The Indian web series landscape has been significantly shaped by the rise of crime thrillers. These shows, often gritty and realistic, delve into the complex worlds of organized crime, police investigations, and the psychological impact of violence. They offer a stark contrast to the often-glamorized portrayals of crime in mainstream Bollywood.
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Sacred Games (Netflix): Arguably the most influential Indian web series, Sacred Games, based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, set a new standard for production quality and storytelling. It intertwines the lives of a troubled Mumbai police officer (Saif Ali Khan) and a powerful gangster (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), exploring themes of corruption, faith, and societal decay. The show’s non-linear narrative and compelling performances resonated deeply with audiences, paving the way for other ambitious crime dramas. Its success also highlighted the potential of adaptations from Indian literature.
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Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video): Set in the lawless hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh, Mirzapur is a violent and action-packed series about the power struggles between rival families vying for control of the region. The show’s raw depiction of gun violence, political maneuvering, and familial loyalty has garnered a large following. While sometimes criticized for its excessive violence, Mirzapur effectively captures the brutal realities of life in a region plagued by corruption and crime. Its ensemble cast, featuring Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyendu Sharma, delivers memorable performances.
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Delhi Crime (Netflix): Delhi Crime takes a different approach to the crime thriller genre, focusing on the meticulous investigation of a horrific gang rape case in Delhi. The series, inspired by real events, offers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the police officers involved, particularly Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah). The show’s strength lies in its realistic depiction of police procedures, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the emotional toll of dealing with such heinous crimes. The show’s commitment to authenticity earned it critical acclaim and an International Emmy Award.
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Asur (Voot): Asur blends crime thriller elements with mythological and psychological themes. The series follows a forensic expert (Arshad Warsi) who returns to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to track down a serial killer who uses Hindu mythology as inspiration for his crimes. The show’s unique premise, its exploration of complex philosophical questions, and its suspenseful narrative have made it a standout in the genre. The intricate plot and the interplay between science and religion create a compelling viewing experience.
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Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar): Special Ops is a spy thriller that follows a RAW agent (Kay Kay Menon) who believes a single mastermind is behind a series of terrorist attacks. The series spans multiple countries and features a complex web of conspiracies and undercover operations. The show’s fast-paced narrative, its international scope, and its focus on espionage make it an engaging watch for fans of the genre. The series also spawned a prequel, Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story, exploring the backstory of the protagonist.
Comedy web series in India have exploded in popularity, offering a diverse range of comedic styles, from observational humor to slapstick and satire. These shows often tackle relatable themes of everyday life, relationships, and societal issues, making them a hit with younger audiences.
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TVF Pitchers (TVFPlay/YouTube): TVF Pitchers is a coming-of-age story about four friends who quit their jobs to start their own company. The series captures the anxieties, challenges, and triumphs of young entrepreneurs in India. The show’s relatable characters, its witty writing, and its realistic portrayal of the startup culture have made it a cult classic. TVF Pitchers is credited with popularizing the web series format in India.
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Permanent Roommates (TVFPlay/YouTube): Permanent Roommates is a romantic comedy about a young couple who are forced to confront the realities of a long-distance relationship when they decide to live together. The series explores the complexities of modern relationships with humor and sensitivity. Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh’s on-screen chemistry made the show a huge success.
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Kota Factory (TVFPlay/Netflix): Kota Factory is a black-and-white series that follows the life of a young student preparing for the IIT entrance exams in Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for coaching centers. The series offers a realistic and often humorous look at the pressures faced by students in India’s competitive education system. The show’s minimalist aesthetic and its focus on the emotional lives of its characters have resonated with audiences.
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Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video): Panchayat is a slice-of-life comedy-drama about an engineering graduate who reluctantly takes a job as a secretary in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. The series is a gentle and heartwarming portrayal of rural life in India, with its quirky characters and its simple yet profound stories. Jitendra Kumar’s performance as the protagonist is particularly noteworthy.
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Pushpavalli (Amazon Prime Video): Pushpavalli is a dark comedy about a woman who becomes obsessed with a man she meets at a dating event. The series is a quirky and unconventional exploration of stalking, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. Sumukhi Suresh, who also created and wrote the series, delivers a captivating performance as the titular character.
Drama web series in India offer a platform for exploring complex themes, challenging social norms, and telling compelling stories about the human condition. These shows often feature strong performances, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narratives.
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Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (SonyLIV): Scam 1992 is a biographical drama based on the life of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who orchestrated a massive financial scam in the 1990s. The series is a gripping and informative account of the Indian stock market and the events that led to the scam. Pratik Gandhi’s portrayal of Harshad Mehta is widely acclaimed.
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Aspirants (TVFPlay/YouTube): Aspirants follows the lives of three friends preparing for the UPSC civil services exam. The series explores the pressures, sacrifices, and disappointments faced by aspirants in India’s competitive exam system. The show’s relatable characters and its realistic portrayal of the struggles of young people have made it a popular choice.
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The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video): The Family Man is an action-drama series about a middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The series blends elements of espionage, family drama, and social commentary. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance as the protagonist is widely praised.
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Jeet Ki Zid (Zee5): Jeet Ki Zid is a biographical drama based on the life of Major Deependra Singh Sengar, a Kargil war hero who overcame paralysis to lead a normal life. The series is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Amit Sadh delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist.
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Grahan (Disney+ Hotstar): Grahan is a historical drama that explores the events surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The series tells the story of a female police officer who is investigating a murder case that unearths dark secrets from her own family’s past. The show’s sensitive portrayal of a traumatic event in Indian history has been praised by critics.
Romance web series in India cater to a wide audience, offering a variety of love stories, from lighthearted comedies to intense dramas. These shows often explore the complexities of modern relationships, the challenges of finding love, and the evolving dynamics of family and society.
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Little Things (Dice Media/Netflix): Little Things is a slice-of-life romance series about a young couple living in Mumbai. The series captures the everyday moments, the small joys, and the occasional challenges of a modern relationship. Dhruv Sehgal and Mithila Palkar’s on-screen chemistry is a major draw for the show.
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Mismatched (Netflix): Mismatched is a coming-of-age romance series about two teenagers who are forced to attend a summer program together. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf’s performances have been praised.
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Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives (Netflix): While technically a reality show, Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives offers a glimpse into the lives of Bollywood wives, often showcasing their relationships, friendships, and social lives. The show’s glamorous setting and its focus on personal relationships make it a guilty pleasure for many viewers.
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Feels Like Ishq (Netflix): Feels Like Ishq is an anthology series featuring six different love stories. The series explores a variety of romantic themes, from first love to long-distance relationships. The show’s diverse cast
