Paatal Lok Season 2
Review- **** (4/5)
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Ankur Arora, Prashant Tamang, LC Sekhose, Nagesh Kukunoor, Gul Panag & more
Directed by: Avinash Arun Dharware
Indian streaming irrevocably shifted gears when Paatal Lok graced our screens during the global lockdown—a time when gritty narratives might not have been everyone’s preferred escapism. Yet, the brilliance of its writing, storytelling, and acting was so magnetic, it transcended the moment’s collective anxiety.
Fast-forward four and a half years, and the much-anticipated Paatal Lok Season 2 lands with thunderous impact, reuniting us with our favorite characters—Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), and an ensemble of familiar faces that we’d grown deeply invested in.
The landscape may have shifted, and the stakes undoubtedly escalated, but creator Sudip Sharma and director Avinash Arun Dharware return with an even darker, grittier symphony of chaos, murder, mystery, and raw human emotion. This time, they dare to plunge to haunting new depths.
Jaideep Ahlawat, the cornerstone of the series, proved prophetic in interviews when he described Season 2 as darker and disturbingly layered. His words weren’t just accurate—they were an understatement. Hathiram Chaudhary’s world hasn’t evolved much; he remains in the humdrum of his position at the Outer Jamuna Paar Police Station, watching from the sidelines as his once-protégé, Imran Ansari, rises to the rank of ACP.
But their latest case thrusts them into uncharted waters. The murder of an influential figure in Nagaland, Jonathan Thom, sets off a domino effect, threatening the fragile diplomacy of the Nagaland Summit, an ambitious initiative for the region’s development.
To complicate matters, a mysterious woman and man vanish, adding layers of intrigue and outrage to an already volatile scenario. What follows is a serpentine journey through power corridors and shadowy motives, as Hathiram and Ansari grapple with challenges they’ve never faced before.
What makes Paatal Lok Season 2 such a triumph is its attention to detail. Sharma and Dharware masterfully weave intricate threads where the subtlest moments serve as significant plot propellers. The narrative resists succumbing to cliché heroism for Hathiram.
Instead, it’s his unrelenting, almost obsessive drive to see beyond the confines of “case closed” that makes him a compelling and humane figure. His moral compass, though flawed, is steadfast, and it’s impossible not to root for him. The mentor-mentee bromance between Hathiram and Ansari remains a beating heart of the series, exuding warmth even amidst the murky chaos.
Tillotama Shome’s entry into this already stellar cast is great. Her natural gravitas and unmatched talent elevate every scene she’s in, making her character an absolute delight. Equal applause goes to the casting team for selecting impeccable actors for key roles set in Nagaland.
Predominantly drawn from West Bengal, this ensemble brings authenticity and depth to their portrayals, underscoring the show’s commitment to nuanced storytelling.
However, this season isn’t without its flaws. Nagesh Kukunoor’s Kapil Reddy feels like a missed opportunity—a character with a tantalizing buildup but an unresolved arc that leaves you yearning for more closure.
Moreover, as the narrative crescendos toward its climax, Sharma’s otherwise sharp focus wavers slightly. Some late-stage reveals feel a tad convenient, and Hathiram’s epiphanies arrive almost too frequently. Similarly, Gul Panag’s character, despite being given more to do this season, struggles to break free from her one-dimensional mold.
That said, Ishwak Singh as Ansari continues to shine with understated brilliance, embodying the same sincerity that made his character so endearing in the first place.
And then there’s Jaideep Ahlawat—an actor whose sheer artistry defies description. His seamless return as Hathiram after three years (when they began shooting) feels like a homecoming, as though no time has passed since the first season. The personal and professional battles that define Hathiram are the series’ soul, pulling you into his orbit with unmatched intensity.
In its entirety, Paatal Lok Season 2 is a spellbinding experience—gripping, immersive, and impeccably crafted. Even with its occasional missteps, it remains a testament to the power of storytelling and character development.
And if you sense a dash of George R.R. Martin’s influence in its relentless unpredictability, you’re not alone. Watch the show, and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
