Remember the thrills ‘Paatal Lok Season-1’ gave us in 2020, when we were glued to our screens during the pandemic? We were gasping for more and finally; Amazon Prime brings the much-awaited second instalment of the hard-hitting thriller. Does it live up to the expectations set by its predecessor? Let’s dive in.
Storyline
The show kicks off with a slash – a high-profile and shadowy Naga leader Jonathan Thom is found beheaded in his Delhi hotel room. He was a delegate of the ongoing talks between Nagaland and the Government of India for a 20,000+ crore investment. Enter Imran Ansari, once Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhury’s protege, now an IPS officer and a hotshot ACP, now in charge of the investigation.
Meanwhile, our beloved Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary, looking heavier and without a purpose is stuck solving small-time cases in his Outer Jamna Paar police thana. When a missing person case leads him to a mysterious woman named Rose Lizo—who also happens to be caught fleeing Thom’s murder scene on CCTV—fate reunites him with Ansari. Together, they head to Dimapur, Nagaland, where meet SP Meghna Barua and a bunch of unfamiliar challenges.
While the investigation takes us into the underbelly of the paatal lok, it exposes a volatile mix of politics, culture and personal agendas. Amidst all this, there is Thom’s son Reuben who is a fugitive, a sniper Daniel who is on the loose and killing the connected people to the case, and a slimy diplomat Reddy who has his own motives.
Will the murder mystery and the larger puzzle get solved? If yes, at what cost?
Our critique
Nagaland, as a setting, is an interesting gamble that pays off. The cultural nuances and the casting for local characters who look the part, add authenticity, and the show doesn’t shy away from addressing the intricacy of the region’s socio-political landscape. While the backdrop is intriguing, the show misses the opportunity to make the region a full-fledged character in the story.
Season-2 goes beyond just solving a murder – it shows us a different culture, the truths behind development models, law and order volatility and of course police hierarchical equations. The narrative starts off with a sensational murder and sets the stage for action as it brings up the familiar characters and introduces new ones, keeping us invested and interested. The pace varies but the action continues. There are a few instances when the story dips a bit, for example during the back story of Rose and the birthday of Hathi’s son.
Yet, the tight screenplay, stellar direction, and classy camerawork make up for it.
Screen Performances
Jaideep Ahlawat continues to impress with every series and movie. He brings Inspector Hathi to life, as the honest and sensitive cop who has accepted his fate and is doing what he has to do. As the underdog, he is relatable and natural.
Gul Panag as his wife brings warmth and realism to their bittersweet relationship. Ishwak Singh’s Ansari exudes charm and determination, while Tilotama Shome’s Meghna Barua is both a caring mother and a tough cop, fighting her battle for acceptance.
The supporting cast deserves a shoutout too, with Merenla Insong as the enigmatic Rose Lizo, LC Sekhose as the rebellious Reuben, and Indian Idol fame Prashant Tamang as the man-on-a-mission Daniel adding depth to the story. And of course Nagesh Kukunoor as the sly diplomat as well as the impressive cameo by Prateek Pachauri as Bittu.
Overall opinion
Paatal Lok season-2 is an engaging thriller that does not waste too many scenes to bring out an interesting police procedural with violence, drugs, a non-mainstream region and human relationships. Kudos to Sudip Sharma and Avinash Arun Dhaware.
A recommended watch!
Our rating
