The Golden Age of television is passe; web series are the ones that are really shining in India these days. With a host of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, AltBalaji, Viu and others, there’s a web series for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a love story, feeling nostalgic for an era gone by or just want a laugh; here are ten web series you can’t just afford to miss out on.
For those who want a holiday from the office rut: The Trip (Bindaas, YouTube)
Nothing feels good as taking a beach vacation. Except maybe, watching pretty people take one? “The Trip” is a show about four young women and the picturesque vacations they take. Along the way are some life revelations (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara style!) but the appeal of the two seasons of this show is the lightness with which life’s bitter truths are talked about. Perfect for curling up with, after a tough day spent at work.
If you want a mature love story: Kar Le Tu Bhi Mohabbat (AltBalaji)
Love is wasted on the young, they say. But where do we see middle-aged people fall in love? On Alt Balaji’s “Kar Le Tu Bhi Mohabbat,” you do. Capitalizing on the incredible chemistry between Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor, the show is a wonderful and sentimental take on what it takes to fall in love, when you’ve reached an age where you’re so set with the world. But the show’s true appeal is the Sakshi-Ram pair. You want these two (not-really) kids to fall in love and get together, already.
If you’re in your 30s and miss school: The Reunion (Zoom, YouTube)
Have you always wondered how that school bully you once knew turned out? Did the High School Sweetheart couple survive? What about the funny guy? All these are questions you’d probably ask at a school reunion, and Bindaas’ new show “The Reunion” feels just like that. A show which deals with how real life often overtakes high school dreams, and that sometimes, it’s not really a bad idea.
If you’re getting cynical about love: Ready 2 Mingle (Zoom, YouTube)
What does it take to be a successful matchmaker? Surely, love has to be high on the list, right? But what if while you’re getting other people to fall in love – using your skills to find the perfect match – you lose in touch with your perfectly ever after? “Ready 2 Mingle,” starring Ahana Kumra and Amol Parashar is an effective show which deals with how tricky falling out of love can be; especially if you are familiar with every tiny thing about the other person.
If you want to see a realistic story about a middle-class family: Home (AltBalaji)
“Home” is a middle-class family in Mumbai, living with the everyday disappointments & joys that accompany such a life, when they suddenly find themselves in a larger fight – the fight for their home. With brilliant performances by Supriya Pilgaonkar & Anu Kapoor, the show reminds one of television where “Buniyaad” ruled the TRP game. “Home” is just as realistic and empathetic. Perfect show to watch with your family.
For the 90s kids & those who want nostalgia: Yeh Meri Family (TVFPlay, Netflix)
Endless summer days, a glass of Rasna, Phantom cigarettes and birthday parties with the balloon-streamer combination – every 90s kid knows these as hallmarks of their childhood. And Netflix’s show “Yeh Meri Family” knows exactly how sweet nostalgia tastes.
If you believe in love as destiny: Bewafaa Sii Wafaa (AltBalaji)
Do you believe in soulmates? “Bewafaa Sii Wafaa” is about a married man (played broodingly enough by Samir Soni) and a married woman (played by Aditi Vasudev) who just can’t help but fall in love. Their affair is passionate, but also realistically enough, starts off with guilt and doubt. A slow burn, the show is one of the few shows (on television, or anywhere else) which deals with infidelity without sensationalism.
If you love anti-hero(ines): Pushpavalli (Amazon Prime)
Gabbar, Shakaal, Mogambo – villains are just so much more fun than heroes. They always have been. But what about an anti-heroine? Someone who’s lovable, funny (must be, when played by the marvelous Sumukhi Suresh) but also a just a creepy stalker? You’ll cringe watching “Pushpavalli,” but it will also make you think, and maybe, see flashes of your dark side in the ridiculously well-written titular character.
If you want to laugh at office politics: Better Life Foundation (Hotstar, YouTube)
Office politics have never been as funny as in Them Boxer Short’s “Better Life Foundation,” which is a mockumentary-style web series about an NGO in Mumbai which employ an assortment of characters – the confused founder, the serious programme officer, the hapless intern & the bratty outsider. It’s the funniest show on Indian television, and the Indian Internet.
If you’re a struggling musician: Die Trying (Amazon Prime)
Musicians live in their own world. One where getting an album deal is the ultimate reward. The struggling musicians in “Die Trying” are no different. Written and starring popular stand-up comic Kenny Sebastian, “Die Trying” is a funny take on three Bangalore musicians trying to make it big – and the sacrifices and adventures they face along the way.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)