Pataal Lok's review: A Thrilling Must Watch.
Pataal Lok is a staggering example of quality writing and robust performances. It is dark, gritty, brutal and questions the fabric of the Indian society.
It is a story of a Delhi's policeman who is presented an opportunity to investigate 4 alleged criminals, arrested in an attempt to assassinate a journalist. In pursuit of truth, he sets on a journey to 'pataal lok' making discoveries in the suspects' pasts and comes to terms with the reality of the Indian morale fabric.
Pataal Lok is a crime-thriller which focuses on the idea of a contemporary India. It showcases the reality of cops, media and politicians and sheds light
on some of the most burning political as well as social issues with grit and responsibility. Be it the journalist who is shaken after getting to know about his assassination, be it a brutal murderer who has claimed 45-55 lives, be it a politician who is staying relevant in lieu of caste-ism, or be it the sincere cop who is rotting in the same station for 15 years, all reek of only one thing - hell.
Portraying a sincere cop who has witnessed the rise of his other colleagues and personally has been an under-achiever, Jaideep Ahlawat pumps fresh air and charisma to the written character of Hathi Ram Chaudhary. Jaideep's outstanding potential is utilized to it's fullest in this outing. He makes the character feel personal, his dilemmas, his arrogance, his hunger to know the truth and his anger really connects with the viewer. Ahlawat has a towering presence and a command over his dialect and delivery of his dialogues.
Neeraj Kabi is the journalist who is deemed to be assassinated and the actor does not falter one bit. Neeraj brings in subtlety and classiness in his performance displaying a ruthless opportunist who sensationalizes the news. His wife played by Swastika Mukherjee is anxiously good and conveys her emotions with ease.
Abhishek Banerjee is excruciatingly good as a remorseless murderer. He generates fear and chaos by being silent most of the times. Jaideep's sidekick Ishwak Singh is a typically written young policeman belonging to a minority is endearing and efficient. There is also Gul Panag, as the chirpy wife of Jaideep's character, she is supportive.
Produced by Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Sharma, this Amazon Prime Video original series is absolutely brilliant and deserves a watch. It is a layered running commentary on the situation of India but is primarily a very very good web series. A MUST WATCH.