This Hindi series Aarya is about the proverbial lioness versus the hunters. Here Indian actress Sushmita Sen plays the lady lioness – Aarya – the protagonist with great aplomb.
The former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen won the Best Actress award for this series. And we all know that the lioness is the primary hunter of the pride in the wild-wild world.
Synopsis (summary) of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
When her world suddenly turns upside down, will Aarya (Sushmita Sen) become the very thing she hated? How far will she go to survive and protect her family?
Spoiler-free review of the Aarya (S3-Part1/2023) Series
Adopted from the Dutch series Penoza
Aarya – this crime series from India is an official adaptation of the Dutch series Penoza. This Hindi series is produced in India by Endemol Shine, which started as a Dutch production company, the same company also produced the original Penoza series from the Netherlands.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the word called penose (Dutch: penoze and perhaps a derived title here Penoza of the Dutch series) is the organised criminal underbelly in Amsterdam and other major cities in the Netherlands. Thus, Penose usually means the organizations formed by criminals of Dutch descent.
Collaboration between Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen
The creator of the Aarya series, Ram Madhvani wanted to make the Dutch series Penoza into a film but it did not work. So, he went ahead and made the Neerja movie in 2016. But four years later, he made Aarya a web series in 2020 with Sushmita Sen playing the lead role. If one looks at movie star Sushmita Sen’s filmography, one will realize that she has not done anything of note since 2010. Until she made her come back to the acting job on the screen after almost a decade with the Aarya series in 2020.
In other words, the said collaboration between Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen has worked out for both of them.
So, what is Aarya all about?
Like Penoza, its Indian-adapted version Aarya also deals with the (not that) organized crime family based in Rajasthan state. It narrates a tale about Aarya, a loving housewife busy tending to the needs of her husband and three young children. But her life goes haywire after her husband is assassinated. Housewife Aarya reluctantly has to take charge of the criminal business of her family. So, that she can save her kids from all kinds of threats.
During three seasons and twenty-one episodes, we get to see the transformative character arc of Aarya. She is willing to do almost anything to survive and protect her kids from the big bad world of crime and the underworld in India. As a result, she steps into the deadly world of criminals. However, the well-established (Indian and Foreign) gangsters rule the illegal drug businesses in this dangerous crime field. But the big question remains, what kind of price she and her family are going to pay?
Susmita Sen plays Aarya with style and finesse
This show portrays Aarya as a lioness with lethal claws and bites. As a result, she is certainly not depicted as the trigger-happy. She is shown as a caring and thoughtful lady. Despite managing the illicit drug business, she likes to call herself a working mother. Whether dealing with the complications in her family or doing drug business with hardened criminals, she never loses her cool demeanour. We have, no doubt that Susmita Sen plays Aarya with great style and restrained finesse.
Other notable actors and the conclusion
To be honest, we have not seen the original Penoza show. So, we are unsure about the ongoing storyline of this crime series set in India. We do not like the fact that its writers and directors are trying to paint Aarya’s character as a compassionate working woman. She has chosen to step into the criminal world, it is time to show another ruthless side of the lioness. Hopefully, they will rectify it in its future episodes and seasons. Only, then will they be able to make it a much more intense and interesting crime show to watch.
Season three of this series is primarily a revenge drama. We get to meet actor Indraneil Sengupta (who plays Sooraj Raizada – Nandini’s husband and Udayveer’s son-in-law) as the key antagonist. He has played the sinister role with a subtlety. Furthermore, actor Vikas Kumar (ACP Khan) continues to impress with his dogged acting too.
Besides, we learnt that this series was shot completely with a handheld camera to give it a natural feel. And we this aspect. Also, it seems that they have truncated this season, as the number of episodes has gone down. Maybe, it has something with the health scare of Sushmita Sen during the shooting of this season. Here is wishing her the best of health.
To conclude, this is a good show with a strong female lead. Our only wish is that Team Aarya will take more risks with its script to make it an unpredictable crime show from India.
Please note:- Aarya is at the number 21 in 50 Most Popular Indian Web Series.
