The words ‘gritty’ and ‘dark’ spring to mind, even as one repeatedly flinches and cringes through the 3-minute trailer of the new Amazon Prime Video show, Paatal Lok. This show is creating quite a buzz on social media – find out why and decide whether you want to watch the show labelled ‘highly-bingeworthy’ by one reviewer.
This is a story about a policemen who is battling not only criminals but also a corrupt system. It examines the seamy underbelly of society; so it is a social comment as well as a mystery thriller. It stars Neeraj Kabi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Gul Panag Mairembam Ronaldo Singh, Abhishek Banerjee and others.
Produced by Anushka Sharma's banner, the series traces the story of a cop investigating a case that doesn’t seem to be what it is. The suspects are not what he thinks they are, there are many dark secrets that are uncovered as power centres come into conflict with one another.
This is a socio-political commentary that takes a hard look at a rotten system where the criminals and law enforcement agencies collude to defeat the cause of justice.
Gul Panag who stars in this series, compares the theme of this show with the current migrant crisis currently unfolding before us; particularly the ugly truth of the nation's class divide.
The show also touches upon the other social realities such as Islamophobia.
The series receives largely positive reviews from celebrities, reviewers and audiences.
There were those who did not like the series as much and felt that it did not really have the feel of a crime thriller. Some of the tweeple also pointed out a scene that they thought was insulting to Hindus.
The character of policeman Hathiram Chaudhary is played by Jaideep Ahlawat; who has received rave reviews for his performance.
This scene from the series has inspired many Paatal Lok memes.
Google Maps will take care of things.
This tweet lauds military personnel and also perhaps other law enforcement personnel who are currently doing a very difficult job.
This scene featuring Neeraj Kabi also caught the fancy of meme-makers.
This meme points to the easy spread of fake news these days, and its chief purveyor, WhasApp.
So many of us, particularly those addicted to social media; seem to be taking photos all the time, everywhere.
Paatal Lok kept the meme-makers busy. Given the extension in the lockdown, it is likely to keep viewers busy as well. If one likes light, frothy content, Paatal Lok is far from ideal. However, if you're looking for something hard-hitting, startling and uncomfortable-making, this is the series to watch.
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