A number of Indian web series on Amazon Prime have been successful in giving a wholesome experience to the audience over the past few years. These shows have courageously taken up issues and themes that society often leaves in the dark. Across genres, these shows have not just entertained but also stirred up positive change in society. This view, of course, is sensitive to perspectives. While shows such as Mirzapur and The Family Man have witnessed commercial success, shows such as Afsos and Panchayat have been critically astounding.
This list will focus on the currently available, exceptional Indian web series on Amazon Prime, specifically from the Originals section of the platform. Let’s have a look.
1. The Family Man
Srikant Tiwari, a spy working for a secret cell under the government, struggles to maintain a balance between his family life and his work. This action-packed show is filled with the right amounts of action, drama, thrill, and even comedy! As the third season of this show is already under works, now is a good time to watch the 2 seasons already available. If not for anything else, this show deserves a watch for the wonderful performances of all the actors, especially Manoj Bajpayee.
2. Mirzapur
This show needs no introduction. Ever since it was released on the platform in 2018, this show has enjoyed the status of being one of the most popular Indian web series on Amazon Prime. This show has it all, a mafia don, his unworthy heir, and two other families that are by a series of events entangled in the affairs of the former. The popularity of the major characters is evident, but even the minor characters from this show, such as the famous ‘Chacha’, enjoy a steady fanbase.
3. Paatal Lok
Jaideep Ahlawat stars as Hathi Ram Chawdhary, a middle-aged police officer entrusted with a high-profile case that he wasn’t expecting to get. Four people are arrested for attempting to assassinate a reputed journalist. What follows is a crisp account of the darkness behind all the beliefs that an individual would hold dear. Based on a novel by Tarun Tejpal, The Story of My Assassins, this show has grabbed several eyeballs. Excellent performances, gripping plot; a must-watch indeed.
4. Four More Shots Please
On the surface, this show is about 4 women who met in a bar found a friend in each other. On a deeper level, this show explores gender and gendered norms from a fresh perspective. These 4 women go about life with all its absurdities in their own flawed yet unique ways, which is really relatable and fun to watch. With an all-female main cast, written and directed by women, this show is one of the most popular Indian web series on Amazon Prime.
5. Panchayat
Anything that comes out of TVF is pure gold. The same goes for Panchayat, a subtle yet powerful comedy series that released on the platform while the world was entering into complete lockodwn. Abhishek Tripathi, a graduate in engineering is forced to take up a job as the secretary of a remote village’s Panchayat office. Jitendra Kumar shines in the lead role and the other characters are equally well portrayed. As he struggles with his own aspirations and dreams, he is exposed to a completely new and different world of the villagers. With an 8.8 IMDB rating, this show is a must-watch.
6. Laakhon Mein Ek
Biswa Kalyan Rath’s gem, Laakhon Mein Ek is a highly underrated show that is available on Amazon Prime. The first season focuses on the struggles of IIT aspirants in a coaching center in Vishakhapatnam. The second season focuses on the struggles of a young doctor who tries to set up a health camp in a village full of people who don’t have faith in government healthcare. Both the tales have a grim tone and deal with serious matters but leave you with a promise of light at the end of a dark tunnel.
7. Made in Heaven
The story follows Tara and Karan who are a duo of wedding planners. Their characters grow with each episode as they encounter a different couple in a different wedding scenario. As the traditional beliefs keep clashing with the modern outlook, each episode leaves you contemplating the ideas of love and individuality.
8. The Forgotten Army
This show is basically a love story against the backdrop of the history of the Indian National Army. A mini-series that will leave you teary-eyed and full of zeal. This show has it all, powerful performances, historical magnanimity, brilliant songs, and a good plot. When you are done with all the episodes, what stays behind with you is a brimming sense of nationalism, and the oh-so-beautiful music!
9. Breathe
Like many other Original series on Prime, even Breathe has 2 seasons. Although both the seasons have the same ‘father going to great extents to save his child’ base, season 1 excels with an engaging plot. R. Madhavan shines as Danny, a desperate father trying to save his dying son. Amit Sadh gives an equally powerful performance as cop Kabir who is trying to crack the case. The first season is definitely worth the watch.
10. Afsos
This show is so hilarious that it will get you rolling on the floor. The story is quirky, witty, and very intelligently written. A man named Nakul is fed up with his life and often tries to end it. After failing to commit suicide several times, he visits professionals that offer to kill people or aid their suicides. What follows is a trip of chaos that doesn’t seem to stop. This is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated shows out there. Afsos is one of the best Indian web series on Amazon Prime or any other OTT platform for that matter.
Shows that didn’t cut the list but are still worth a mention: Pushpavalli, Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare, Bandish Bandits, and Tandav.
With this, we have come to the end of our list. Which of these recommendations is going to be on your binge-list? Do let us know in the comments section.