Complete List of Hindi Web Series: From Classic to New Releases

Hindi Web Series: A Comprehensive Journey Through the Digital Entertainment Landscape

The rise of streaming platforms has ushered in a golden age for Hindi content, with web series becoming a dominant force. This list aims to provide a detailed exploration of the Hindi web series landscape, encompassing classics, critically acclaimed shows, and the latest releases, categorized for easy navigation and discovery.

I. Iconic & Groundbreaking Series (Setting the Stage):

• Sacred Games (Netflix, 2018-2019): Arguably the series that put Indian web content on the global map. Saif Ali Khan plays a troubled cop, Sartaj Singh, who receives a cryptic call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), setting off a chain of events that unravels a conspiracy threatening Mumbai. Its complex narrative, stellar performances, and gritty realism established a new benchmark for Indian storytelling. The series explored themes of religion, politics, and societal decay, sparking widespread discussion. The direction by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane was crucial to its distinctive visual style and narrative pace.

  

  • Key Actors: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte.
  • Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery.
  • Why it’s iconic: Established the benchmark for quality Hindi web series; groundbreaking narrative and performances.

• Inside Edge (Amazon Prime Video, 2017-Present): A fictional account of the Powerplay League (PPL), a T20 cricket league, delving into the dark underbelly of match-fixing, betting, and the involvement of powerful figures. The series exposes the nexus between cricket, Bollywood, and politics, offering a glimpse into the corrupt practices prevalent in the sporting world. With each season, the stakes get higher, and the characters become more complex.

  • Key Actors: Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadda, Tanuj Virwani.
  • Genre: Sports Drama, Crime.
  • Why it’s iconic: Early adopter of the sports drama genre in the Indian web space; exposed controversial themes.

• Permanent Roommates (TVF, 2014-2016): A pioneer in the Indian web series scene, this romantic comedy revolves around Tanya and Mikesh, a young couple navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship and the decision to move in together. Its relatable characters, witty dialogues, and realistic portrayal of modern relationships resonated with a young audience, paving the way for more independent web content.

  • Key Actors: Sumeet Vyas, Nidhi Singh.
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy.
  • Why it’s iconic: One of the first successful Indian web series; established TVF as a major player.

• Tripling (TVF/ZEE5, 2016-Present): This series follows three siblings, Chandan, Chanchal, and Chitvan, as they embark on a road trip, rediscovering their bond and dealing with their individual life crises. Its lighthearted tone, relatable family dynamics, and scenic locations made it a popular choice for viewers seeking a feel-good series. The characters’ imperfections and their genuine love for each other are central to the show’s appeal.

  • Key Actors: Sumeet Vyas, Maanvi Gagroo, Amol Parashar.
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama.
  • Why it’s iconic: Popularized the road trip genre in the web series format; relatable sibling relationships.

II. Crime Thrillers & Action-Packed Dramas:

• Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video, 2018-Present): Set in the lawless town of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, this series portrays the power struggles between rival families and the rise of two brothers who get entangled in the world of crime. Its violence, strong language, and complex characters have made it a controversial yet highly popular series. The series explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of violence.

  • Key Actors: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma.
  • Genre: Crime Thriller, Action.
  • Why it’s notable: Raw and gritty portrayal of crime and power dynamics in rural India; strong ensemble cast.

• Delhi Crime (Netflix, 2019-Present): Based on the Nirbhaya case, this series follows the Delhi Police as they investigate a brutal gang rape. Its realistic depiction of the investigation, the emotional toll on the police officers, and the societal issues surrounding the case have earned it critical acclaim and international recognition (winning an International Emmy Award). The series highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in a complex and patriarchal society.

  • Key Actors: Shefali Shah, Rajesh Tailang, Rasika Dugal.
  • Genre: Crime Drama.
  • Why it’s notable: Based on a real-life crime; won an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series.

• Asur (Voot, 2020-Present): A blend of crime, mythology, and forensic science, this series follows a forensic expert who returns to the CBI to track down a serial killer who uses ancient Hindu mythology to justify his crimes. Its unique premise, intriguing plot twists, and philosophical themes have made it a critically acclaimed series. The series explores the conflict between science and religion and the dark side of human nature.

  • Key Actors: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka.
  • Genre: Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller.
  • Why it’s notable: Unique blend of mythology and crime; engaging plot and strong performances.

• Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar, 2020-Present): Himmat Singh, a RAW agent, believes that a single person is behind all the terrorist attacks in India and embarks on a mission to find him. This espionage thriller is filled with action, suspense, and international intrigue. The series explores the world of intelligence agencies and the sacrifices made by those who protect the nation.

  • Key Actors: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Meher Vij.
  • Genre: Action Thriller, Espionage.
  • Why it’s notable: Fast-paced action and suspense; explores the world of Indian intelligence agencies.

• Breathe (Amazon Prime Video, 2018-Present): An anthology series where each season features a different story centered around ordinary people who are forced to commit extraordinary acts in desperate situations. Its gripping narratives and strong performances have made it a popular choice for viewers seeking intense and emotional thrillers.

  • Key Actors: R. Madhavan, Amit Sadh, Abhishek Bachchan.
  • Genre: Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller.
  • Why it’s notable: Anthology format allows for diverse stories and themes; explores moral dilemmas.

III. Comedy & Lighthearted Entertainment:

• Kota Factory (TVF/Netflix, 2019-Present): This series follows Vaibhav, a student preparing for the IIT entrance exam in Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for coaching centers. Its realistic portrayal of the struggles, pressures, and friendships of students has resonated with a young audience. The series is notable for being shot in black and white, adding to its nostalgic and melancholic feel.

  • Key Actors: Jitendra Kumar, Mayur More, Ranjan Raj.
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama, Coming-of-Age.
  • Why it’s notable: Realistic portrayal of student life in Kota; black and white cinematography.

• Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video, 2020-Present): Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate, reluctantly takes a job as a Panchayat secretary in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. This series is a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of rural life, highlighting the challenges and the simple joys of village life. Its relatable characters and witty dialogues have made it a critical and commercial success.

  • Key Actors: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav.
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama.
  • Why it’s notable: Heartwarming and humorous portrayal of rural India; strong performances.

• Gullak (TVF/SonyLIV, 2019-Present): This series revolves around the Mishra family, a middle-class family living in a small town in North India. Its simple yet relatable stories, witty dialogues, and heartwarming portrayal of family life have made it a popular choice for viewers seeking a feel-good series. The series explores the everyday joys and struggles of a typical Indian family.

  • Key Actors: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta.
  • Genre: Comedy-Drama, Family.
  • Why it’s notable: Relatable portrayal of middle-class Indian family life; simple and heartwarming stories.

• Hostel Daze (Amazon Prime Video, 2019-Present): This series follows the lives of four engineering students as they navigate the challenges of hostel life. Its humorous portrayal of hostel antics, friendships, and rivalries has resonated with a young audience. The series captures the essence of college life and the bonds formed during those formative years.

  • **Key Actors