Disclaimer: The review of Paatal Lok is not paid or sponsored by anyone associated with the series.
Paatal Lok embodies everything that’s happening around. What’s more noteworthy is, they serve the web series on the realistic plate. Filled with crime, violence, casteism, politics, it’s a perfect scoop of an investigative thriller. The series will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.
It portrays both the negative and positive workings of our minds. Without even realising it, you’ll enter the Paatal Lok and can’t resist yourself to think what will happen next? With excitement to predict, you’ll always end up with wrong predictability. This web series has so many surprises waiting for you.
Paatal Lok, on an outer shell it’s an investigative thriller, but if you peel it step by step, it’s much more than that.
On the outside, it’s a story of a “conspiracy of murder” of a prominent journalist Sanjeev Mehra (Neeraj Kabi). After going into the depths of the Paatal Lok, be ready to welcome larger issues. The story begins with the dialogue by low profile Inspector Hathi Ram saying this world divides into three worlds. There is Swarg lok (rich and famous live), Dharti lok (middle class live), and then Paatal lok (society’s lowliest live like Insects). This outer Jamuna Paar police station where I am posted is Paatal Lok.
In another scene of a bridge (First Episode), three men and a woman get arrested on charges of conspiracy of murder of Sanjeev Mehra. Hathi Ram, who was eagerly waiting for something to get him promoted, sees this as an opportunity. Finally, he ended up getting the case, but little does he realize that this will led to a mind-blowing shit.
Paatal Lok: Every Story Matters
Each accused has its own fable. A fable that addresses an issue. Tope Singh’s story hit on class and casteism. Vishal aka Hathoda Tyagi’s past reflects on women’s safety. While Kabir’s backstory showcases religious abandonment. Cheeni’s past shows transphobia and child abuse. Offering no spoiler, these dialogues will badger you to sneak peek this series.
“When a dog loves a man, he is a good man.
When a man loves a dog, he is a good man.”
Hint: This is the only thing that saved Sanjeev Mehra’s life. How? Watch the series to find it.
“Sir, aadhi zindagi baap ki aankhon mein dekha hai ki uska beta ch***ya hai, ab baaki ki zindagi bete ki aankhon mein nahi dekhna chahta ki uska baap ch***ya hai.”
Hint: Delivered by none other than outstanding actor Jaideep Ahlawat. This scene will tug at your heartstrings. A rebellious teenage son will grab the viewer’s attention too.
“TV vale kuch bhi dikhate hain saheb.”
Hint: Scathing commentary on the condition of Media. After some episodes, viewers will get to watch it. From Hate and fake news to TRP game, this series will provoke you to think more and more.
“Jise maine Musalmaan tak banane nahi diya, use aapne jihadi bana diya.”
Hint: This dialogue hits hard at the religious fanaticism and the scene will give you goosebumps.
“Sabko bahaar se ye kachra lagta hai lekin ander se ek oil machine hai, jismein sabko apna kaam pata hai aur jo nahin karta usko replace kar diya jaata hai.”
This dialogue put the reality of bureaucracy in front of us through a realistic approach.
Characters And Their Acting
With every episode, each role gets intense. We loved the perfection of Jaideep Ahlawat. Like how perfectly he played the character of a policeman (Hathiram Chaudhary). A distraught policeman who is fighting in personal and professional life. His expressions spoke louder. Jaideep has magnificently hidden his sorrow, happiness under the job of a policeman. Watching someone working hard to prove himself hits the reality of current society.
Jaideep’s fellow policeman Ishwak Singh who plays the role of Imran Ansari has also done a good job. Abhishek Banerjee plays the role of Hathoda” Tyagi will send shivers down your spine. He carried his posture the same until the very end. Don’t even discuss his eye look. What a portrayal of psychopath. Hands Down!! Neeraj Kabi, who is Sanjeev Mehra is always a treasure to watch. Gul Panag (Hathiram’s Wife) made an impact with less time on screen. Well, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Swastika Mukherjee, Anurag Arora, Aasif Khan, Jagjeet Sandhu, Mairembam Ronaldo Singh and many more played their part very well.
Technicality
Interestingly, the series is created by Sudip Sharma. He is the writer of Sonchiriya and Udta Punjab, undoubtedly both of the films grabbed audiences’ praise. It’s also perfectly written by Sudip Sharma, Sagar Haveli Hardik Mehta, and Gunjit Chopra.
In this intriguing venture, the tech side seems strong. Cinematography at its best and the way of narration seems perfect. Most of the shooting has been done in Delhi, Chitrakoot and Punjab. The actual location gives a real feel. From the drone to the close shots, you get every vibe. Filming of the scenes of violence is meritorious.
The Shortcomings
As Albert Einstein quotes, There is nothing known as “Perfect”. So, the shortcoming of the series is, they have to understand that you can not create something heavy showing unnecessary bravado and profanity. There is no need of unnecessary abuse. Well, adding so many issues and characters in a single series could lead to disaster.
After every detail, the mythological references, and unimaginable twists, this series must be on your lockdown watch list. It’s worthy of saying every story matters and it needs to be heard. To get a zest of the rural and urban India, this series could help you. Terrific writing, marvellous acting, and applaudable direction don’t come together so easily.
Creator: Sudip Sharma
Writers: Sudip Sharma, Sagar Haveli, Hardik Mehta, Gunjit Chopra
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Abhishek Banerjee, Gul Panag, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Swastika Mukherjee And Many More
Producer: Clean Slate Films, Anushka Sharma’s banner
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