Paatal Lok Season 2 review: Why Bollywood star Jaideep Ahlawat's series is a must-watch

Dubai: In Bollywood films and series, we’re accustomed to seeing cops and men in uniform portrayed as indestructible heroes, but Paatal Lok breaks away from that tiresome stereotype.

The law enforcement officers here are refreshingly realistic—overworked, underpaid, physically unfit, and bound by bureaucratic protocol, much like their real-life counterparts in India. That grounded portrayal is precisely what makes them so compelling.

Jaideep Ahlawat shines once again as underdog Delhi cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary. He’s the overlooked officer, passed over for promotions and media attention, yet that’s what makes him so endearing. His limp from high uric acid levels, his labored breathing while chasing criminals, and his heartbreak when his colleagues die in the line of duty make Hathi Ram a character rooted in humanity.

The second season, efficiently directed by Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy streaming on Prime Video now, opens with the murder of Jonathan Thom (Kaguirong Gonmei), a Nagaland politician attending a business summit in New Delhi.

The crime hints at deep political unrest and a conspiracy that goes beyond the tensions in his native land. Meanwhile, Hathi Ram’s investigation into a missing man uncovers a chilling connection to Thom’s death, pulling him into a dangerous and shadowy world. This season expands Paatal Lok’s gritty universe, exploring uncharted territory with gripping intensity.

Apart from the twists and turns that keep you hooked, this season stands out as a shining example of expert casting. Seasoned actors such as Gul Panag, who plays Hathi Ram’s tired, frustrated wife dealing with empty nest syndrome as their son goes away to college, and Tillotama Shome, who portrays a feisty Nagaland cop wary of Hathi Ram encroaching on her volatile turf, are a joy to watch. Their nuanced performances add layers to the story.

A welcome shift in tone comes through the buddy-cop camaraderie between Ishwak Singh and Jaideep Ahlawat’s characters Ansari and Hathi Ram, offering moments of levity amidst the intensity. Their chemistry is not only engaging but also humanises the high-stakes drama, making the narrative even more compelling.

Since a significant portion of the story is set in Nagaland, credit must be given to the makers and casting directors for their impeccable and authentic casting. They avoided the urge to exoticize the characters, ensuring a respectful and accurate portrayal. Unlike the misstep of casting a Bollywood A-lister to play a North East boxing champion in a previous acclaimed film, Paatal Lok gets it right. Shome’s studied accent to sound like a native is spot-on and enhances her emotionally-charged scenes.

The series doesn’t shy away from laying bare the harsh realities, making it a thought-provoking exploration of a region often misunderstood and overlooked. Let’s face it, Nagaland in India’s North East is often perceived as a region marked by tribal dynamics and political tensions and this series offers a searing look into these complexities, exposing how corporate greed and self-serving leaders prioritise filling their coffers over the welfare of their own people.

What also works brilliantly is how every character inhabits shades of grey—there are no clear heroes or villains. Take Hathi Ram, for instance. He’s not the perfect husband; in fact, he’s just a tired and flawed man trying to make sense of his life. But when it comes to his sense of morality and scruples, he’s unmatched. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative, making the characters feel raw and relatable.

The series also offers a glimpse into an interesting chapter of Hathi Ram’s colleague Ansari’s life, touching on his personal struggles with remarkable subtlety. His journey, handled with understated grace, adds depth to the narrative without over-explaining, letting the story speak for itself. It’s a refreshing touch that enriches the emotional complexity of the show.

There’s a poignant scene between Ansari and Hathi Ram in their police vehicle that stands out. As they share a quiet moment, the conversation drifts to relationships and how challenging they can be, regardless of whether they’re heterosexual or otherwise. It’s an honest and raw exchange that humanises both characters, highlighting their shared vulnerabilities and the universal struggles of connection.

The series doesn’t take its viewers for granted. Season 2, fueled by collective stellar performances and a solid, watertight, and taut script, makes for a compelling watch. The twists and turns are intricate and demand your full attention, but the payoff is undeniably worth it.

Series: Paatal Lok (Season 2)

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy

Series creator: Sudip Sharma

Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Nagesh Kukunoor, Merenla Imsong, Tillotama Shome, LC Sekhose

Streaming on: Prime Video

Stars: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)