Paatal Lok (S1/2020) series takes a bold look at Indian Society and casteism issues. Quite often, many of the important issues confronting common Indians are swept under the rug.
We have been told many times in India – that all is well – sab change si. But we all know the truth. Indian society is ridden with class and caste hierarchy, and the majority of its people still live in Paatal Lok. In India’s classical philosophy, the ‘Paatal Lok‘ simply means the ‘Hell’, whereas the ‘Swarga Lok‘ and ‘Dharti Lok‘ imply ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’ respectively. So, it depicts the burning issue of Caste and Casteism prevalent in the society of India.
Trailer of the Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Series
Official Trailer – Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Show – Amazon Prime | YouTube.
Synopsis of the Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Series
A down-and-out cop lands the case of a lifetime when four suspects are nabbed in the assassination attempt of a prime-time journalist. The case turns out to be a devious maze where nothing is what it looks like. The pursuit of it leads him to the dark netherworld – the ‘Paatal Lok’, and to shocking discoveries in the past of the four suspects.
Spoilers Free Review of the Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Series
The introduction
This series is a realistic tale that highlights various burning issues like politics, power, fake news, child abuse, the plight of transgender discrimination, caste and religion-based discrimination, etc. In present-day India, the majority of the mainstream news media as well as the movies/series world have maintained studied silence on most of the burning issues, so it came as a pleasant surprise when this show with its fearless screenplay entertainingly packages the truth.
About caste and casteism in India
As discussed, the ‘Paatal Lok’ word means ‘Hell’, so the ‘Swarga Lok’ and ‘Dharti Lok’ imply ‘Heaven’ and ‘Earth’ respectively. In another sense, this drama is also a parable about the traditional concepts for the different classes/castes (viz., Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras) of India and/or the four estates, a four-estate system made up of clergy (First Estate), nobles (Second Estate), peasants/bourgeoisie (Third Estate) and rural commoners (Fourth Estate) of Europe.
India’s caste system is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification.
Consequently, the haters have attacked this realistic series
However, for its blunt realism depiction, the team and people behind this brave series have been branded as anti-national by the far right-wing elements in India. Besides, there was too much hue and cry about its content. Probably the powerful set of people ruling the nation revels in fake news and they are uncomfortable with the blunt truth being shown in such honest tales being shown in this series.
Not surprisingly, even after a gap of almost three years, we have yet to see the second season of this series. However, we expect its second season to be either released at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. The second (S2) season of this series was announced by the network Amazon Prime on April 28, 2022, as it has renewed this show. However, a year has gone by since then, and still eagerly wait for the same.
Boasts of gutsy screenplay and powerful performances
But the fact remains that with its gutsy and daring storyline to back up the amazing acting talent of its ensemble cast led by – Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Banerjee, and Swastika Mukherjee; this show is a must-watch for its heroic gritty concept from India. That bravely narrates some of the most unpayable truths about our divided Indian society as well as the autocratic political and decaying administrative systems in India.
The conclusion
And to share the good news that we shall see the second season of this series shortly. However, we sincerely hope that they do not give us a watered-down version of the original show of season one, a high-quality crime-thriller from India. In that case, it will be a big letdown. Meanwhile, you go ahead and watch this path-breaking show from India.
Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Abhishek Banerjee, Gul Panag, etc.
About – Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Show
Bonus scene from the 2020 Hindi crime drama
A badass scene of Delhi Cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) boasts its separate fan base. Herein he confronts the small-time goon – ironically his young son’s hero.
When Hathi Ram Chaudhary vents his anger in the Paatal Lok (S1) Series – Prime Video | YouTube.
Awards won by the 2020 Hindi crime drama
Names of the Awards
Winners of the Awards
Filmfare OTT Awards – 2020
Best Series – Drama – Winner Popular Award – Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy – Winner Popular Award – Best Director Jaideep Ahlawat – Winner Popular Award – Best Actor – Drama Sudip Sharma, Sagar Haveli, Hardik Mehta, Gunjit Chopra – Winner Technical Award – Best Original Story Sudip Sharma, Sagar Haveli, Hardik Mehta, Gunjit Chopra – Winner Technical Award – Best Screenplay
Indian Television Academy Awards, India – 2020
Landmark – OTT – Winner Special Award
Asian Television Awards – 2020
Best Original Digital Drama Series – Winner – Asian Television Award
Critics’ Choice Shorts and Series Awards, India – 2021
Abhishek Banerjee – Winner Series Award – Best Supporting Actor Swastika Mukherjee – Winner Series Award – Best Supporting Actress
Awards – Paatal Lok (S1/2020) Show
The police procedural crime dramas from India are being well-received by its viewers. In all the series mentioned herein, the lead actors are the members of the police force. No wonder, in recent years, we have had quite a few series like this one, so, here are a few:
Delhi CrimeKaalkootDahaadKohrra
Featured & Other Images: Paatal Lok series | Prime Video.
Happy Valley (S3/2023) series is a compelling crime drama from this British. Although, for most of the key characters, it is a not-so-happy place or perhaps…
Scroll to Top
Discover more from Focus Magazine
Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.
