Title: Pataal Lok Season 2
Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Tillotama Shome, Gul Panag, Nagesh Kukunoor, Jahnu Barua
Where: Prime Video
Rating: 3.5 Stars
The second season of Pataal Lok doesn’t just revisit its grim, morally ambiguous universe; it rebuilds it with fresh mortar and darker hues. Detached from its predecessor, the eight-episode series serve as a testament to the show’s ambition to redefine Indian noir.
Jaideep Ahlawat returns as Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary, navigating grittier challenges in a world of crime and politics. Ishwak Singh’s now-promoted Imran Ansari adds depth to their evolving dynamic. Gul Panag’s Renu Chaudhary anchors the story with emotional resonance, while newcomers Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua inject fresh, compelling dimensions into the narrative, enhancing the series’ intricate exploration of power and morality.
Set against the misty backdrop of Nagaland, the plot unfurls around two seemingly unrelated cases in Delhi: the murder of Jonathan Thom, a Naga businessman and political leader, and the disappearance of a man named Raghu Paswan. These cases converge through Rosie Lizo, a drug-addicted mistress of Thom, whose shadowy presence amplifies the show’s tension. As Hathiram and Ansari delve deeper, they uncover a sprawling conspiracy that spans power corridors, ethnic divides, and personal vendettas, culminating in a gripping climax on Christmas Eve. This setting sharpens the irony of redemption amid chaos.
At the heart of the series lies its layered storytelling. The antagonist’s haunting confession—“God reminds me of my sins every time I take a piss”—ingeniously etched into the scene, leaves you marvelling at the writers’ prowess.
The writing, sharp and unapologetic, is matched by a meticulous attention to detail. From the police station of Outer Jamna Paar to the misty landscapes of Nagaland, the visual language is immersive and evocative. Action sequences are choreographed with astute precision, while crowd scenes brim with a palpable authenticity. Every frame feels like a carefully curated snapshot of a world teetering on the brink of collapse.
Jaideep Ahlawat anchors the series with his masterful performance, embodying Hathiram’s weariness and resolve with equal conviction. His portrayal of a man caught between systemic apathy and personal turmoil is deeply affecting. Ishwak Singh’s restrained elegance as Ansari complements Ahlawat’s raw intensity. Tillotama Shome stands out with her nuanced portrayal of Meghna Barua, a single mother and SP of Nagaland whose determination and vulnerability add depth to the narrative. Every supporting actor—from Merenla Imsong’s enigmatic Rosie to Jahnu Barua’s formidable Uncle Ken—delivers a memorable performance, contributing richly to the series’ haunting tapestry.
Despite its stellar execution, the series occasionally leans on familiar tropes. The devil with a conscience or the maverick cop taking on the system aren’t groundbreaking ideas. Yet, the series breathes new life into these archetypes through its unflinching gaze at the socio-political realities of the Northeast—a region too often relegated to the sidelines in mainstream Indian storytelling.
Ultimately, this is not just a show about crime or justice. It’s a mirror held up to the world we live in, where power often trumps truth, and humanity is bartered for profit. Whether you’re drawn to it for the stellar performances, the intricate plot, or the moody aesthetic, this series ensures one thing: you’ll appreciate it.
