Paatal Lok Season 2 Review: Better than the original
3 min read
Paatal Lok Season 2 is a standout example of exceptional direction, setting, and acting, making it an unmissable crime drama. The series continues to impress with its brilliant mix of political commentary, police procedural, and thriller elements, all elevated by the masterful direction of Avinash Arun Dhaware. The choice of Nagaland as the primary setting is nothing short of a masterstroke, adding an atmospheric layer of intrigue and tension to the narrative, while also giving the story a fresh, distinctive backdrop.
Paatal Lok Season 2 picks up right where the first season left off, continuing the gripping journey of Hathiram Chaudhary. Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of the underdog cop remains as compelling as ever, with Chaudhary stuck in a stagnant career at the Jamna Paar Thana, despite having cracked a brilliant case in Season 1. The series poignantly captures Chaudhary’s frustration and sense of being left behind as his career stagnates. Meanwhile, his junior, Imran Ansari, is now a decorated IPS officer solving high-profile cases, and even Chaudhary’s former senior, Virk, has risen to a position in the Narcotics Department. This contrast highlights the unsettling reality of Chaudhary’s situation, where it seems that everyone around him is moving upward, while he remains in Paatal Lok—a hell he never chose, but one that has seemingly chosen him. What starts off as a simple missing persons case escalates into a high stakes conspiracy. As a colleague tells Hathiram, “Hum Gully cricket ke launde hain Chaudhary aur yahan World Cup chal raha hai.” But against all odds, Hathiram successfully navigates the labyrinth, putting his life in danger multiple times and facing huge emotional strain…
The performances are stellar, and it’s particularly exciting to see directors like Jahnu Barua and Nagesh Kukunoor stepping in front of the camera. Barua’s portrayal is particularly gripping, with his angle on the storyline ensuring that you remain on the edge of your seat. Jaideep Ahlawat, reprising his role as Hathiram Chaudhary, gives another masterful performance, revealing new facets of his character. His emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of a cop enduring both physical and mental strain provide a strong backbone to the series. Ishwak Singh also shines as Imran Ansari, whose evolving dynamic with Hathiram, once mentor and trainee, now with a role reversal, brings both tension and depth to the plot. One of the most poignant scenes comes when Ansari confesses his homosexuality and Hathiram takes it into his stride, without being judgemental. Gul Panag has been given a more detailed role. She essays the role of a mother dealing with the empty nest phenomenon with panache. Tillotama Shome too shines as the straight talking cop from Nagaland, whose hands are bound by the politics.
The direction by Avinash Arun Dhaware enhances the gripping atmosphere, expertly escalating the suspense with every twist. The intricate storytelling—crafted by Sudip Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, Rahul Kanojia, and Tamal Sen—maintains an impressive balance of heart-pounding moments and emotional complexity. The investigation into a missing worker soon intertwines with the murder of a Nagaland minister, and as the characters are drawn deeper into a web of corruption, drug money, and political intrigue, the series keeps you hooked. The narrative’s pace is perfectly timed, with the midpoint twist delivering a shocking surge of energy, and the escalating tension throughout the eight episodes will keep you glued to the screen. The death of a much-loved character will move you for sure.
Ultimately, Paatal Lok Season 2 raises the bar for crime dramas, blending a strong sense of place, emotional depth, and gripping action. With direction that allows the story to breathe and performances that bring the characters to life in unforgettable ways, this is a show that demands attention. If you’re looking for a series that goes beyond the surface and delivers both substance and suspense, Paatal Lok Season 2 should be at the top of your watchlist. The series is currently streaming on Prime Video.Paatal Lok Season 2 is a police drama. Continue reading …Read More
