While we can’t stop obsessing about Netflix and other foreign web-series, there are makers in India who this year came up with some impeccable content that is worth a view. In the past few years, Indians have come up with some amazing content that not only entertains us but also tells an unconventional story.
These series are no more about saas-bahu drama but stories that actually make a difference. What started with ‘Permanent Roommates’, ‘Bang Baaja Baraat’, ‘Pitchers’, now you have a whole host of web-series to pick from.
2017 has been one of the best years of Indian web shows. And here are the top shows that clearly stand apart from the usual bland dramas:
1. Bose Dead/ Alive
This ALT Balaji’s series was one of the most talked shows of the year mainly because of Rajkummar Rad who donned the role of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The web-series traces the journey of Netaji from being an introverted 14-year-old to a 48-year-old brave nationalist. From bringing into light the story of India’s biggest cover-up to showing how it all began, Bose is absolutely my favourite!
2. Lakhon Mein Ek
Created by Biswa Kalyan Rath, this series on Amazon Prime Video highlights a chilling tale of a boy whose parents gravely want him to get into IIT. The show highlights various vital issues. From parental pressure to mental stress, what all a student goes through to fit into what society wants.
3. Rise
Featuring the amazingly talented Vikrant Massey, this web series is a wonderful exploration of the mysterious ways life works its magic. Massey’s character, Shrey, lives out the quintessential work life when life sends him on a soul-searching road trip with his friend’s 55-year-old relative, the most unlikely pillion ever.
4. Time Out
This six-episode series on Viacom 18’s Voot, features Tahir Raj Bhasin and Sarah Jane Dias. We come across a wonderful story of Rahul and Radha’s perfect romance, the perfect relationship and perfect life until he realizes that he’s been living the life he’s supposed to and not necessarily the one he wants to. Something that many of us would relate to!
5. The Aam Aadmi Family (Season 2)
This Timeliners web show is a must…must watch. The season 2 takes you on an entirely a new humour ride that you just can’t get over. You have some fab actors like Brijendra Kala and Lubna Saleem playing vital roles making it an engaging watch.
6. Social
One hell of a show that you just can’t miss! It is a social media thriller directed by Sashi Sudigala starring Rana Dagubatti. The story revolves around a missing girl and the four people (including her brother, played Naveen Kasturia) who set out to solve the mystery.
7. Romil and Jugal
A new take on Romeo and Juliet by the makers of ALT Balaji, the story revolves around a gay couple trying to stay in love in a homophobic society. An interesting watch indeed.
8. Stupid Man, Smart Phone
This is said to be India’s first ever digital survival series featuring Sumeet Vyas and a celebrity guest travelling across 3 unforgiving terrains, trying to complete the mission at hand while being aided by their smartphones and their legions of Social Media followers. Talk about unique.
9. Inside Edge
There is literally no one who didn’t talk about the star-studded trailer of ‘Inside Edge’. Based on the fictional story of a cricket, the series traces the problems of betting, drugs and how it influences one’s life. The highlight was the power struggle between the character, something that is usually missing in the India shows.
10. What The Folks
Yet another most talked about series of 2017. This Dice Media show was all about a family inviting their son-in-law to live with them for a short period of time. The situation is so relatable that you enjoy every bit of it. From the tension, awkwardness to the perfect timing of honour, it was a great watch.