Top 10 Hindi Series

Hindi series, also known as Hindi TV shows, is a significant aspect of the Indian television industry and have been an integral part of Indian culture since the 1980s. In the early days of Indian television, Hindi series were used as a medium to educate the public about various issues. Still, over time, they evolved into a form of entertainment that is now loved by millions of people in India and around the world.

The first Hindi TV series was Hum Log, which premiered on Doordarshan in 1984. It was a social drama that depicted the life of an Indian middle-class family and their struggles. The show was an instant hit and ran for almost five years, paving the way for many more Hindi series.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Indian television industry saw a boom in Hindi series production. This was due to the liberalization of the Indian economy and the entry of private players into the television industry. Some of the most popular shows during this time were Buniyaad, Nukkad, and Rajani, all of which addressed social issues and aimed at creating public awareness.

The 1990s saw a shift in the genre of Hindi series, with more shows focusing on family dramas and love stories. Some of the most popular shows during this time were Saans, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Dekh Bhai Dekh. These shows resonated with the audience and became a part of their daily routine.

In the early 2000s, the Indian television industry saw a rise in the number of channels and the introduction of satellite television. This led to increased competition, and the Hindi series had to adapt to keep up with the changing times. Some of the most popular shows during this time were Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, all of which were family dramas and had a loyal fan following.

The mid-2000s saw a shift in the genre of Hindi series once again, with more shows focusing on reality TV and game shows. Shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati and Indian Idol became popular and paved the way for more shows in this genre.

In recent years, the Indian television industry has seen a rise in the number of web series produced and distributed by streaming services. These series are generally shorter in length and cater to a younger audience. Some of the most popular web series in Hindi is Sacred Games, Mirzapur, and Made in Heaven.

Over the past few years, the Hindi series has gained immense popularity among audiences. With gripping storylines, powerful performances, and a wide variety of genres, there's something for everyone. Here are the top 10 Hindi series that have captivated audiences and become fan favorites:

1. Sacred Games

Sacred Games is a Netflix original series that premiered in 2018 and was an instant hit among audiences. The show, based on the novel of the same name by Vikram Chandra, follows a police officer's pursuit of a notorious criminal over the course of 8 episodes. The show stars Saif Ali Khan as the police officer, Sartaj Singh, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the criminal mastermind, Ganesh Gaitonde.

The show has been praised for its gritty portrayal of Mumbai's criminal underworld and its complex characters. The show delves deep into the city's criminal underworld and explores the complexities of the relationships between the criminals and the police. The show is not afraid to confront the dark side of human nature, and the characters are often flawed and morally ambiguous.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is the cast's strong performances. Saif Ali Khan delivers a powerful performance as the troubled police officer Sartaj Singh, haunted by his past and struggling to make a difference in a corrupt and violent system. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is equally impressive as the enigmatic and ruthless criminal mastermind Ganesh Gaitonde. The chemistry between the two actors is electric and adds to the tension of the show.

The show's direction is also noteworthy, with its fast-paced editing and stylish visuals. The show seamlessly weaves multiple timelines and subplots, creating a rich, immersive world that draws viewers in. The show's use of music and sound design is also particularly effective, adding to the atmosphere and tension of the show.

2. Mirzapur

Mirzapur is an Indian web television series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018. The show is set in the lawless town of Mirzapur in the state of Uttar Pradesh and revolves around the lives of two brothers, Guddu and Bablu, who get involved in the world of crime and politics.

The show's plot is centered around the criminal underworld of Mirzapur, where gun-toting gangsters rule the streets and violence is a part of everyday life. The story is driven by the rivalry between two powerful gangsters, Kaleen Bhaiya (played by Pankaj Tripathi) and his rival, Rati Shankar Shukla (played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda). Guddu (played by Ali Fazal) and Bablu (played by Vikrant Massey) are two young men who get drawn into this world and become pawns in the battle between these two powerful men.

The show is a thrilling mix of action, drama, and political intrigue, and it does not shy away from showing the gritty realities of life in a lawless town. The violence in the show is not gratuitous but rather a realistic depiction of the brutal world in which the characters live. The show is also notable for its strong and nuanced portrayal of women, with characters such as Golu (played by Shweta Tripathi) and Beena (played by Rasika Dugal) playing significant roles in the story.

The performances in the show are top-notch, with Pankaj Tripathi stealing the show with his portrayal of the ruthless gangster Kaleen Bhaiya. He brings a sense of depth and complexity to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain. Ali Fazal and Vikrant Massey also deliver strong performances as the two brothers are caught in a dangerous game.

The show's direction is also worth mentioning, with the creators using various cinematic techniques to keep the audience engaged. The music and sound design are also exceptional, adding to the show's tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

3. Delhi Crime

Delhi Crime is a critically acclaimed Indian crime drama web television series created by Richie Mehta, which premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show is based on the real-life investigation of the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape case that shook the nation and made international headlines.

The story of Delhi Crime revolves around the night of December 16, 2012, when a young woman was brutally gang-raped on a moving bus in the capital city of India. The show follows the police investigation that led to the arrest of the six men responsible for the heinous crime and the emotional toll it took on the officers involved in the case.

The show is a gut-wrenching and powerful portrayal of the crime's events and the police investigation that followed. It highlights the systemic failures that allowed such a crime to occur, the police's frantic efforts to find the perpetrators, and the emotional turmoil the case caused for the police officers and the victim's family.

Shefali Shah delivers a stunning performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, the officer in charge of the investigation. She brings a sense of emotional depth and gravitas to her character, showing the audience the immense pressure and responsibility that comes with leading a high-profile case such as this.

