Hindi Web Series on Netflix: A Genre-Wise Deep Dive
Netflix has become a dominant force in the Indian entertainment landscape, offering a diverse and ever-expanding library of Hindi web series catering to a wide range of tastes. Navigating this vast selection can be daunting, so this comprehensive, genre-wise list aims to guide viewers to the best Hindi web series Netflix has to offer.
Crime Thriller & Mystery
This genre is a stronghold for Hindi web series on Netflix, consistently delivering gripping narratives, complex characters, and suspenseful plots.
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Sacred Games (2 Seasons): Arguably the series that put Indian web series on the global map, Sacred Games is a neo-noir crime thriller based on Vikram Chandra’s novel. It follows Inspector Sartaj Singh as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic event, guided by cryptic messages from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. The series explores themes of religious extremism, corruption, and destiny, featuring stellar performances by Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Radhika Apte. Its intricate plot, philosophical undertones, and gritty realism make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The use of parallel narratives and flashbacks adds depth and complexity to the storytelling.
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Delhi Crime (2 Seasons): Based on real events, Delhi Crime meticulously recreates the investigation into the 2012 Delhi gang rape case and a subsequent crime targeting senior citizens. Led by DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah), the series offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the police force’s challenges, the victims’ trauma, and the societal issues that contribute to such crimes. The show is lauded for its realistic depiction of police procedure, its sensitive handling of a sensitive subject, and Shefali Shah’s powerful performance. The second season delves into the infamous “Kachcha Baniyan Gang,” showcasing the challenges of profiling and catching criminals based on limited information.
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She (2 Seasons): She presents a unique perspective with Bhumika Pardeshi (Aaditi Pohankar), a female constable, going undercover as a prostitute to expose a drug cartel. The series explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and survival in a patriarchal society. Bhumika’s journey of self-discovery and her transformation from a timid constable to a confident operative are central to the narrative. The series balances its crime thriller elements with a character study of a woman navigating a dangerous and morally ambiguous world.
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Khakee: The Bihar Chapter: Set against the backdrop of Bihar’s lawless landscape, Khakee follows Amit Lodha, an honest IPS officer, as he battles a notorious gangster. The series offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of crime and corruption in the region. The cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the antagonist keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The show also explores the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in their pursuit of justice.
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Aranyak: Set in a misty Himalayan town, Aranyak follows a local cop, Kasturi Dogra (Raveena Tandon), who is investigating a complex murder case. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers dark secrets and supernatural elements lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly idyllic town. The series blends crime thriller elements with folklore and mythology, creating a unique and atmospheric viewing experience.
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Trial by Fire: Based on the book of the same name, this series painstakingly recreates the events surrounding the Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy. It follows the relentless pursuit of justice by Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, who lost their children in the fire. Trial by Fire is a harrowing and emotionally charged drama that sheds light on the systemic failures and corruption that led to the tragedy.
Drama & Social Commentary
These series tackle complex social issues and explore human relationships with depth and nuance.
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Kota Factory (2 Seasons): Set in Kota, Rajasthan, India’s coaching hub for IIT aspirants, Kota Factory offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of the lives of students preparing for the highly competitive entrance exams. The series explores themes of friendship, academic pressure, and the challenges of adolescence. It’s shot entirely in black and white, adding to its unique and nostalgic aesthetic. The characters are well-developed, and the series resonates with viewers who have experienced the pressures of the Indian education system.
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Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega (2 Seasons): Based on real-life events, Jamtara explores the world of phishing scams originating from a small town in Jharkhand, India. The series follows a group of young men who run a successful phishing operation, and the police officer who is determined to bring them to justice. Jamtara offers a glimpse into the dark side of the digital age and the vulnerability of individuals to online fraud. It also explores themes of poverty, corruption, and the desperation that drives people to commit crimes.
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Mismatched (2 Seasons): A lighthearted romantic drama, Mismatched follows Dimple Ahuja, a tech-savvy girl who dreams of becoming a coder, and Rishi Singh Shekhawat, a hopeless romantic looking for an arranged marriage. They meet at a summer coding camp and their personalities clash, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming situations. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
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Mai: A grieving mother, Sheel Chaudhary (Sakshi Tanwar), gets embroiled in a web of violence and deceit after witnessing a shocking crime. Mai is a revenge drama that explores themes of motherhood, corruption, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her family. Sakshi Tanwar delivers a powerful performance as a woman who transforms from a docile housewife to a formidable force.
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Bombay Begums: Bombay Begums follows the lives of five ambitious women from different generations navigating their careers, relationships, and personal struggles in modern-day Mumbai. The series explores themes of female empowerment, ambition, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. The series offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of its female characters, showcasing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and aspirations.
Comedy & Satire
These series offer a lighthearted escape with humor and wit, often with a satirical edge.
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Masaba Masaba (2 Seasons): A fictionalized version of the life of fashion designer Masaba Gupta, Masaba Masaba is a lighthearted and quirky series that explores her career, relationships, and personal struggles. The series is known for its witty dialogues, relatable characters, and its behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.
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Eternally Confused and Eager for Love: This coming-of-age comedy follows Ray, a socially awkward young man, as he navigates the complexities of love and relationships with the help of an imaginary wizard. The series is known for its quirky humor, relatable characters, and its exploration of the challenges of finding love in the modern world.
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Bhaag Beanie Bhaag: Beanie rebels against her family’s expectations and runs away from an arranged marriage to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. The series follows her journey as she navigates the challenges of the comedy scene and tries to find her voice.
Horror & Supernatural
This genre is still relatively nascent in the Indian web series space, but Netflix has a few offerings.
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Betaal: Set in a remote village, Betaal follows a group of soldiers who accidentally unleash an ancient curse, releasing a battalion of zombie soldiers led by a British officer. The series blends horror elements with Indian mythology and historical fiction.
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Ghoul: A military interrogator is tasked with questioning a dangerous terrorist, only to discover that he is possessed by a supernatural entity. Ghoul is a chilling and suspenseful horror series that explores themes of religious extremism and government oppression.
Romantic Drama
These series focus on love, relationships, and the complexities of human connection.
- Little Things (4 Seasons): A slice-of-life series following the everyday lives of a young couple, Dhruv and Kavya, living in Mumbai. Little Things is known for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships, its relatable characters, and its heartwarming moments. The series explores the small joys and challenges of living together, navigating careers, and growing as individuals.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of the Hindi web series available on Netflix, categorized by genre. While individual preferences may vary, these series represent some of the best and most popular offerings in the Indian web series landscape. The quality of production, acting, and storytelling continues to improve, making Netflix a valuable platform for Hindi content.
