Entertainment paradigm shift in India was brought about by Netflix through its variety of shows which are tailored to the taste of local people. But which series have truly captured the Indian audience’s imagination? Here, we delve into the top 3 most successful Netflix web series in India, based on viewership and cultural impact.
Sacred Games (2018): A Gripping Exploration of Crime and Morality
The release for Sacred Games happened in 2018 and it immediately became a hit. This gritty crime thriller, based on Vikram Chandra’s acclaimed novel, wove a complex narrative that took us deep inside Mumbai’s dark underbelly. Sartaj Singh is an embittered police officer who gets an enigmatic message from a well-known gangster Ganesh Gaitonde; this sets him off on a dizzying chase to solve a riddle hidden behind layers upon layers of secrecy as regards graft and other forms of dishonest dealings within the municipality.
Sacred Games’ success sprung from its multi-layered plot, phenomenal acting performances and relentless depiction of contemporary India. Viewers deeply connected with Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s terrifying portrayal of Ganesh Gaitonde; similarly, Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal as the conflicted Sartaj Singh added another layer of mystery. The show also addressed controversial subject matters sparking debates around caste, religion and rule of law.
Delhi Crime (2019): A Haunting Look at a Real-Life Tragedy
Delhi Crime which was launched in 2019 approached it differently by focusing on the horrifying 2012 Delhi gang rape incident. This powerful miniseries offered a nuanced and unflinching portrayal of the investigation and its aftermath. It had to do with DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (played by Shefali Shah), her own invented version representing the actual police officer who headed the inquiry in real life.
Delhi Crime won accolades for its sensitive treatment of a deeply disturbing subject. The series showed the dedication of police officers involved and how much it cost them emotionally. In addition, it brought into attention systemic problems that led to this tragedy and thus initiated important conversations about gender violence and the need for reform. Aneesha Shah portrayed her character with strength as shown by DCP Chaturvedi, thereby giving the series more weight.
Mismatched (2020): A Lighthearted Take on Young Love
Mismatched (2020) changed tack entirely and went down a refreshing path of coming-of-age romantic comedy. It was based on Sandhya Menon’s book “When Dimple Met Rishi”, where the two characters Dimple and Rishi were used to tackle modernity/ tradition clash. Dimple is an outspoken gamer who detests arranged marriages while Rishi is an endearing believer in old fashioned love; he looks forward to meeting his perfect match. They meet during coding competition leading to a fast-paced relationship filled with misunderstandings and self-discovery.
What made Mismatched click were its relatable characters and light-hearted humor. The series captured the issues faced by young people today as they seek love amidst their career dreams in a digital era that also hosts cyberbullying among other challenges facing Gen Z kids. Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf provided compelling performances as they breathed life into these characters’ journey towards finding oneself in adulthood. Mismatched was a welcome break from typical themes addressed in Indian web shows – proving that entertainment can be mixed with social critique at times like these.
Glorious Heritage of Victory
These three series, which differ largely in style and subject matter, reflect the kind of varied material that has moved Netflix to the forefront of Indian entertainment. The audacity with which Sacred Games went about its narrative made it groundbreaking. Delhi Crime evoked significant social discussions while Mismatched offered a means to get away from everyday issues in a warm manner. Every one of them featured exceptional actors, directors and writers from India who demonstrated that content from India can match up with global best standards.
The success of these web series has opened a new chapter in Indian storytelling. With more investments into local productions by Netflix, viewers should expect diverse high-quality programming that mirrors the richness and intricacies inherent within the Indian nation in general.
