Best Indian Web Series of 2023 on Netflix That Kept Us Entertained
Let’s be real, as viewers today, we are much more drawn to new web series than movies. Most of the pop culture references we see in the world around us are based on web series and shows found on various OTT platforms. Among these platforms, Netflix has proven to be one of the biggest, offering a wide range of critically acclaimed domestic and international shows. Many Indian producers choose Netflix as their streaming platform to reach audiences around the world. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best Indian web series of 2023 on Netflix that people everywhere have enjoyed watching!
Also read: 14 New Hindi Movies Of 2023 On Netflix You Cannot Miss
1. Scoop
Starring Karishma Tanna, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja, and Proseenjit Chatterjee, Scoop is based on the novel Behind The Bars in Byculla written by Jigna Vora. It tells the real-life story of the murder of esteemed journalist Jyotirmoy Dey and the drama that ensues. It carefully explores the interplay of the Mumbai underworld, the media, and the police. With exceptional cinematography and screenplay all thanks to the director, Hansal Mehta who also gave us Scam 1992, the show is truly engaging and praise-worthy. It is considered to be one of the best Indian web series of 2023 on Netflix.
2. Rana Naidu
Based on the US-based Showtime show Ray Donovan, Rana Naidu stirred up quite some mixed reviews on its initial release in March 2023. The show, starring real-life uncle-nephew duo Rana Daggubatti and Daggubatti Venkatesh, however, turned out to be one of the best Telugu shows released in 2023. It revolves around Rana Naidu, a fixer in Bollywood helping celebrities clean up dirty secrets and scandals who fails to fix his own problem when his uncle is released from jail. The show contains an extreme usage of foul language and nudity, which led to its bad reputation. Besides that, the gripping story and Rana’s performance in the series are widely appreciated.
Our beloved Sima Taparia is back with her snarky comments to make you question whether you are husband/wife material. The show which aired its first season back in 2023, gained a lot of attention for the elitist SoBo kids and NRIs portrayed. Although it receives sharp criticism for being misogynistic and deeply rooted in rudimentary traditions, the show reflects the reality of Indian society. It highlights that no matter how educated you are, certain prejudices that you hold might make you regressive and orthodox. Also, watching Sima Taparia be a cupid for snobby US, UK, and Canada returns makes for an amazing watch. It is by far one of the most watched and best Indian web series of 2023 on Netflix.
All of us are well aware of the glamorous lives that social media influencers live and are also probably a little envious of them. But what if we take away from them the very things that make them glamorous? Social Currency is a reality TV show that brings together 8 of the most famous Indian social media influencers- Rowhi Rai, Aakash Mehta, Vaghmita Singh, Parth Samthaan, Sakshi Chopra, Ruhi Singh, Bhavin Bhanushali and Mridul Madhok- together on an island and puts them in situations that they have never been in before. Unlike other reality TV shows, Social Currency is not infiltrated by unnecessary drama by the contestants for quick fame. It tests these “influencers” in real-life situations.
Yet another engrossing story based on the real-life tragedy of the Uphaar cinema fire, Trial By Fire follows the story of grieving parents played wonderfully by Rajshree Deshpande and Abhay Deol. The Krishnamoorthys lose their teenage kids in a deadly fire that erupts in a cinema hall and pursue a struggle that spans over 26 years to seek justice against the owners of the cinema hall. The story is well-narrated and the cinematography is extremely well-done making it a must-watch.
6. Tooth Pari: When Love Bites
Directed by renowned Bengali director Pratim Dasgupta, Tooth Pari takes on a route different from our conventional web series. It is a fantasy show set in the city of Kolkata that delves into the unusual and forbidden love story of a shy dentist and a bold vampire. The well-handled cinematography of the show is mesmerizing and the portrayal of Kolkata in the show is absolutely enchanting. The new approach adopted by the director to this genre is what drew the audience in. The performances of Shantanu Maheshwari and Tanya Maniktila too are a cherry on top.
This Netflix mini-series tells the story of one of the biggest and worst human disasters in the world- The Bhopal gas tragedy. The show will take you back to that time and show the hidden stories about some people who helped save many lives- at a time when everyone else was fleeing from the scene. The show stars R. Madhavan, Kay Kay, Menon, Divyendu Sharma, and Babil Khan in prominent roles. The show has even got an 8.7 IMDb rating- a must-watch series.
It is a dark comedy crime series that shows a group of drug traders in the sleepy town of Gulabganj forging big fights against each other. A small, naive, and lovesick mechanic and a newly appointed narcotics officer get dragged into this chaos. Apart from the direction and the show’s set giving a 60s vibe- the show’s star cast also wins our hearts. The series features Rajkumar Rao, Dulquer Salman, Gulshan Devaiah, Adarsh Gaurav, and Satish Kaushik among others.
9. Kaala Pani
A survival drama series about a group of people including locals, tourists, and the administrators on an Andaman island. But that’s a beautiful place, so what’s the problem? Well, when a deadly disease spreads out- the whole island is cut off from the world- now that’s a scary place to be in! This gritty thriller features Mona Singh, and Ashutosh Gowariker, among others as important characters. Apart from the story, the cinematography makes the show more intriguing and so close to reality.
10. Choona
It is a comedy crime drama series about a group of commoners or misfits who come together through a strange fate. The story takes an interesting turn when they all decide to plan a way to exact revenge on their common enemy- a ruthless and powerful politician. Their weapon- superstition! Well, this interesting series has an ensemble star cast including Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, and Namita Das among others.
11. Kohrra
An intriguing mystery thriller show that revolves around an investigation of a bridegroom who is found dead only a few days before his wedding. The investigation takes the two police officers involved in a series of shocking truths, dark secrets, and the danger of risking their own lives. The series has got 7.5 IMDb rating and features Barun Sobti, and Survinder Vicky in prominent roles among others.
12. The Romantics
A documentary series containing anecdotes, clippings, interviews, and many interesting facts about the romantic era of Indian cinema. The series will bring you many old memories, and a smile while you watch the series including interviews of Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra working on his romantic films, the era of chifon sarees, Shahrukh Khan’s charm, and much more. This docuseries will take show you how romance evolved on camera in Bollywood with the changing times and how it helped us retain romance as an emotion in our society.
These Indian Web Series of 2023 on Netflix made sure that our year was filled with pleasant surprises and made the sweet escape from our mundane lives even sweeter. However, it’s not the end. Netflix means more entertainment is guaranteed! Stay tuned to find out what new and exciting shows make it to this list of the Best Indian Web series of 2023 on Netflix.