Paatal Lok: & Its Complicated Murder Cases

Paatal Lok

The ‘Paatal Lok’ (Season 2/2025) show has taken us deep inside one of the soft underbellies of India, the border state of Nagaland. It is promising to note that the Indian mainstream entertainment world has finally depicted stories set in one of the North Eastern States.

As its ‘Paatal Lok’ title suggests, it takes a closer look at the underworld or netherworld of India. So, in the ‘Paatal Lok‘ (Season 1/2020) show, we were served riveting crime stories set in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Now in season 2, the story moves eastward towards Nagaland.

“Paatal Lok” Is Ruled By Hathi Ram (Jaideep Ahlawat), As He Solves Its Complicated Murder Cases, Once Again

Spoiler Free Review: Paatal Lok (Season 2/2025) Series

Trailer & Synopsis
Trailer (official)
Synopsis (official)

The haggard and improbable hero, Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), investigates a sensational murder (and missing person) case in the capital Delhi that takes him to the far-flung regions of North-East India, where he encounters strong opposition and personal tragedies in his relentless pursuit of the truth.


Key Details
GenreCrime, Drama, Thriller
Original LanguageHindi, English & Nagamese Creole (Nagaland, India)
SeasonSecond (2nd) Season | Season (2) Two
EpisodesEight (8) Episodes
CreatorSudip Sharma
WritersSudip Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, & Tamal Sen
DirectorAvinash Arun
Main CastJaideep Ahlawat (Hathi Ram Chaudhary), Ishwak Singh (Imran Ansari), Gul Panag (Renu Chaudhary), Anurag Arora (SHO Virk), Jahnu Barua (Rangthong Ken), Nagesh Kukunoor (Kapil Reddy), Tillotama Shome (Meghna Barua), Merenla Imsong (Rose Lizo), Prashant Tamang (Daniel Acho), Rokibul Hossain (Guddu Paswan), Bendang Walling (Issac Longkumer), Bodhisattva Sharma (Siddharth Chaudhary), Rishi Kulshreshtha (Constable Tokas), Nikita Grover (Constable Manju Verma), LC Sekhose (Reuben Thom), Rozelle Mero (Asenla Thom), Theyie Keditsu (Grace Reddy), etc.
Network(Amazon) Prime Video
The storyline is complex yet evocatively penned

Only on rare occasions, do the stories from the northeastern states of India (including Nagaland) get prominently featured in the mainstream series (and movies) of India. So, we were pleasantly surprised, while watching this complex yet evocatively penned contemporary tale set in Nagaland. The multi-layered story is neatly wrapped inside an Indian cop drama. This story takes a fresh look at India’s northeast states. It also sheds light on the Indian democratic (Bureaucratic, Political, Police, etc.) institutional systems in place. Now, it is up to the viewers whether to treat these as the probable chinks in Indian armour.

The show creator Sudip Sharma and his fellow team writers (Abhishek Banerjee & Tamal Sen) have done a fantastic writing job. They have touched upon various burning issues confronting this border state and how the denizens of states end up paying the steep price. Moreover, they maintained the authenticity of the story by using local Nagamese Creole dialogues, besides Hindi and English. It is undoubtedly a great screenplay. And Avinash Arun has made it a thrilling crime drama with his wonderful direction.

Awesome portrayal of Hathi Ram by Jaideep Ahlawat

Honestly, we never thought that Jaideep Ahlawat would be able to match the very high-acting masterclass that he displayed while portraying the protagonist Hathi Ram Chaudhary in season one of the Paatal Lok. However, once again, like the show creator Sudip, the lead actor Jaideep not only matched but also surpassed his performance. His depiction of the Delhi Police Inspector, who has Haryanvi roots, is just too perfect. Unquestionably, he carries the entire show on his broad shoulder.

In the second season, Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) of the Delhi Police faces a daunting path. Earlier in the first season, we have seen that despite his long-standing commitment and notable investigative prowess, he finds himself overlooked for promotion. While dealing with routine investigations, he unexpectedly comes across a lead that immerses him in a critical case involving the murder of Jonathan Thom, thereby establishing him as a pivotal character in the unfolding events.
Also, look out for these 5 key characters
Imran
ACP Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), an *IPS officer of Kashmiri Muslim descent, finds his idealism challenged by the harsh realities of bureaucratic life. As he embarks on the investigation into the murder of Jonathan Thom, he must depend on his inner strength and personal evolution to overcome the difficulties associated with his new responsibilities.
*IPS: Indian Police Service
Meghna
Meghna Barua (Tillotama Shome), an Assamese *IPS officer serving in Nagaland, has confronted and overcome bias to establish her career. In her assignment to aid in the investigation of Jonathan Thom's murder, she faces the unique challenge of being both an insider and an outsider, adeptly managing the complex dynamics with Ansari and Hathi Ram to unravel the political intricacies of the region.
*IPS: Indian Police Service
Rangthong
Rangthong Ken (Jahnu Barua), an esteemed leader within the Naga community, facilitates dialogue between tribal factions and government representatives during the Naga Business Summit. Confronted with the upheaval following the murder of Jonathan Thom, Ken's skills in diplomacy are rigorously tested as he seeks to keep the summit aligned with its objectives amidst escalating political discord and competing interests.
Rose
Rose Lizo (Merenla Imsong), a Naga woman from Nagaland residing in Delhi, emerges as the primary suspect in the murder of Jonathan Thom. While Ansari and Hathi Ram pursue her, Hathi Ram uncovers her link to the missing migrant worker Raghu Paswan, prompting a renewed investigation. Rose's involvement as either a crucial witness or a suspect heightens her importance in the case.
Daniel
Daniel Acho (Prashant Tamang), the loyal bodyguard of Jonathan Thom, travelled with him to Delhi for the Naga Business Summit.
The entire ensemble cast was equally impressive

