Best Hindi Web Series on Netflix: Ratings, Reviews, and Where to Watch
Netflix has become a powerhouse for Hindi content, offering a diverse and compelling range of web series that cater to various tastes. From gripping crime thrillers to heartwarming dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies, the platform boasts a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. This article delves into some of the best Hindi web series available on Netflix, providing ratings, critical reviews, and information on where to watch them, helping you navigate the vast library and find your next binge-worthy obsession.
1. Sacred Games (2018-2019)
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: Sacred Games is a landmark series that redefined the landscape of Indian web series. Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, the show interweaves the stories of Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), a disillusioned Mumbai police officer, and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a notorious gangster. Gaitonde, after emerging from hiding, contacts Sartaj and tasks him with saving the city from an impending disaster.
The series excels in its intricate plot, compelling characters, and masterful direction. The parallel narratives of Sartaj and Gaitonde are brilliantly executed, offering a glimpse into the underbelly of Mumbai and the complexities of Indian society. The performances are exceptional, with Saif Ali Khan delivering a career-defining performance as the morally conflicted Sartaj, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui embodying the menacing and charismatic Gaitonde. Radhika Apte provides a strong supporting performance as an intelligence analyst.
Sacred Games is not just a crime thriller; it’s a commentary on faith, corruption, and the human condition. Its gripping storyline, realistic portrayal of Mumbai, and stellar performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian storytelling. However, be warned that the series contains mature themes, violence, and strong language. The second season, while continuing the narrative, received mixed reviews compared to the critically acclaimed first season, but still offers a satisfying conclusion to the overarching storyline.
2. Delhi Crime (2019-Present)
- Genre: Crime Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Starring: Shefali Shah, Rajesh Tailang, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: Delhi Crime is a gripping and meticulously crafted crime drama based on the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The first season follows Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) and her team as they investigate the heinous crime and race against time to apprehend the perpetrators.
The series stands out for its realistic portrayal of the police investigation, its sensitive handling of the subject matter, and its powerful performances. Shefali Shah delivers a tour-de-force performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, portraying her as a strong and determined officer who is deeply affected by the brutality of the crime. The supporting cast, including Rajesh Tailang and Rasika Dugal, also deliver compelling performances.
Delhi Crime is a harrowing but important watch that sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in India and the systemic issues that contribute to violence against women. The second season shifts its focus to a different crime, exploring the lives and motivations of a gang of serial killers preying on Delhi’s elderly population. While the second season is a departure from the first, it maintains the same level of intensity and realism, further solidifying Delhi Crime as one of the best crime dramas on Netflix.
3. Kota Factory (2019-Present)
- Genre: Comedy-Drama
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
- Starring: Jitendra Kumar, Mayur More, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan
- Where to Watch: Netflix (Season 2 onwards; Season 1 is on YouTube)
Review: Kota Factory is a refreshing and relatable coming-of-age drama that offers a glimpse into the lives of students preparing for the IIT entrance exam in Kota, Rajasthan, India’s coaching hub. The series follows Vaibhav Pandey (Mayur More), a young student who leaves his hometown to join a coaching center in Kota.
The show’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of the pressures and anxieties faced by students in Kota, as well as its heartwarming depiction of friendship and camaraderie. Jitendra Kumar delivers a memorable performance as Jeetu Bhaiya, a physics teacher who mentors and guides the students. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the show’s unique aesthetic and reinforces its focus on the students’ internal struggles.
Kota Factory is a lighthearted but thought-provoking series that resonates with viewers of all ages. It captures the essence of student life, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams. The series has been praised for its positive message and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The shift to color in season 2 brought a new dimension to the series without losing its core appeal.
4. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega (2020-Present)
- Genre: Crime Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Starring: Amit Sial, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sparsh Shrivastav
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega is a gritty and realistic crime drama based on the true story of a phishing scam that originated in the small town of Jamtara, Jharkhand, India. The series follows a group of young men who run a successful phishing operation, targeting unsuspecting victims across the country.
The show’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of rural India, its exploration of social inequality, and its suspenseful storyline. The performances are commendable, with Amit Sial and Dibyendu Bhattacharya delivering strong performances as police officers investigating the scam. Anshumaan Pushkar and Sparsh Shrivastav also shine as the young masterminds behind the operation.
Jamtara is a fascinating and eye-opening series that sheds light on the dark side of the digital age and the vulnerabilities of online transactions. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of cybercrime and the importance of online security. While the pacing can be uneven at times, the series remains engaging and informative. The second season expands on the political angle, further complicating the already intricate web of crime and corruption.
5. She (2020-Present)
- Genre: Crime Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Starring: Aaditi Pohankar, Vijay Varma, Kishore Kumar G.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: She is a crime thriller that follows Bhumika Pardeshi (Aaditi Pohankar), a female constable in the Mumbai police force, who goes undercover as a prostitute to expose a drug cartel. The series explores Bhumika’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the dangerous world of crime and confronts her own vulnerabilities.
The show’s strength lies in its exploration of female empowerment, its suspenseful storyline, and Aaditi Pohankar’s compelling performance. She is a character-driven thriller that delves into the complexities of Bhumika’s personality and her transformation as she gains confidence and agency. While the series has been criticized for its slow pacing and some plot inconsistencies, it remains an engaging watch for those interested in female-led crime dramas. The second season delves deeper into Bhumika’s newfound power and her complicated relationship with the criminal underworld.
6. Mismatched (2020-Present)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Starring: Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf, Rannvijay Singha, Vidya Malavade
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: Mismatched is a lighthearted and charming romantic comedy that follows Dimple Ahuja (Prajakta Koli), a tech-savvy young woman, and Rishi Singh Shekhawat (Rohit Saraf), a hopeless romantic, as they navigate their way through a summer coding course. The series explores the challenges of modern relationships, the pressures of academic life, and the importance of self-discovery.
The show’s strength lies in its relatable characters, its witty dialogue, and its feel-good atmosphere. Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf deliver endearing performances as Dimple and Rishi, respectively. Mismatched is a fun and entertaining series that is perfect for those looking for a lighthearted escape. While the plot can be predictable at times, the series remains enjoyable due to its charming characters and its positive message. The subsequent seasons explore the evolving dynamics between the characters and introduce new challenges and opportunities.
7. Aranyak (2021)
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Starring: Raveena Tandon, Parambrata Chatterjee, Ashutosh Rana, Zakir Hussain
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Review: Aranyak is a crime thriller set
