Review By- Ashwani Kumar
When Paatal Lok premiered five years ago on Prime Video, it shocked viewers with its unflinching portrayal of society’s dark truths. Season 1 followed Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary as he unraveled a murder mystery tied to caste atrocities, child abuse, media biases, Islamophobia, and the nexus of politics and crime. The unusual yet poignant climax—”If you love dogs, you’re a good human being”—resonated deeply.
A Fresh Storyline With Familiar Faces
Season 2 takes an entirely new narrative route, unconnected to the first season. The story begins with the murder of Johntham Thom, a prominent figure in Nagaland, deeply involved in a ₹20,000 crore investment and peace process. Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary, now investigating this high-profile murder, finds connections to Raghupati Paswan, a missing daily wage laborer, and Rose Lijo, a nightclub dancer.
This 8-episode saga unravels a chilling tale of drug smuggling from Myanmar to Delhi via Nagaland, the deceptive promises of local leaders, and the socio-political turmoil of the North-East. The plot dives into the struggles of orphans turning to crime, youths falling prey to drugs, and the challenges posed by the police-politics nexus.
Core Themes: A Window Into The North-East
Setting the narrative in the North-East was a bold move, shedding light on the region’s ethnic clashes, political betrayal, and daily hardships. The makers began work on the series before the pandemic, but the release took five years due to its intricate storytelling and meticulous production.
Returning Characters And New Dynamics
The second season retains some familiar elements:
- Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary: His suspension does not deter his determination to uphold duty above all.
- Constable Imran Ansari: Now an IPS officer, he admires Hathiram’s honesty despite being his senior.
- SHO Virk: Promoted to DCP in Narcotics, he balances ruthless ambition with remnants of humanity.
Exceptional Performances By The Cast
Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of Hathiram Chaudhary is a masterclass in acting. Despite his rise to stardom, Ahlawat seamlessly returns to the character, delivering an emotionally raw and intense performance.
Tilottama Shome as SP Meghna Barua brings depth to her role, while Ishwak Singh retains Imran Ansari’s innocent charm. Gul Panag leaves a lasting impact in her brief but significant scenes as Renu Chaudhary.
The show also introduces two cinematic stalwarts:
- Jahnu Barua as Uncle Ken, whose compelling performance is unforgettable.
- Nagesh Kukunoor as Kapil Reddy, whose nuanced acting adds gravitas to the story.
Meticulous Storytelling And Direction
From Nagaland House to Jamna Paar police station, posh nightclubs to business summits, the attention to detail in the storytelling and cinematography is unparalleled. Directors Avinash Arun and Sudip weave a narrative so gripping that it leaves viewers entangled in its web of intrigue.
Paatal Lok Season 2 delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative that grips you from the first scene to the last. Its exploration of societal undercurrents, coupled with outstanding performances and intricate storytelling, makes it a worthy successor to the first season.
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Rating: 4/5 stars
