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Underrated Indian Web Series You Need to Discover Now
The Indian web series landscape has exploded in recent years, moving beyond the shadow of Bollywood and creating a vibrant ecosystem of original content. While some shows garner widespread acclaim, many equally deserving productions remain hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. This list highlights some of the most underrated Indian web series, spanning genres and platforms, offering compelling narratives, stellar performances, and unique perspectives often overlooked by mainstream audiences.
1. TVF Pitchers (TVFPlay, YouTube): The Startup Dream, Authentically Told
TVF Pitchers is a cornerstone of the Indian web series revolution, yet its impact and enduring quality are often underestimated. This series, created by The Viral Fever (TVF), follows four friends – Naveen Bansal, Jitendra Maheshwari, Yogendra Kumar Pandey, and Saurabh Mandal – who quit their corporate jobs to pursue their startup dream. What sets Pitchers apart is its authenticity. The series doesn’t romanticize the startup world; it portrays the struggles, sacrifices, and uncertainties with raw honesty. The characters are relatable, their motivations believable, and their interactions filled with both humor and pathos.
The writing is sharp and witty, capturing the nuances of Indian entrepreneurship. The performances are equally strong, with each actor embodying their character perfectly. Jitendra Kumar, as Jeetu, delivers a particularly memorable performance, showcasing the character’s unwavering optimism and vulnerability. Pitchers is more than just a comedy; it’s a poignant commentary on ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of passion in a rapidly changing India. Its exploration of the “jugaad” mentality, the challenges of securing funding, and the personal toll of entrepreneurial life resonate deeply with a generation striving for independence and innovation. The second season, released after a long hiatus, further cemented its status as a must-watch, tackling themes of scaling a business and maintaining personal relationships amidst professional pressure.
2. What the Folks (Dice Media, YouTube): Modern Family Dynamics, Minus the Clichés
What the Folks offers a refreshing and heartwarming take on modern Indian family dynamics. Unlike many family dramas that rely on melodrama and conflict, this series focuses on the evolving relationships between a young couple and their respective in-laws. The premise is simple: Nikhil, a young architect, is forced to spend a week with his wife’s family while she is away on a business trip. This forced proximity allows him to see his in-laws in a new light, understanding their quirks, their struggles, and their love for their daughter.
The series excels in its nuanced portrayal of intergenerational relationships. It explores the challenges of communication, the clash of values, and the importance of empathy in building strong family bonds. The writing is subtle and insightful, avoiding stereotypes and presenting each character as a complex individual with their own flaws and strengths. The performances are natural and believable, making the characters feel like real people. What the Folks is a gentle reminder that family is not always perfect, but it is always worth fighting for. Its focus on understanding and acceptance makes it a comforting and relatable watch, especially for those navigating the complexities of modern family life in India.
3. Cubicles (TVFPlay, YouTube): The Corporate Grind, Hilariously Depicted
Cubicles is a relatable and hilarious take on the corporate grind, specifically focusing on the life of Piyush Prajapati, a fresh engineering graduate who joins an Indian IT company. The series chronicles his experiences navigating the bureaucratic maze of office life, dealing with demanding bosses, and forming friendships with his quirky colleagues. What makes Cubicles so appealing is its authenticity. It captures the mundane realities of corporate life – the endless meetings, the pointless paperwork, the office politics – with a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail.
The humor is observational and relatable, drawing from the shared experiences of millions of young professionals in India. The characters are well-developed and memorable, each representing a different archetype of the corporate world. Abhishek Chauhan delivers a standout performance as Piyush, capturing the character’s naivete and his gradual adaptation to the corporate culture. Cubicles is more than just a comedy; it’s a social commentary on the pressures and expectations faced by young graduates in India. It highlights the challenges of balancing personal life with professional demands and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in a seemingly monotonous work environment. Its lighthearted approach makes it an easy and enjoyable watch, while its underlying message about the search for identity and fulfillment resonates deeply.
