Aarya Hindi series is about the proverbial (lady) lioness versus the hunters. Notably, we learnt that in a typical pride of lions in the jungles, the lioness is the primary hunter.
Indian actress Sushmita Sen plays the lady lioness Aarya, the protagonist, with great aplomb. The Former Miss Universe won the Best Actress award for this series.
Trailer (official) of the Aarya Series
We could not find the trailers for season two and season three of this series on YouTube and other networks
Synopsis (summary) of the Aarya 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?
This series is at the number 21 in 50 Most Popular Indian Web Series.
Spoiler-free review of the Aarya (S3-Part1/2023) Series
Adopted from the Dutch series Penoza
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 refers to organizations formed by criminals of Dutch descent.
Collaboration between Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen
The creator of the 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 this web series in 2020 with Sushmita Sen playing the lead role. Looking 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 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. Then, the housewife 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 her transformative character arc. 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 her 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 the lead heroine 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 her 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 the Team will take more risks with its script to make it an unpredictable crime show from India.
FM rating of the Hindi Crime Drama Series
| Season (1) One | Season (2) Two | Season (3) Three (P1) | |
| FM’s rating | 3.75/5 | 3.65/5 | 3.85/5 |
Spoiler alert – a peek into its episodes across its three-season
Summary of Nine (9) Episodes of the Show from the First (1st) Season
S1/E1 ∙ Tum Mujhpe Bharosa Karti Ho?
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.
Tum Mujhpe Bharosa Karti Ho means Do You Trust Me?
S1/E2 ∙ Aapko Shaq Hai Kisi Par?
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.
Aapko Shaq Hai Kisi Par? means Do You Suspect Anyone?
S1/E3 ∙ Kaun Zimmedar Hai?
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.
Kaun Zimmedar Hai? means Who Is Responsible?
S1/E4 ∙ Apne Panje Bahar Nikaalo
Aarya is threatened by an unknown assailant, which ups her worry about her children’s safety, who are dealing with their problems. But she finds an unlikely ally in Daulat.
Apne Panje Bahar Nikaalo means Take Out Your Claws.
S1/E5 ∙ Kaun Chalaega 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.
Kaun Chalaega Business? means Who Will Run The Business.
S1/E6 ∙ Ek Guru Chahiye
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.
Ek Guru Chahiye means I Need A Teacher.
S1/E7 ∙ Aapki Mummy Don Hai
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?
Aapki Mummy Don Hai means Your Mother Is A Gangster.
S1/E8 ∙ Grahan Hai Aaj
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?
Grahan Hai Aaj means It Is An Eclipse Today.
S1/E9 ∙ Dharm Sankat
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.
Dharm Sankat means Religious Crisis.
Summary of the Eight (8) Episodes of the Show from the Second (2nd) Season
S2/E1 ∙ Mujhe Yahaan Se Bhaagna Hai
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.
Mujhe Yahaan Se Bhaagna Hai means I Want To Run Away From Here}
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
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.
Ab Hum Vaapis Jaa Rahe Hain means Now We Are Returning.
S2/E4 ∙ Sangram Kahaan Hai?
Sangram’s disappearance becomes a hurdle to Aarya’s plans. Meanwhile, Hina reveals something unpleasant to Aarya.
Sangram Kahaan Hai? means Where Is Sangram?
S2/E5 ∙ 300 Crore Ka Consignment
As another tragedy shakes her family, Aarya is shocked to find the Rs 300 crore consignment returned to her life.
300 Crore Ka Consignment means Consignment Of Rs 300 Crore
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
As Hina spirals in her grief, Aarya is pushed to the brink by the Russians and Shekhawat. Will she seek Daulat’s help?
Phir Se Panje Baahar Nikaalo means Once Again Take Out Your Claws.
S2.E8 ∙ Isko Mere Raaste Se Hataa Do
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.
Isko Mere Raaste Se Hataa Do means Eliminate That Person Standing In My Way.
Summary of Four (4) Episodes of Show from the Third (3rd/Part 1) Season
Kahani Abhi Khatam Nahi Hui Hain S3/E1 | (Part 1)
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.
Kahani Abhi Khatam Nahi Hui Hain means The Story Is Not Yet Over.
Galti Ki Saza Maut S3/E2 | (Part 1)
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.
Galti Ki Saza Maut means Punishment For Mistake Is Death.
Sherni Ka Shikar S3/E3 | (Part 1)
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.
Sherni Ka Shikar means Lioness' Hunt.
Bali Ya Balidaan S3/E4 | (Part 1)
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.
Bali Ya Balidaan means Sacrifice or Offerings Of A Prey.
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), 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), 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), 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 |
Awards & Nominee won by this Hindi Crime Drama Series
| Awards Names | Details of the Awards & Nominations won |
|---|---|
| International Emmy Awards | 2021 Nominee Emmy Drama Series |
| Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) | Sushmita Sen – 2021 Winner Dada Saheb Phalke Award Best Actress – Web Series |
| IWM Digital Awards | Vikas Kumar – 2022 Winner Jury Award Best Supporting Actor in a Web Series Sushmita Sen – 2021 Winner Jury Award Best Actress In A Web Series |
| Filmfare OTT Awards | 2020 Winner Popular Award Best Actress – Drama Sushmita Sen |
| Critics’ Choice Shorts and Series Awards, India | Sushmita Sen – 2021 Winner Series Award Best Actress |
| Talent Track Awards | 2021 Winner Digital TV Series Award Best Actor – Female – Drama/Thriller Sushmita Sen |
| Indian Telly Streaming Awards | Sushmita Sen – 2021 Winner Popular Award Best Actress in a Leading Role |
| News18 REEL Movie Award | Ram Madhvani – 2023 Winner OTT Awards Best Director |
Featured Image & Poster of the Aarya (2023) Series | Disney+ Hotstar.
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