FM rating of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
| Season (1) One | Season (2) Two | Season (3) Three (P1) | |
| FM’s rating | 3.85/5 | 4.00/5 | 3.95/5 |
Spoiler alert – a peek into its episodes across its three-season
The First (1st) Season and Nine (9) Episodes of the Aarya show
S1/E1 ∙ Tum Mujhpe Bharosa Karti Ho?
{Do You Trust Me?}
Aarya and Tej’s family life turns upside down when her brother, Sangram, and their friend, Jawahar, take a dangerous risk to make a quick buck.
S1/E2 ∙ Aapko Shaq Hai Kisi Par?
{Do You Suspect Anyone?)
Tragedy strikes home. Adding insult to injury, Aarya has to deal with unforeseen pressure from the police. In the midst of all this, Aarya begins to suspect someone.
S1/E3 ∙ Kaun Zimmedar Hai?
{Who Is Responsible?)
While the family reels in distress, Jawahar warns Aarya about the danger they all are in. When she visits Sangram in the jail, a shock awaits her.
S1/E4 ∙ Apne Panje Bahar Nikaalo
{Take Out Your Claws}
Aarya is threatened by an unknown assailant, which ups her worry about her children’s safety, who are dealing with their own problems. But she finds an unlikely ally in Daulat.
S1/E5 ∙ Kaun Chalaega Business?
{Who Will Run The Business}
Danger strikes Aarya and her family once more, and the relentless Khan searches her house yet again. Fed up, Aarya decides to take the bull by the horns and meets Shekhawat.
S1/E6 ∙ Ek Guru Chahiye
{Need A Teacher}
As Aarya dives deep into the business, she faces her first challenge. In the meantime, Khan goes after Hina for information, while Jawahar and Daulat get into a scuffle.
S1/E7 ∙ Aapki Mummy Don Hai
{Your Mother Is A Gangster}
The worst has happened and Aarya goes looking for Jawahar. Distressed, she informs Shekhawat about a change in plan, only to find him uncaring. How will she keep her kids safe?
S1/E8 ∙ Grahan Hai Aaj
{It Is An Eclipse Today.}
Aarya shares with Veer and Aru the challenges she has been facing and promises to end all the suffering with a master plan. Will everything fall into place?
S1/E9 ∙ Dharm Sankat
{Religious Crisis}
Despite losing the case, Khan is adamant to find the truth. As another tragedy strikes and the family is in the depths of despair, Aarya is left with a fresh dilemma.
The Second (2nd) Season and Eight (8) Episodes of the Aarya show
S2/E1 ∙ Mujhe Yahaan Se Bhaagna Hai
{I Want To Run Away From Here}
Forced to return to testify against her family, Aarya is caught in a whirlwind of her bloodied past, the one she has been running away from.
S2/E2 ∙ An Eye for an Eye
Aarya drowns in the fear of being attacked by her enemies as she tries to find ways to run away from the country. However, someone is keeping an eye on her.
S2/E3 ∙ Ab Hum Vaapis Jaa Rahe Hain
{Now We Are Returning}
Aarya’s past returns to help her in restoring normalcy, and her plans to escape seem to be taking shape. However, an unexpected event may create new obstacles.
S2/E4 ∙ Sangram Kahaan Hai?
{Where Is Sangram}
Sangram’s disappearance becomes a hurdle to Aarya’s plans. Meanwhile, Hina reveals something unpleasant to Aarya.
S2/E5 ∙ 300 Crore Ka Consignment
{Consignment Of Rs 300 Crore / 3 Billion}
As another tragedy shakes her family, Aarya is shocked to find the Rs 300 crore consignment returned to her life.
S2/E6 ∙ I Hate You, Mom
The Sareen family struggles to stay united. In this true test of time, what will Aarya lose next?
S2/E7 ∙ Phir Se Panje Baahar Nikaalo
{Once Again, Take Out Your Claws}
As Hina spirals in her grief, Aarya is pushed to the brink by the Russians and Shekhawat. Will she seek Daulat’s help?
S2.E8 ∙ Isko Mere Raaste Se Hataa Do
{Eliminate That Person Standing In My Way}
When an unexpected outcome shakes her conscience, Aarya realizes she can’t run away from her reality. A final confrontation turns her into someone she never thought she would be.
