Highly Rated Hindi Web Series: Critics Choice and Audience Favorites

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Highly Rated Hindi Web Series: Critics’ Choice and Audience Favorites

The Indian digital landscape has witnessed an unprecedented boom in web series production, particularly in the Hindi language. This surge in content creation has not only provided diverse entertainment options but also fostered a new wave of talent and storytelling. Numerous Hindi web series have garnered critical acclaim and widespread audience appreciation, shaping the entertainment consumption habits of millions. This article delves into some of the highest-rated Hindi web series, exploring the factors contributing to their success and examining the critical and popular reception they received.

Sacred Games (Netflix, 2018-2019)

Considered a landmark series in the Indian digital space, Sacred Games was among the first Indian originals commissioned by Netflix. Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same name, the series blends crime, mythology, and political intrigue to create a compelling narrative. Saif Ali Khan plays Inspector Sartaj Singh, a troubled Mumbai police officer who receives a cryptic phone call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) informing him that Mumbai is about to be destroyed.

• Critical Acclaim: Sacred Games was lauded for its gritty realism, strong performances, and intricate plot. Critics praised the direction by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, highlighting their ability to capture the essence of Mumbai’s underbelly and the existential angst of its characters. The series’ exploration of religious extremism and political corruption also resonated with critics.
• Audience Reception: Sacred Games became a cultural phenomenon, sparking widespread discussions and memes. Viewers were captivated by the suspenseful storyline, the complex characters, and the show’s bold portrayal of societal issues. The series’ use of Hindu mythology and philosophy added another layer of intrigue, making it a topic of conversation among diverse audiences.
• Key Strengths: Compelling narrative, stellar performances, high production value, exploration of complex themes.

Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video, 2018-Present)

Mirzapur is a crime thriller set in the lawless town of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, India. The series follows the power struggles between the Tripathi family, led by the ruthless Akhandanand Tripathi (Pankaj Tripathi), and two brothers, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey), who get entangled in their world.

• Critical Acclaim: While sometimes criticized for its violence, Mirzapur has been praised for its gripping storyline, strong ensemble cast, and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld. Pankaj Tripathi’s performance as Kaleen Bhaiya has been particularly celebrated, with critics noting his ability to portray a complex and menacing character.
• Audience Reception: Mirzapur has cultivated a massive fan base, particularly among younger audiences. The series’ action-packed sequences, memorable dialogues, and relatable characters have contributed to its popularity. The show’s depiction of power, ambition, and betrayal has resonated with viewers.
• Key Strengths: Intense action, strong performances, realistic portrayal of crime, engaging storyline.

Delhi Crime (Netflix, 2019-Present)

Delhi Crime is a crime drama anthology series that follows the investigation of heinous crimes in Delhi. The first season focuses on the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, while subsequent seasons explore different criminal cases. Shefali Shah stars as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, the officer leading the investigation.

• Critical Acclaim: Delhi Crime has received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the Delhi police force and the complexities of the criminal justice system. The series has been praised for its meticulous research, strong performances, and its unflinching look at violence against women. It won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020.
• Audience Reception: Delhi Crime has resonated with audiences for its gripping storytelling and its ability to shed light on important social issues. The series has sparked conversations about crime, justice, and the role of law enforcement in India. Shefali Shah’s performance has been particularly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
• Key Strengths: Realistic portrayal of crime, strong performances, sensitive handling of sensitive topics, social relevance.

Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video, 2020-Present)

Panchayat is a comedy-drama series that follows Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), an engineering graduate who takes a job as a Panchayat secretary in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. The series explores the challenges and absurdities of rural life, as well as Abhishek’s journey of self-discovery.

• Critical Acclaim: Panchayat has been lauded for its heartwarming storytelling, its charming characters, and its realistic portrayal of rural India. Critics have praised the series’ gentle humor and its ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Jitendra Kumar’s performance has been particularly celebrated for its authenticity and relatability.
• Audience Reception: Panchayat has become a sleeper hit, gaining a loyal following for its feel-good vibes and its relatable characters. The series has resonated with audiences who appreciate its simplicity and its positive message. The show’s exploration of rural life and its depiction of the challenges faced by villagers have also been praised.
• Key Strengths: Heartwarming storytelling, charming characters, realistic portrayal of rural India, feel-good vibes.

Kota Factory (TVFPlay/Netflix, 2019-Present)

Kota Factory is a coming-of-age drama that follows Vaibhav Pandey (Mayur More), a student preparing for the IIT entrance exam in Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for coaching centers. The series explores the pressures and anxieties faced by students in the competitive world of IIT preparation.

• Critical Acclaim: Kota Factory has been praised for its realistic portrayal of student life, its relatable characters, and its insightful exploration of the pressures of academic competition. Critics have noted the series’ black-and-white cinematography, which adds to its unique aesthetic. Jitendra Kumar’s performance as Jeetu Bhaiya, a mentor figure to the students, has been particularly celebrated.
• Audience Reception: Kota Factory has resonated with students and young adults who can relate to the challenges and anxieties faced by the characters. The series has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to capture the essence of student life in Kota. The show’s positive message and its focus on friendship and support have also been appreciated.
• Key Strengths: Realistic portrayal of student life, relatable characters, insightful exploration of academic pressure, unique aesthetic.

Aspirants (TVFPlay/YouTube, 2021)

Aspirants is a drama series that follows the lives of three friends, Abhilash (Naveen Kasturia), Guri (Shivankit Singh Parihar), and SK (Abhilash Thapliyal), as they prepare for the UPSC civil services exam in Delhi. The series explores their struggles, their friendships, and their dreams.

• Critical Acclaim: Aspirants has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of the UPSC preparation process, its relatable characters, and its insightful exploration of ambition and friendship. Critics have praised the series’ nuanced storytelling and its ability to capture the essence of the UPSC aspirant community.
• Audience Reception: Aspirants has resonated with UPSC aspirants and young adults who can relate to the characters’ struggles and aspirations. The series has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to shed light on the challenges of preparing for the civil services exam. The show’s focus on friendship and support has also been appreciated.
• Key Strengths: Realistic portrayal of UPSC preparation, relatable characters, insightful exploration of ambition and friendship, nuanced storytelling.

The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video, 2019-Present)

The Family Man is an action spy thriller that follows Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), a middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The series explores Srikant’s struggles to balance his demanding job with his family life.

• Critical Acclaim: The Family Man has been praised for its gripping storyline, its strong performances, and its realistic portrayal of intelligence operations. Critics have noted the series’ blend of action, humor, and social commentary. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance as Srikant Tiwari has been particularly celebrated for its authenticity and relatability.
• Audience Reception: The Family Man has become a massive hit, gaining a loyal following for its suspenseful storyline and its relatable characters. The series has resonated with audiences who appreciate its blend of action, humor, and social commentary. The show’s exploration of family life and its depiction of the challenges faced by working professionals have also been praised.
• Key Strengths: Gripping storyline, strong performances, realistic portrayal of intelligence operations, blend of action, humor, and social commentary.

Gullak (TVFPlay/SonyLIV, 2019-Present)

Gullak is a family drama that follows the Mishra family, a middle-class family living in a small town in North India. The series explores their everyday lives, their struggles, and their joys.

• Critical Acclaim: Gullak has been lauded for its heartwarming storytelling, its relatable characters, and its realistic portrayal of middle-class life in India. Critics have praised the