Top 10 Indian Web Series to Watch | Must-See OTT Shows
The Indian
digital entertainment space has evolved dramatically in recent years, with web
series pushing the boundaries of storytelling, character depth, and realism.
Here are 10 standout Indian
web series that left an indelible mark on audiences and helped define
modern streaming content in India:
1. Sacred Games (Netflix)
The series
that truly kickstarted India's streaming revolution, Sacred Games is a
gripping crime thriller set in Mumbai's underbelly. Directed by Anurag Kashyap
and Vikramaditya Motwane, it follows Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), a troubled
cop, and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a notorious gangster. Packed
with political commentary, mythological references, and layered storytelling,
it set new benchmarks for Indian OTT content.
2. Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video)
Dark,
gritty, and violent, Mirzapur immerses viewers in the lawless town of
Mirzapur, ruled by mafia don Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi). The series
explores power struggles, revenge, and morality through the lens of guns,
crime, and family honor. With raw dialogues and powerful performances, it
quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
3. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (SonyLIV)
A breakout
success, Scam 1992 is based on the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta,
who was at the center of India’s biggest financial scam in the early '90s.
Directed by Hansal Mehta and led by Pratik Gandhi’s brilliant performance, the
series combines finance, ambition, and drama with gripping storytelling and a
memorable retro soundtrack.
4. The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video)
Starring
Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man juggling a high-pressure
job in a covert government agency with his family life, The Family Man
blends action, humor, and emotional depth. It’s realistic take on national
security and its human side earned it critical and commercial acclaim.
5. Aspirants (TVF/YouTube)
Aspirants is a heartfelt story about three
friends preparing for the UPSC exams in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar. It delves
into their dreams, friendships, failures, and personal growth. With relatable
characters and strong writing, it resonated deeply with India’s youth, especially
students and young professionals.
6. Criminal Justice (Disney+
Hotstar)
Inspired by
the British series of the same name, Criminal Justice explores the legal
system from various perspectives—accused, victim, lawyers, and police. Each
season tells a standalone courtroom drama, dealing with serious social issues.
It’s intense, thought-provoking, and features powerful performances from Pankaj
Tripathi and Vikrant Massey.
7. Breathe (Amazon Prime Video)
Breathe is a psychological thriller that
dives deep into how far a father would go to save his dying son. Madhavan’s
layered portrayal of a desperate father in Season 1 and Abhishek Bachchan’s
gripping turn in Season 2 (titled Breathe: Into the Shadows) make it a
must-watch. The show’s strength lies in its emotional core wrapped in suspense.
8. Kota Factory (TVF/Netflix)
Set in the
highly competitive coaching hub of Kota, Kota Factory is India’s first black-and-white
web series and tells the story of Vaibhav, a teenager striving to get into IIT.
It captures the academic pressure, emotional struggles, and the resilience of
students with authenticity. Jitendra Kumar’s role as Jeetu Bhaiya became an
iconic mentor figure.
9. Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video)
A
comedy-drama with a rural heart, Panchayat stars Jitendra Kumar as an
engineering graduate who becomes a Panchayat secretary in a remote village. The
show blends humor, social commentary, and heartfelt moments while showcasing
the charm of rural India. Its simplicity, strong writing, and memorable
characters earned it widespread praise.
10. Paatal Lok (Amazon Prime
Video)
A gritty
investigative thriller produced by Anushka Sharma, Paatal Lok follows a
down-and-out cop as he uncovers a sinister conspiracy while investigating an
assassination attempt. It explores the “three realms” of society—swarg (heaven),
dharti (earth), and paatal (hell)—with a raw, unflinching lens. With its bold
themes and complex characters, the show stood out for its fearless
storytelling.
Conclusion
These ten
web series reflect the diverse storytelling landscape of modern India—from
crime thrillers and political intrigue to heartfelt dramas and inspirational
journeys. They've not only entertained millions but also initiated
conversations around politics, social norms, mental health, education, and
morality.
As Indian
audiences continue to evolve, the digital medium has become a space for bold,
experimental, and emotionally rich narratives, and these series are leading
that change. Whether you're looking for intense drama or a slice-of-life
experience, this list has something for every kind of viewer.
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