Paatal Lok Season 2 Review: Rare sequel on OTT which is better than original
Paatal Lok Season 2 Web Series Rating: 3.5 Stars
Watched Paatal Lok Season 2 Web Series on Prime Video. So, let’s analyze the cast, release date, story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this web series.
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome and Anurag Arora
Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware
Release Date: 17th January 2025 on Prime Video
Duration: 8 Episodes/ 40 Minutes
Story: Season 2 picks up right where the first season left off, continuing the gripping journey of Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat). His unconventional approach often clashes with departmental protocols, leaving his superiors irked. Despite having cracked a brilliant case he stuck in a stagnant career at the Jamna Paar Thana. His son Siddharth (Bodhisattva Sharma) has now shifted to a hostel and wants to complete his post-graduation in Australia. His wife Renu (Gul Panag) wants to start tuition classes to save money for Siddharth’s PG course.
One day, a young woman, Geeta Paswan (Suman Purty) approaches the station and reporting that her husband Raghu Paswan (Shailesh Kumar) has been missing for days. While investigating, Hathi Ram learns that Raghu is having an extra-marital affair and travel to Dimapur, Nagaland for his work.
Around the same time, a Nagaland politician Jonathan Tham (Kaguirong Gonmei) is brutally murdered in a Delhi hotel. Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh) is now the ACP and he’s given charge of the murder of this high-profile case. Thom was in Delhi to attend the Nagaland Summit, and his murder sent shockwaves and also resulted in tensions in Nagaland.
While going through the CCTV footage, Imran realizes that a girl Rose Lizo (Merenla Imsong) was seen running away from Nagaland Sadan around the time of the murder. On the other hand, Hathi Ram sees Rose and Raghu taking a train to Dimapur in the CCTV footage of the railway station. Realizing that the disappearance of Raghu and the murder of Thom is linked, Hathi Ram and Imran team up yet again and head to Nagaland.
Tham’s son Ruben (L C Sekhose) seethes with anger over his father’s death, further complicating matters. How are the two cases connected? What secrets does Rose Lijo hold? These form the crux of the story.
Positives
1. Performances
2. Screenplay
3. Direction
4. Story
5. Cinematography
Negatives
1. Length
2. Too many subplots
3. Climax
4. Dialogues
Durgesh Tiwary’s View: When I watched the trailer of this web-series planned to watch in my free time as liked the 1st season. Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary, the haggard, unlikely hero, investigates a high-profile murder case that leads him to remote corners of North-East India, where he battles powerful forces and personal tragedies in his pursuit of truth.
Paatal Lok Season 2 story is intriguing. It introduces a fresh storyline that revolves around two seemingly unrelated cases: the murder of a politician and the disappearance of an ordinary man. Screenplay is captivating and is peppered with a lot of interesting and exciting moments. It continues to impress with its brilliant mix of political commentary, police procedural, and thriller elements, all elevated by the masterful direction of Avinash Arun Dhaware. The choice of Nagaland as the primary setting is nothing short of a masterstroke, adding an atmospheric layer of intrigue and tension to the narrative, while also giving the story a fresh, distinctive backdrop. It’s a state rarely seen in our films and shows and moreover, here, the political chaos suits the theme of the show perfectly. The characters of the state are well fleshed out and the bond they have with each other makes for an exciting watch. The action sequences are grounded and believable, and the use of cuss words is restrained, lending the narrative an air of credibility. The balance between Hathi Ram’s professional chaos and personal turmoil is handled masterfully, keeping the audience invested in both spheres of his life. Each episode flows seamlessly, much like a riveting page-turner, showcasing the creators’ painstaking effort to maintain realism. Yet again, the bond between Hathi Ram and Iqbal takes the cake. Some of the scenes that stand out are madness at the funeral, Iqbal confessing about his partner to Hathi Ram, the raid at Jogi’s warehouse, Hathi Ram being taken to meet Reuben, etc. The scene where a mob attacks the hospital is the best sequence of the show as it’s very nail-biting.
Cinematography by Avinash Arun deserves special mention for capturing Nagaland’s scenic beauty and the intense action sequences effectively. The background score complements the mood, heightening the suspense during key moments. The performances are nothing short of exceptional. Jaideep Ahlawat yet again plays the part with utmost realism and sincerity. This is the role that made him an actor to watch out for and in Season 2, he yet again does justice. Ishwak Singh also proves that he’s one of the finest talents. Ultimately, new season raises the bar for crime dramas, blending a strong sense of place, emotional depth, and gripping action. With direction that allows the story to breathe and performances that bring the characters to life in unforgettable ways, this is a show that demands attention.
On the flipside, too many characters die, and it might not be acceptable. The suspense is not entirely unpredictable; many might be able to guess from a mile away who the culprit is. Lastly, since so much is happening, one tends to get overwhelmed with the content. While this intricate layering demands the viewer’s full attention, it occasionally slows the pacing. Yet, despite these hiccups, the show never becomes dull. While some scenes are gripping, others tend to drag, risking the audience’s patience. Skipping or fast-forwarding through these moments, though, might cause viewers to miss crucial details in the investigation. Overall, series is a standout example of exceptional direction, setting, and acting, making it an unmissable crime drama. New season justifies its long wait, delivering a haunting, thought-provoking thriller that carries forward the legacy of its predecessor. While the convoluted script might alienate casual viewers, it rewards those willing to immerse themselves in its dark depths. Adding to its allure is the fact that this season ventures into uncharted territory by being one of the rare shows set in the mesmerizing landscapes of Nagaland, offering viewers a glimpse into a world rarely explored on Indian screens. My view on this web-series is Highly Recommended.
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