Indian original series has emerged as a dynamic force in fresh storytelling, featuring a captivating mix of engaging plots, diverse characters, and impressive visuals. Here are 6 best Indian original web series that stand out for their originality, stellar performances, and compelling narratives, making them essential viewing for any fan of great television.
These series are not just entertaining; they also reflect the richness of Indian culture and the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age.
Table of Contents
1. Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper
Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper is a bold and darkly humorous Indian original web series available on Netflix. It centers around the life of Tribhuvan Mishra, a once-successful chartered accountant whose life spirals downward due to a banking crisis. Portrayed brilliantly by Manav Kaul, Tribhuvan finds himself compelled to live a highly unconventional double life, resorting to sex work to alleviate his financial struggles. As he delves deeper into the criminal underbelly of Noida, he grapples with complex relationships and moral quandaries that completely upend his existence.
This unique blend of crime drama and comedy explores themes of survival, ethical limits, and life’s unpredictability. Created by Puneet Krishna, known for his work on Mirzapur, Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper masterfully combines satire and dark comedy, focusing on the transformation of an ordinary man pushed to his limits. The narrative challenges Tribhuvan’s morals and societal norms, offering a humorous yet incisive commentary on how economic difficulties influence personal choices.
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2. Monica, O My Darling
Monica, O My Darling is a captivating neo-noir thriller that seamlessly blends suspense, dark humor, and unexpected twists, enriching Netflix’s collection of Indian originals. Directed by Vasan Bala, this stylish film features a remarkable cast, including Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Radhika Apte. The narrative follows Jayant (Rajkummar Rao), a robotics expert who finds himself ensnared in a treacherous web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. His life spirals into darkness when he becomes involved in a murder plot orchestrated by Monica (Huma Qureshi), a femme fatale whose ulterior motives keep viewers guessing.
What sets this film apart is its innovative storytelling and playful subversion of genre conventions. It pays homage to classic Bollywood thrillers while incorporating a modern, satirical edge. Radhika Apte delivers a standout performance as a quirky police officer investigating the unfolding chaos, infusing the film with dry humor that complements its darker undertones. As secrets are unveiled and true intentions are revealed, audiences embark on a thrilling roller-coaster ride filled with suspense and irony.
Monica, O My Darling serves as both a tribute to and a satire of classic Bollywood noir, boasting stunning visuals, suspenseful twists, and memorable performances. With its unpredictable plot and complex characters, this film stands out in the realm of Indian original web series, making it a must-watch for fans of thrillers and whodunits infused with humor, keeping viewers engaged right up until its twisty conclusion.
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3. IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
The Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a compelling reenactment of one of India’s most harrowing hostage crises. Based on the true events of December 1999, the series chronicles the dramatic hijacking of Flight IC 814, showcasing the ordeal experienced by passengers and crew members, alongside the intense negotiations led by Indian officials. This gripping seven-day standoff involved multiple forced landings, ultimately concluding in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during a time when the region was under Taliban control.
Featuring outstanding performances from actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and Dia Mirza, IC 814 goes beyond merely recounting historical facts. It delves deep into the harrowing experiences of the hostages, the intricacies of diplomatic choices, and the emotional toll on a nation fixated on the unfolding drama. The series captures the gritty realism of this high-stakes event while also shedding light on the geopolitical tensions involving India, Pakistan, and the Taliban, offering a vivid portrayal of the delicate diplomacy required in such crisis situations.
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4. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein
The Netflix thriller Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen is a gripping drama that skillfully weaves together elements of romance and psychological suspense. Directed by Sidharth Sengupta, the series centers on Vikrant, portrayed by Tahir Raj Bhasin, an ordinary young man whose aspirations for a peaceful life spiral into chaos due to a perilous love triangle. When Purva (Anchal Singh), the daughter of a powerful politician, becomes infatuated with him, Vikrant finds himself ensnared in a dangerous game of obsession, crime, and manipulation. Purva’s love is anything but innocent, as her family’s considerable influence forces Vikrant into morally compromising situations, compelling him to make increasingly extreme choices.
Set in the fictional town of Onkara, the atmospheric setting and engaging soundtrack heighten the tension throughout the series. Shweta Tripathi plays Shikha, Vikrant’s true love, whose character adds depth to the conflict as he struggles to escape Purva’s suffocating grasp. Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen expertly examines themes of control, toxic love, and the lengths one might go to reclaim personal freedom, all while incorporating moments of dark humor.
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5. Maamla Legal hai
“Maamla Legal Hai” is a delightful courtroom comedy on Netflix that brings humor and wit to the legal landscape. Starring Ravi Kishan as V.D. Tyagi, the ambitious lawyer, the series unfolds in the bustling Patparganj District Court, where Tyagi encounters a colorful cast of characters, including crafty opponents and overwhelmed court staff. As he strives for a prestigious judgeship, his quest pushes him to navigate the ethical dilemmas that come with his aspirations, often leading to comedic situations.
The series skillfully blends satire with light-hearted storytelling, offering insights into the legal world while exploring Tyagi’s relationships with his father, a retired High Court judge, and his rival, Phorey. It’s as much a narrative about personal growth and moral challenges as it is about legal antics. With its engaging characters and humorous take on the everyday workings of the Indian judiciary, Maamla Legal Hai stands out as a refreshing entry in Netflix’s collection of Indian original web series, appealing to fans of both courtroom dramas and comedies.
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6. Aranyak
Aranyak is a captivating Indian original web series on Netflix that unravels the gripping murder mystery of a young girl in the fictional Himalayan town of Sironah. Featuring Raveena Tandon in the role of Kasturi Dogra, a tenacious police officer, the series explores her partnership with local officer Angad, played by Parambrata Chatterjee. Together, they delve into a case complicated by political intrigue and personal motives, while a mythical creature known as the “leopard-man” adds an eerie layer to the narrative.
The series effectively combines suspense with cultural elements, offering a rich storytelling experience complemented by strong performances. Aranyak has received praise for its engaging plot and atmospheric setting, making it a standout entry among Indian original web series on Netflix. Its mix of mystery, local folklore, and character depth keeps viewers engrossed, solidifying its place as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