The Third (3rd/Part 1) Season and Four (4) Episodes of the Aarya show
Kahani Abhi Khatam Nahi Hui Hain S3/E1 | (Part 1)
{The Story Is Not Yet Over}
To protect her children, Aarya, the don, aims for complete control of the drug operations. But a story of revenge and Khan’s dogged pursuit become insurmountable obstacles.
Galti Ki Saza Maut S3/E2 | (Part 1)
{Punishment For Mistake Is Death}
Aarya faces the impossible choice between protecting her son’s love and protecting her family from the Russians. Meanwhile, Sooraj tortures Roop to ensure Aarya’s destruction.
Sherni Ka Shikar S3/E3 | (Part 1)
{Lioness’ Hunt}
Dangerous heroin suppliers Nalini Sahiba and Abhimanyu threaten Aarya if the consignment is not retrieved. As Aarya hunts for Sooraj, she struggles with her sons and Khan.
Bali Ya Balidaan S3/E4 | (Part 1)
{Sacrifice or Offerings Of A Prey}
Sooraj’s quest to find Nandini’s remains pushes him to extreme lengths. In the meantime, Veer, Maya, Aarya and Sooraj find themselves bound by revenge and regret.
Posters of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
Key Details of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Original language | Hindi (a bit of Rajasthani dialect, Russian & English) |
| Age-restrictions | UA (16+) |
| Creators | Ram Madhvani & Sandeep Modi |
| Released – First Season | June 19, 2020 |
| Episodes – First Season | Nine (9) Episodes |
| Cast – First Season | Sushmita Sen (Aarya Sareen/Aarya), Vikas Kumar (ACP Khan), Viren Vazirani (Veer), Virti Vaghani (Arundhati Aru/Aru), Pratyaksh Panwar (Adi Sareen), Sikandar Kher (Daulat), Ankur Bhatia (Sangram), Sohaila Kapur (Rajeshwari Rathore), Namit Das (Jawaahar Bishnoi), etc. |
| Released – Second Season | December 10, 2021 |
| Episodes – Second Season | Eight (8) Episodes |
| Cast – Second Season | Sushmita Sen (Aarya Sareen/Aarya), Vikas Kumar (ACP Khan), Viren Vazirani (Veer), Virti Vaghani (Arundhati Aru/Aru), Pratyaksh Panwar (Adi Sareen), Sikandar Kher (Daulat), Ankur Bhatia (Sangram), |
| Released – Third Season | November 3, 2023 |
| Episodes – Third Season | Four (4) Episodes |
| Cast – Third Season | Sushmita Sen (Aarya Sareen/Aarya), Vikas Kumar (ACP Khan), Viren Vazirani (Veer), Virti Vaghani (Arundhati Aru/Aru), Pratyaksh Panwar (Adi), Maya Sarao (Maya Bishnoi), Vishwajeet Pradhan (Sampat), |
| Network | Disney+ Hotstar |
Trailer of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
Please note:- We could not find the trailers for season two and season three of Aarya on YouTube.
Awards & Nominee won by this Hindi Crime Drama Series
| International Emmy Awards | 2021 Nominee Emmy Drama Series |
| Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) | 2021 Winner Dada Saheb Phalke Award Best Actress – Web Series Sushmita Sen |
| IWM Digital Awards | 2022 Winner Jury Award Best Supporting Actor in a Web Series – Vikas Kumar 2021 Winner Jury Award Best Actress In A Web Series – Sushmita Sen |
| Filmfare OTT Awards | 2020 Winner Popular Award Best Actress – Drama Sushmita Sen |
| Critics’ Choice Shorts and Series Awards, India | 2021 Winner Series Award Best Actress Sushmita Sen |
| Talent Track Awards | 2021 Winner Digital TV Series Award Best Actor – Female – Drama/Thriller Sushmita Sen |
| Indian Telly Streaming Awards | 2021 Winner Popular Award Best Actress in a Leading Role Sushmita Sen |
| News18 REEL Movie Award | 2023 Winner OTT Awards Best Director Ram Madhvani |
Featured Image & Poster of the Aarya (2023) Series | Disney+ Hotstar.