4. Adulting (Dice Media, YouTube): Navigating Adulthood, One Mess at a Time
Adulting follows the lives of two young women, Nikhat and Ray, who share an apartment in Mumbai. The series chronicles their struggles to navigate the challenges of adulthood, from paying rent and managing finances to finding love and pursuing their careers. What makes Adulting so relatable is its honest and unfiltered portrayal of the ups and downs of young adulthood. The series doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness, the anxieties, and the uncertainties that come with trying to figure out life.
The writing is witty and insightful, capturing the nuances of female friendship and the pressures faced by young women in India. The performances are natural and believable, making the characters feel like real people. Aisha Ahmed and Yashaswini Dayama deliver standout performances as Nikhat and Ray, respectively, showcasing the characters’ vulnerabilities and their unwavering support for each other. Adulting is a celebration of female friendship and a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Its focus on self-discovery and the importance of support systems makes it a comforting and empowering watch for young adults navigating the complexities of modern life.
5. ImMATURE (MX Player): Teenage Angst, Hilariously Relived
ImMATURE takes viewers back to the awkward and hilarious world of adolescence. The series follows three teenagers, Dhruv, Kabir, and Susu, as they navigate the challenges of school, friendship, and first love. What makes ImMATURE so appealing is its nostalgic charm. It captures the essence of teenage life – the insecurities, the anxieties, the crushes, and the dreams – with a humorous and relatable touch.
The writing is sharp and witty, filled with pop culture references and inside jokes that resonate with viewers who grew up in the 2000s. The performances are energetic and engaging, perfectly capturing the awkwardness and enthusiasm of teenage life. The series excels in its portrayal of male friendship, showcasing the camaraderie, the rivalries, and the unwavering support that defines these bonds. ImMATURE is a lighthearted and entertaining watch that will bring back memories of first crushes, school pranks, and the joys and tribulations of adolescence. Its focus on friendship and self-discovery makes it a relatable and heartwarming watch for viewers of all ages.
6. Kota Factory (TVFPlay, YouTube): The IIT Dream, Stripped Bare
Kota Factory is a black-and-white drama that delves into the lives of students preparing for the IIT entrance exam in Kota, Rajasthan, a city known as the coaching hub of India. The series follows Vaibhav Pandey, a young student who leaves his hometown to join a coaching center in Kota. What sets Kota Factory apart is its realistic portrayal of the intense pressure and competition faced by students in Kota. The series doesn’t romanticize the IIT dream; it shows the sacrifices, the anxieties, and the mental health challenges that many students face.
The writing is sharp and insightful, capturing the nuances of the coaching center environment and the psychological impact of relentless competition. The performances are nuanced and believable, with Jitendra Kumar delivering a standout performance as Jeetu Bhaiya, a mentor figure who provides guidance and support to the students. Kota Factory is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series that raises important questions about the education system in India and the pressures faced by young students. Its focus on mental health and the importance of finding meaning and purpose beyond academic success makes it a must-watch for students, parents, and educators alike. The unique black-and-white aesthetic adds a layer of introspection and highlights the often-bleak reality of the students’ lives.
7. Gullak (TVFPlay, SonyLIV): Middle-Class Life, Sweetly Observed
Gullak is a heartwarming and relatable series that offers a glimpse into the lives of a middle-class family in India. The series follows the Mishra family – Santosh and Shanti Mishra, and their sons Annu and Aman – as they navigate the everyday challenges and joys of middle-class life. What makes Gullak so appealing is its simplicity and authenticity. The series doesn’t rely on melodrama or sensationalism; it focuses on the small moments, the everyday conversations, and the unspoken bonds that define family life.
The writing is subtle and insightful, capturing the nuances of middle-class culture and the aspirations of ordinary people. The performances are natural and believable, making the Mishra family feel like real people. Geetanjali Kulkarni and Jameel Khan deliver standout performances as Shanti and Santosh Mishra, respectively, showcasing the characters’ resilience and their unwavering love for their family. Gullak is a gentle reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of things. Its focus on family values, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit makes it a comforting and uplifting watch. The use of a “gullak” (piggy bank) as a narrator adds a unique and charming touch to the storytelling.
8. Aspirants (TVFPlay, YouTube): The UPSC Dream, Deconstructed
Aspirants is a drama series
