharp social commentary, Made in Heaven is a stylish, provocative look at modern India.
The Indian web series landscape has flourished over the past few years, offering viewers a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the country’s diverse culture and complex societal issues. From the thrilling narratives of crime and corruption to the heartwarming tales of family and friendship, these series have not only entertained but also sparked important conversations.
As streaming platforms continue to evolve, we can expect even more innovative storytelling that pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, or thrillers, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy!
