From ‘Railway Men’ to ‘Kaala Paani’: Picks of the Best Web Series of 2023
2023 has undoubtedly emerged as an exceptional year for cinema, offering India a plethora of outstanding films and web series. As we approach the end of the year, let’s reflect on ten web series that have captivated audiences and critics alike and stand out as the best picks of the year.
The Night Manager (Disney + Hotstar)
The Night Manager is a Hindi-language crime thriller film directed by Sandeep Modi, a remake of its 2016 British counterpart, adapted from John Le Carré’s novel of the same name. Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala play the lead roles supported by a talented ensemble including Tillotama Shome, Ravi Behl and Saswata Chatterjee. For those who love a compelling spy thriller, this series stands out as the ultimate binge-watching choice.
Anniversary (Amazon Prime Video)
A month before the independence of India and Pakistan, Shrikant Roy, a legitimate producer who owns Roy Talkies studios in Bombay, is actively looking for a new actor to debut as the lead character in his upcoming film, ‘Sunghursh’. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the series features Aparshakti Khurana, Aditi Rao Hydari and Prosenjit Chatterjee in lead roles.
Saas Bahu aur Flamingo (Disney + Hotstar)
“Saas Bahu aur Flamingo” is undoubtedly emerging as one of the most innovative web series of 2023. What sets it apart is its innovative approach, where women not only take the lead but also take on traditionally male roles. While the inclusion of women in lead roles is commonplace, this series takes it a step further and shows women seamlessly performing tasks normally associated with men in our normal world. It depicts a world where women play all the roles men play in our daily lives.
Made in Heaven Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
The aesthetic and pleasurable sensations of Made in Heaven remain unmatched. While the second season may not reach the heights of the first, it still provides a satisfying experience. This season revolves around Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Arjun’s efforts to revive their misguided business. They set up their office in an old, dilapidated house, joined by the familiar face of business partner Jauharji (Vijay Raaz), who reprises his role from the first installment.
Guns and Roses (Netflix)
The story takes place in the fictional town of Gulabganj, a landscape where government-licensed opium is cultivated. Control of the opium trade is fiercely contested between two rival gangs, led by Ganchi and Nabed. Against this backdrop, Gangaram, a local student, witnesses the killing of Babu Tiger by a hired assassin, the quadriplegic Aatmaram. The series stars Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan and Gulshan Devaya in lead roles.
The Railway Men (Netflix)
“Railway Men”, starring R Madhavan and Kay Kay Menon, opens shortly after the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s worst industrial disaster. In the course of the series, we meet the station master Iftekar (Kay Kay Menon), the newly recruited Imad (Babil Khan), the express bandit Baldev (Diviendu) and Rathi, the general manager of the railways (Madhavan). The series excels at the small details that have contributed significantly to its success. Even without comparing it to Chernobyl, the series stands out as admirable.
Kaala Paan (Netflix)
“Kaala Paani” stands out as one of the best survival dramas for Indian audiences in recent years. Its resonance is amplified by the shared experience of the Covid-19 pandemic. Featuring talents like Mona Singh and Ashutosh Gowariker, the film depicts the thrilling story of a mysterious disease that engulfs the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A poignant blend of survival instincts, the search for a cure and deep human connections, Kaala Pani depicts a tale of love, loss and despair.
Delhi Sultan (Disney + Hotstar)
Starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and Mouni Roy, the story is set against the backdrop of 1960s Delhi and charts the rise of a mobster. Arjun, a survivor of the 1947 partition that witnessed his family’s tragic fate, heads to Delhi with his father. The show begins with a gathering of skilled people who oversee the underbelly of the city.
Scoop (Netflix)
Scoop appears as one of the featured series releases in 2023, inspired by Gina Vora’s biographical memoir, “Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison.” The series, centered around the real-life narrative of Jigna Vora, who is accused of murdering afternoon reporter Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011, features stellar performances by lead actors Karishma Tanna, Muhammad Zeshan Ayub and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
Bambai Meri Jaan (Amazon Prime Video)
Starring Avinash Tiwari, Kay Kay Menon and Kritika Kamra, the series is set in Bombay in 1964. Ismail Qadri, an honest cop hailing from Ratnagiri and a devoted family man, is assigned to uncover the criminal nexus between Suleiman ‘Hajji’ Maqbool, Azim Pataan and Anna Rajan Mudaliar. Ismail’s integrity is constantly challenged, both in his personal and professional spheres.
