Paatal Lok is a Hindi crime thriller series that was released on Amazon Prime Video on 15 May 2020, and its second season began streaming on 17 January 2025. Created by Sudeep Sharma, directed by Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy, the series stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Neeraj Kabi, Abhishek Banerjee, Swastika Mukherjee, Tilottama Shome, and Nagesh Kukunoor in lead roles.
Produced by Anushka Sharma, the series is based on Tarun Tejpal's novel The Story of My Assassins and is available with a TV-MA rating of 9 episodes (Season 1) and 8 episodes (Season 2). The trailer of the dark crime drama, Jaideep Ahlawat's gritty cop role, and social commentary have raised expectations. How is this series? Let's see my feelings, highlights, and shortcomings in this review
What's in the story?
Season 1: Inspector Hathi Ram Choudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), a frustrated cop at Delhi's Outer Jamuna Par police station. He is assigned the case of an attempt to murder on prominent journalist Sanjeev Mehra (Neeraj Kabi). The four accused—Vishal Tyagi (Abhishek Banerjee), Tope Singh (Jagjit Sandhu), Mary Lyngdoh (Mairembam Ronaldo Singh), and Kabir M (Asif Khan)—are caught. Hathi Ram, along with his junior Ansari (Ishwak Singh), solves the case, exposing social issues like caste discrimination, religious differences, political conspiracies, media corruption, and rural violence. The case takes him into the ‘Paatal Lok’—the nefarious underworld. The problems in Sanjeev Mehra’s life, the past of the accused, and Hathi Ram’s personal conflicts drive the story with twists and turns.
Season 2: Set in Nagaland, the season begins with the murder of a prominent businessman-politician. Hathi Ram, still living in Outer Jamuna Par, is dragged into the case along with Ansari, an assistant commissioner. A missing person case is linked to the murder. The socio-political complexities of Nagaland, the problems of migrant workers, unemployment, drug trafficking, and hawala rackets become part of the story. Hathi Ram and Ansari's friendship, and their personal lives add emotional depth to the story.
My Feelings: Gripping but complex!
When I watched the trailer of Paatal Lok, it seemed like a dark, realistic crime drama with a Sacred Games, Mirzapur vibe. The first six episodes of season 1 were a binge-watcher with suspense and cliffhangers. The Indian Express called it "intelligently written, fast-paced, engaging" and The Hindu praised it for its "steady momentum, powerful performances". Season 2 impressed with its Nagaland setting, realistic portrayal, and Hathi Ram-Ansari bond.
Hindustan Times said "Season 2 is better than Season 1" and NDTV praised it as "Jaideep Ahlawat brings Hathi Ram to life". However, the last three episodes of season 1 were cluttered, and season 2 was disappointing with an overly complex screenplay and slow pacing. The Times of India criticized it as “dense narration, overwhelming subplots in season 2”. While Jaideep Ahlawat and Ishwak Singh’s performances, social criticism, and realistic setting are strong, the graphic violence, complex narration, and Telugu dubbing (Telangana slang in season 2) shortcomings remain challenges.
Acting, technical aspects
Jaideep Ahlawat is the soul of the series as Hathi Ram Choudhary. His gritty, emotional depth, and performance as a frustrated cop are amazing. India Today wrote “Jaideep dominates every frame” and X user “Jaideep’s performance is a masterclass”. Ishwak Singh (Ansari) impressed in the scenes where he faces discrimination as a Muslim cop. Abhishek Banerjee (Hatoda Tyagi) struck a chord with the psychopath in Season 1. Neeraj Kabi, Gul Panag, Swastika Mukherjee, Tilottama Shome and Nagesh Kukunoor played decent roles in Season 2. Rotten Tomatoes praised the “Northeast cast adds authenticity”.
Technically, Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy’s direction has realistically depicted the settings of Delhi, Punjab, Chitrakoot (Season 1) and Nagaland (Season 2). NDTV praised the “cinematography and atmosphere are amazing”. Sudeep Sharma's script seamlessly blends social themes, but The Wire criticized the "last episodes are cluttered". The BGM brought intense scenes to life. However, Rotten Tomatoes' review said that the Telugu dubbing (Telangana slang) of Season 2 was dull. The production values and editing were conducive to binge-watching with cliffhangers.
Likes, Dislikes
Likes:
Jaideep Ahlawat's performance: Gritty as Hathi Ram, emotional depth is amazing.
Social Criticism: Bold script on issues of caste, religion, political corruption, media, migration.
Realistic Setting: Authentic Delhi, Nagaland, Punjab backgrounds.
Cliffhangers: Every episode pulls for binge-watching.
Ansari-Hati Ram bond: Friendship in Season 2 added emotional depth.
Dislikes:
Overly complex: Dense subplots, slow pacing in Season 2 were disappointing.
Graphic Violence: Rape, gore scenes are uncomfortable for faint-hearted viewers.
Telugu Dubbing: Telangana slang in Season 2 is dull, weaker than in Season 1.
Cluttered climax: Season 1's lost episodes, some of the resolutions in Season 2 felt incomplete.
Controversies: Criticism over scenes in Season 1 that denigrate Sikh and Nepali communities.
Who should watch it?
Paatal Lok is perfect for fans of Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, those who like dark crime thrillers like Sacred Games, Mirzapur, and audiences interested in social issues. It has a TV-MA rating for graphic violence, profanity, and sexual content, so it is suitable for adults but may be uncomfortable for family audiences. HuffPost India and Indian Express ranked it as the best Hindi series of 2020. A user on X wrote, "Season 2 is gripping, Jaideep is amazing." However, those expecting fast-paced or mythological thrillers like Asur may find it complex and slow. Quora Review criticized it as “slow, stretched plot”.
Rating: 3.5/5
Paatal Lok impressed with Jaideep Ahlawat and Ishwak Singh’s performances, social criticism, realistic setting, and gripping cliffhangers. However, the overly complex screenplay, slow pacing, graphic content, and Telugu dubbing errors prevented it from being a complete hit. Sudeep Sharma and Avinash Arun brilliantly portrayed the real India dark heart and lost consistency in the narration. A must-watch on Amazon Prime for those who like crime thrillers and social drama!
Release Date: May 15, 2020 (Season 1); January 17, 2025 (Season 2)
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy (Season 1); Avinash Arun (Season 2)
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Neeraj Kabi, Gul Panag, Abhishek Banerjee, Swastika Mukherjee, Tilottama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor
Rating: TV-MA (Crime Thriller, Drama)