Web series in India have seen explosive growth in recent years, becoming a major part of the entertainment landscape. Here’s an overview of the current scene:
Web Series in India
Popular Genres
- Drama: Shows like Delhi Crime, Mirzapur, and Made in Heaven explore complex characters and social issues.
- Thriller/Mystery: Series such as Sacred Games and Breathe keep audiences on the edge of their seats with gripping storylines.
- Comedy: Permanent Roommates and TVF Pitchers offer humor and relatable scenarios, often resonating with the younger crowd.
- Fantasy/Sci-Fi: The Family Man and Mumbai Mafia combine elements of suspense with imaginative storytelling.
Popular Platforms
- Netflix: Known for its diverse content, including Sacred Games and Delhi Crime.
- Amazon Prime Video: Features popular shows like Mirzapur, The Family Man, and Paatal Lok.
- Disney+ Hotstar: Offers a variety of genres including Special Ops and Aarya.
- MX Player: Known for its free content and series like Raktanchal and Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan.
Here’s a list of some of the top web series in India, popular for their storytelling, production quality, and impact :—
- Sacred Games (Netflix) – A gritty thriller based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, it explores Mumbai’s criminal underworld.
- Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video) – A crime drama set in the lawless world of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Delhi Crime (Netflix) – A gripping series based on the Delhi gang rape case, showcasing the investigation by Delhi Police.
- The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video) – A blend of drama and action, following the life of an intelligence officer balancing work and family life.
- Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime Video) – A dark thriller about a disillusioned cop investigating a failed assassination attempt.
- Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime Video) – A drama series centered around wedding planners in Delhi, exploring social issues.
- Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar) – A spy thriller featuring an intelligence officer’s hunt for a terrorist mastermind.
- Aarya (Disney+ Hotstar) – A crime drama revolving around a woman who takes over her husband’s illegal drug business after his death.
- TVF Pitchers (TVF Play) – A comedy-drama about four friends who quit their jobs to start a new business.
- Kota Factory (TVF Play) – A coming-of-age drama set in the Kota coaching hub, focusing on the struggles of students preparing for competitive exams.
These series have received widespread acclaim for their engaging plots, strong performances, and production quality.
1.Sacred Games (Netflix) :
Sacred Games (Netflix)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a critically acclaimed Indian web series based on Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same name. Set in Mumbai, it intertwines the lives of a troubled police officer, Sartaj Singh, and a notorious gangster, Ganesh Gaitonde. When Sartaj receives a cryptic phone call from Gaitonde, who has been missing for years, he uncovers a complex web of crime, corruption, and conspiracy that leads to a race against time to prevent a looming disaster. The series is known for its dark, gripping narrative, rich character development, and its exploration of themes such as power, politics, and moral ambiguity.
2. Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video) :
Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a popular Indian web series set in the lawless town of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. The story revolves around the ruthless power struggle between local mafia don Kaleen Bhaiya and the aspiring Tripathi brothers. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of crime, violence, and politics, showcasing the impact of power on relationships and morality. Known for its intense drama, complex characters, and gritty portrayal of crime, Mirzapur has gained a significant following for its gripping storyline and strong performances.
3. Delhi Crime (Netflix) :
Delhi Crime (Netflix)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a compelling Indian web series that dramatizes the investigation of the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape case, also known as the Nirbhaya case. The series follows Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi, who leads a dedicated team of officers in a race against time to apprehend the perpetrators. With its realistic portrayal of police procedures and the emotional toll on the officers involved, Delhi Crime sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in India. The series is praised for its sensitive handling of a difficult subject and its strong performances, particularly by Shefali Shah in the lead role.
4. The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video) :
The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is an action-packed Indian web series that blends drama and espionage. The story follows Srikant Tiwari, a seemingly ordinary middle-class man who secretly works as a senior analyst for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency. While Srikant juggles the pressures of his high-stakes job—dealing with terrorist threats and national security—he also struggles to maintain a normal family life, leading to a series of intense and often humorous situations. The series is lauded for its gripping narrative, sharp writing, and Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance as the lead, offering a unique mix of suspense, humor, and emotional depth.
5. Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime Video) :
Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime Video)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a dark and gritty Indian web series that delves into the underbelly of society. The story follows Hathiram Chaudhary, a disillusioned police officer, who gets assigned to a high-profile case involving an assassination attempt on a prominent journalist. As he investigates, Hathiram uncovers a deep conspiracy that links the crime to the darker realms of society, metaphorically referred to as “Paatal Lok” (the underworld). The series explores themes of social inequality, corruption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Paatal Lok is praised for its intense storytelling, powerful performances, and its stark portrayal of the complexities of modern India.
6. Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime Video) :
Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime Video)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a drama series that offers a captivating look into the lives of wedding planners in Delhi. The story centers around Tara and Karan, co-owners of a wedding planning company called Made in Heaven, who organize lavish, high-society weddings. As they navigate the extravagant demands of their wealthy clients, they also grapple with their personal challenges—Tara’s troubled marriage and Karan’s struggle with societal norms as a gay man.
The series deftly explores themes such as class, tradition, and modernity, revealing the stark contrasts between the public facades and private realities of the characters. Made in Heaven is lauded for its nuanced storytelling, rich character development, and its critique of the societal expectations surrounding marriage and relationships in contemporary India.
7. Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar) :
Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is an action-packed Indian web series that follows the life of Himmat Singh, a senior analyst at the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s intelligence agency. The series revolves around his 19-year-long mission to track down the mastermind behind a series of terror attacks in India.
As Himmat connects the dots across various incidents, the narrative shifts between past and present, showcasing his relentless pursuit and the challenges he faces in his quest for justice. Special Ops is praised for its gripping storyline, intricate plot twists, and stellar performances, particularly by Kay Kay Menon in the lead role. The series combines elements of espionage, suspense, and drama, making it a thrilling watch.
8. Aarya (Disney+ Hotstar) :
Aarya (Disney+ Hotstar)One of Top 10 Web Series in India is a gripping Indian web series that follows the story of Aarya Sareen, a woman who is thrust into the dangerous world of crime after her husband is mysteriously murdered. Forced to protect her family and unravel the truth behind her husband’s death, Aarya takes control of the illegal drug business he was involved in. As she navigates the treacherous criminal underworld, she struggles to balance her responsibilities as a mother and her newfound role as a crime boss.
The series is lauded for Sushmita Sen’s powerful performance in the lead role, its intense narrative, and its exploration of themes like family, loyalty, and survival in the face of betrayal and danger.
9. Kota Factory (TVF Play) :
Kota Factory (TVF Play/Netflix) is a critically acclaimed Indian web series that offers a realistic portrayal of the lives of students preparing for competitive exams in Kota, a city known for its coaching centers.
The story revolves around Vaibhav, a teenager who moves to Kota with dreams of cracking the IIT entrance exam. As he navigates the rigorous academic environment, he faces challenges like academic pressure, competition, and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance.
The series is distinctive for its black-and-white cinematography, symbolizing the monotony and pressures of student life. Kota Factory is praised for its relatable characters, authentic depiction of student struggles, and its insightful take on the education system in India.it is One of Top 10 Web Series in India.
10. TVF Pitchers (TVF Play) :
TVF Pitchers (TVF Play) is a popular Indian web series that follows the journey of four friends—Naveen, Jitu, Yogi, and Mandal—who quit their jobs to start their own tech startup. Set against the backdrop of India’s burgeoning startup culture, the series explores the challenges and triumphs they face as they navigate the entrepreneurial world. With a mix of humor, drama, and inspirational moments, TVF Pitchers captures the essence of following one’s dreams despite the odds.
The series is widely praised for its relatable characters, sharp writing, and its realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of startup life, making it a favorite among young audiences and aspiring entrepreneurs. it is One of Top 10 Web Series in India.