Paatal Lok Review Season 2: Jaideep Ahlawat Starrer is Dark and One Kind of Hell Like the First Season

Image Source: India Today

After five years, Prime Video is back with its favorite series, Paatal Lok, and everyone's most liked cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary. Season 2 is set out in new terrain the Northeast and the bloody murder of Jonathan Thom- a high businessman politician hailing from Nagaland who is in Delhi setting the base for this installment. 

Season 2 begins exactly from the point it ended in the first season with Jaideep Ahlawat still playing the underdog cop Hathi Ram Chaudhary at the same Jamana Par station despite cracking the brilliant case in the first season. Things have changed a bit in the station from Ansari (Ishwak Singh) being the junior officer to now being the decorated IPS officer. His senior Virk (Anurag Arora) is now a Narcotics officer. Renu ( Gul Pang) Hathi Ram's wife now wants to start home tuition to save some money for their son's future. Siddharth( their son) is now studying engineering out of home. This shows that Hathi Ram is a 'Permanent Nivasi of Paatal Lok' as how he mentions in one of the episodes. It seems like hell has chosen him to be one of the favorites among others.

Plot: A twisted and Multi-Layered Mystery

Season 2 begins with a woman coming to the Jamuna Par station in search of her missing husband who is a migrant worker and seems to have been missing for days. Alongside Imran who lands a high profile case of the Jonathan Thom- a minister of Nagaland who is in Delhi for a business summit. It soon becomes clear that the two cases are linked to each other with Virk crossing their paths once again. After many failed attempts he finally convinces his seniors to bring Hathi Ram into the case and soon both land up in Nagaland.

What follows next in this case of Jonathan is a lot of suspects getting involved which eventually leads to a Nagaland girl named Rose who is now a prime suspect. The entire plot starts out as a murder investigation that branches out soon into a summit that brings 20000 crores for the development. It seems like a new hell awaits in Nagaland for Hathi Ram and Ansari who are joined ultimately by Meghna Barua ( Tillotama Shome) playing a local officer in Nagaland. Each twist and turn leads to a series of chain of events putting our boys Hathi Ram and Ansari in danger with us being a part of this dangerous world.

Characters That Resonate

Hathi Ram Chaudhary portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat once again remains the core of the story. His journey from self-doubt to resilience and determination is as raw and relatable. He brings about a depth in the role of playing a cop who gets hurt and bruised while on duty and the same happens to him while at home.  A realistic person who needs to have some personal time for his family.

Imran Ansari played by Ishwak Singh steps into a new role of authority which brings subtle shifts in his dynamics with Hathi Ram. The relationship arc changing and the seniority swap in this season making each other call Sir is the warmest and the sweetest professional relationship that is ever seen. It makes you feel good and root them in all dangers coming their way. You can see the evolving trust and respect between them this season making Ansari a perfect companion for Hathi Ram. Also, there is SP Meghna Barua played by Tillotama Shome who brings quite an intensity to the plot and will make you guess what her next move might be.

Direction and Writing

Director Avinash Arun Dhaware with the creative vision of Sudeep Sharma's sharp writing ensures that every scene stands out and is as impactful as ever. With the gripping crime narrative and the bold sensitive writing this series is successful in the portrayal of Nagaland- a region often misinterpreted in the otherwise. By, introducing some of the local issues through Hathi Ram's perspectives provides a deeper understanding of the region's complexities. 

The pace of the story is crafted well with sudden twists and turns making the viewers hooked till the last. The show strikes a balance between high-octane scenes and some of the sensitive and high-intensity moments for the characters to breathe and think profoundly in each scene.

Atmosphere and Setting

Nagaland's lush landscapes and contrasting beauty are captured appealingly serving more than just a backdrop. The cinematography immerses you in its culture, challenges and the people who love their country more than anything else. The region's struggles with its corruption, drug trafficking and the isolation of people living here are handled with extreme depth and sensitivity.

What Truly Works and What Not

On the whole, this series works brilliantly with its premise being a much bigger and better world this time. A more brutal and terrifying world is explored and a much darker side of the political system is explored brilliantly. This season indicates that there is no hell as we all have been staying in one with the people living in it making a much dangerous world to live in. It is our own sins that make this place a living hell- Paatal Lok.

Everything seems to be well-versed except the personal equation between Hathi Ram and Renu. Despite trying to take charge of the family life the personal arc between them is left unexplored. But a hint that it might change soon as he is retiring soon as a police officer.

Conclusion: A Show Worth Watching

Paatal Lok Season 2 is not a series but an experience that is felt heavily in your bones. It is not a feel-good series but is here to make you think. With its intricate storytelling, compelling performances, and thoughtful representation this going to be one of the finest crime dramas to have ever been released.  

For the fans of this genre, this season is a startling exploration of humanity's darker side leaving the viewers both anxious yet deeply satisfied.