The Top 5 Must-Watch Hindi Web Series

Immerse yourself in the world of Indian storytelling with these five top-rated Hindi web series. From thrilling crime dramas to real-life accounts, these series offer diverse narratives that have captivated audiences across the country. With compelling characters, gripping plots, and stunning visuals, these web series have set new benchmarks in the Indian entertainment industry.

1. Sacred Games

-OTT Platform: Netflix

-Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi

-Number of Seasons: 2

-Release Date: Season 1 – July 6, 2018; Season 2 – August 15, 2019

Sacred Games is a trailblazing Indian web series that set the bar for all others that followed. Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same name, the show is a crime thriller revolving around Sartaj Singh (played by Saif Ali Khan), a troubled Mumbai police officer, and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a ruthless gangster. The story explores the dark underbelly of Mumbai’s criminal world, filled with corruption, politics, and the looming threat of a deadly attack on the city.

With stunning performances by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sacred Games became an instant hit and received widespread acclaim for its gripping plot, production quality, and character depth. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of Guruji in the second season further elevated the narrative.

2. Mirzapur

-OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

-Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal

-Number of Seasons: 2 (Season 3 expected)

-Release Date: Season 1 – November 16, 2018; Season 2 – October 23, 2020

Set in the lawless land of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, this series centers on the life of the powerful Tripathi family, led by Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), who runs the illegal arms and drug trade in the city. The series follows Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey), two brothers who get entangled in Kaleen Bhaiya’s empire and ultimately challenge his dominance.

Mirzapur stands out for its raw and gritty portrayal of violence, power struggles, and the pursuit of control. The performances of Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyendu Sharma as Munna Tripathi, Kaleen Bhaiya’s ambitious yet unpredictable son, are key highlights. The show’s dialogues, intense action scenes, and complex characters have made it one of the most popular web series in India.

3. Paatal Lok

-OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

-Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Abhishek Banerjee, Gul Panag

-Number of Seasons: 1

-Release Date: May 15, 2020

Paatal Lok is a hard-hitting crime thriller that delves deep into the socio-political landscape of India. The series follows Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), a washed-up cop investigating a high-profile assassination attempt. His investigation leads him into the darker, more sinister realms of society, often referred to as “Paatal Lok,” where the worst of humanity resides.

Jaideep Ahlawat’s breakout performance as Hathiram was widely appreciated, and the show’s dark, realistic tone won critical acclaim. Paatal Lok touches on themes such as caste discrimination, media manipulation, and corruption in law enforcement, making it more than just a crime series.

4. The Family Man

-OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

-Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu (Season 2)

-Number of Seasons: 2 (Season 3 expected)

-Release Date: Season 1 – September 20, 2019; Season 2 – June 4, 2021

The Family Man is an action-packed drama centered on Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), a middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC). Balancing his domestic life with his dangerous job, Srikant navigates the challenges of protecting the nation from terrorist threats while dealing with his family’s demands.

Manoj Bajpayee’s exceptional portrayal of the everyday man caught in extraordinary situations earned him widespread praise. Season 2 introduced Samantha Ruth Prabhu as Raji, a deadly adversary, adding more intrigue and intensity to the series. The Family Man skillfully blends humor, action, and emotions, making it a massive hit.

5.Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story

-OTT Platform: SonyLIV

-Cast: Pratik Gandhi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Hemant Kher, Anjali Barot

-Number of Seasons: 1

-Release Date: October 9, 2020

Scam 1992 is a biographical drama based on the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta and his involvement in India’s biggest financial scam in the early 1990s. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the series chronicles Harshad’s meteoric rise in the stock market and the eventual downfall that led to his arrest and death.

Pratik Gandhi’s portrayal of Harshad Mehta earned him critical acclaim and catapulted him to national fame. The show’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with strong performances and a compelling storyline, made Scam 1992 a standout success. The series also offers a deep dive into India’s financial markets, making it educational as well as entertaining.

Each of these web series has left a lasting impression on viewers, showcasing the immense potential of Indian content in the digital space. From crime thrillers to biographical dramas, these shows have captured diverse genres, offering something for everyone. With the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and SonyLIV, Indian audiences are being treated to high-quality, gripping content that was once limited to the big screen. Whether you’re a fan of suspense, action, or drama, these web series are perfect for your next binge-watching session.