Still, it would be wrong on our part to give all the credit to Sudip, Avinash and Jaideep. Mind you, it takes a village to raise a child. Kudos to the entire ensemble cast, we have shared their names in the details below. And in fact, the whole team of Paatal Lok (Season 2/2025) Series deserve credit. We loved the easy and realistic on-screen chemistry between the husband Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) and his wife Renu Chaudhary (Gul Panag) in the show.

Another highlight was the depiction of the strong and beautiful friendship between Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) and ACP Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh) in it. Not to forget, this show gave a solid platform to the actors (males and females) from the North Eastern states of India. And, they have given admirable performances in it including the one mentioned above. All of them were quite good too.

The conclusion

Season two took a long time to come to our screen. Thankfully, they released it. And what a smashing series it has been. The Paatal Lok (S2) series is an excellent show to watch, with its insightful stories and cool performances. A great way to begin a New Year 2025.

FM Rating
FM Rating4.35/5
Poster
Paatal Lok

Spoilers Alert: Eight (8) Episodes Summary in Season (2) Two

Summary of Eight (8) Episodes of the Second (2nd) Season Paatal Lok (2025) Series
Head On (Season 2, Episode 1)

Hathi Ram faces grave mortal dangers in a new pursuit that returns him to the netherworld.

Kohima Calling (Season 2, Episode 2)

DCP Bhardwaj reviews CCTV footage of Raghu Paswan and Rose Lizo. Hathi Ram hopes to join Ansari on the case but is turned down. Hathi Ram investigates a lead that leads to a drug bust but ACP Virk claims the credit. A video of three masked individuals claiming responsibility for Thom’s murder stirs media frenzy. In Nagaland, a constable spots Rose Lizo.

Four Murders and a Funeral (Season 2, Episode 3)

Hathi Ram and Ansari meet SP Meghna Barua in Nagaland who is skeptical of their presence. Tensions rise at Thom’s funeral at the arrival of Thom’s estranged son Reuben but veteran leader Uncle Ken brings the situation in control. Hathi Ram and Ansari realize things are not what they seem when they learn of Thom’s drug business. A drug dealer, a potential lead in their case, ends up dead. And so do the three individuals who had claimed responsibility for Jonathan Thom’s murder.

Missed Call (Season 2, Episode 4)

Hathi Ram and Ansari investigate the murder of the three individuals, only to realize that the three were set up for this. Hathi Ram discovers Raghu Paswan’s link to Reddy’s hotel before travelling to Delhi for his son’s birthday. Meanwhile, Ansari finds a lead on Rose Lizo and goes looking for her, but so do Reuben and Daniel, Thom’s security officer.

Off Balance (Season 2, Episode 5)

The police are looking for Rose Lizo in the jungles where she last disappeared. Daniel is out there looking for her, too. Hathi Ram deals with a personal tragedy in Delhi and an enquiry into what went wrong back in Kohima. Unable to live with the fact that Ansari is being made the scapegoat, Hathi Ram decides to take matters into his own hands.

Of Mothers and Daughters (Season 2, Episode 6)

Hathi Ram and Meghna unite their meagre forces against a raging mob of Thom’s supporters that attacks the hospital where Rose Lizo is admitted. Hathi Ram investigates the murder of a businessman and realizes that Reuben has been made the fall guy for the murder. A personal injury leads Hathi Ram to the startling discovery that Rose has a child.

Children of Men (Season 2, Episode 7)

Hathi Ram is abducted and taken to meet Reuben, but Meghna somehow manages to be on the trail. Hathi Ram finally comes face to face with Reuben and discovers Reddy’s close links with Thom’s drug business. Before he can know more, Daniel takes Reuben out. ACP Virk helps Hathi Ram discover Daniel’s connection to Langchoma, which helps Hathi Ram make a startling discovery about Uncle Ken. But before he can reveal it to Meghna, a tragedy strikes.

The Good Samaritan (Season 2, Episode 8)

Hathi Ram confronts Daniel on Christmas Eve and finally manages to avenge Ansari’s death. The business summit is a success in Delhi and Uncle Ken is hailed, forcing Hathi Ram to reconsider his choices. Hathi Ram returns to Delhi and eventually manages to learn about Raghu Paswan’s innocence and his unnecessary death.

Bonus YouTube Video Link: Best of Jaideep Ahlawat (Hathi Ram) in Paatal Lok (Season 1/2020) Series

The Featured Image and Poster of the Paatal Lok (Season 2/2025) are courtesy of Amazon Prime Video India.


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