The rest of the cast also delivers strong performances, with each character showing the case's impact on their personal and professional lives. The show's writing and direction are also noteworthy, as the creators expertly balance the emotional and investigative aspects of the story.

The show's attention to detail and accuracy in depicting the investigation make it a powerful and harrowing watch. The portrayal of the victim's family and their emotional turmoil is handled with great sensitivity and care, showing the audience the human cost of such crimes.

Delhi Crime is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime stories, as it offers a raw and unflinching look at the events surrounding the Delhi gang rape case. It is a powerful indictment of the systemic failures and societal attitudes that allow such crimes to occur and a tribute to the courage and resilience of the police officers and the victim's family.

4. Paatal Lok

Paatal Lok is an Indian crime drama web television series created by Sudip Sharma, which premiered on Amazon Prime in 2020. The show has been widely acclaimed for its intense and gripping storytelling, exploring the dark underbelly of Indian society and its criminal underworld.

The story of Paatal Lok revolves around a disillusioned police officer, Hathiram Chaudhary, who is assigned to investigate a high-profile case that involves a conspiracy to assassinate a famous journalist. The investigation leads him to the depths of the criminal underworld and exposes the deep-seated corruption that permeates Indian society.

The show's powerful performances are one of its greatest strengths, with actors like Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Ishwak Singh delivering standout performances. Jaideep Ahlawat, in particular, gives a tour-de-force performance as Hathiram Chaudhary, portraying the character's moral conflicts and vulnerabilities with great nuance and sensitivity.

The show's writing is also exceptional, with Sudip Sharma and his team crafting an engrossing and thought-provoking narrative. The story's exploration of India's caste system, political corruption, and religious tensions makes it a socially relevant and engaging watch.

The show's depiction of the criminal underworld is gritty and realistic, showing the audience the brutal and violent world beneath the surface of Indian society. The show also explores the effects of poverty and marginalization, showing how individuals are often forced into lives of crime and violence. Paatal Lok is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, as it offers a fresh and unique take on the genre. It is a show that demands attention for its excellent performances and writing and the social issues it addresses.

The show's use of symbolism and metaphor is also noteworthy, with the title itself referring to the three worlds in Hindu mythology - Swarg Lok (heaven), Dharti Lok (earth), and Paatal Lok (underworld). The show uses these metaphors to explore the themes of morality, justice, and power, making it a multi-layered and intellectually stimulating watch.

5. Scam 1992

The Harshad Mehta Story is a web series that premiered on SonyLIV in 2020. It is based on the true story of the 1992 securities scam in India, considered one of the most significant financial scams in the country's history. The series has received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, realistic portrayal of the events, and outstanding performances by the cast, especially Pratik Gandhi, who plays the role of Harshad Mehta.

The series takes the viewers on a journey through the life of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s for his unconventional and illegal stock market trading methods. He is shown as a street-smart, ambitious, and charismatic individual who believes in taking risks to make big gains in the market. The show portrays how Mehta's greed and ambition ultimately led him to engage in fraudulent activities, which caused a massive upheaval in the Indian stock market.

Scam 1992 is a compelling and thought-provoking series that offers a glimpse into the dark world of finance, greed, and corruption. It highlights the flaws in India's financial system and the regulatory mechanisms that failed to prevent the scam from happening. The show depicts how Mehta managed to manipulate the stock market using his connections and knowledge and how he fooled the entire banking system to siphon off crores of rupees from the country's financial institutions.

The series also sheds light on the personal life of Mehta, his relationships with his family, friends, and colleagues, and the toll that his illegal activities took on his mental and physical health. It shows how his obsession with money and power ultimately led to his downfall and how he lost everything he had gained in a matter of months.

One of the highlights of the series is the outstanding performance by Pratik Gandhi, who plays the role of Harshad Mehta with finesse and depth. His portrayal of the character is so realistic that it is difficult to believe it is not the real Harshad Mehta on the screen. The other cast members also deliver commendable performances, making the series a must-watch for anyone interested in finance, politics, and corruption.

6. The Family Man

The Family Man is an Indian web television series created by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. and released on Amazon Prime in 2019. It stars Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who works as a senior analyst in the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell of the National Intelligence Agency. He leads a double life as a spy for the Indian government, tasked with preventing terrorist attacks and keeping the country safe.

The show is a perfect blend of action, comedy, and drama. It follows Srikant Tiwari's adventures as he navigates his personal and professional challenges. The character of Tiwari is relatable and endearing, making him an instant hit with the audience. He is shown as a loving husband and father who struggles to balance his work and family life. He faces challenges at work, dealing with colleagues who are incompetent or corrupt and constantly putting his life on the line to protect the country.

The show's writing is excellent, with a well-crafted plot that keeps the audience engaged throughout the series. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the humor is subtle, adding to the show's charm. The cast, including Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, and Priyamani, deliver excellent performances, bringing their characters to life with conviction.

One of the highlights of the show is its realistic portrayal of the life of a spy. It shows the challenges and dangers that spies face in their work, including dealing with bureaucracy, maintaining secrecy, and risking their lives. The show also highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and analysis in preventing terrorist attacks, making it a relevant and timely series.

The Family Man has been praised for its unique premise, well-written characters, and excellent performances. It has been well-received by audiences and critics alike and has become one of the most popular shows on Amazon Prime. The show's success has led to the announcement of a third season, expected to release in 2023-24.

7. Made in Heaven

Made in Heaven is an Amazon Prime original series that offers a refreshing and compelling take on the Indian wedding industry. The show follows the lives of two wedding planners, Tara Khanna (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan Mehra (Arjun Mathur), who run a successful wedding planning company called Made in Heaven. The series is directed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti and written by talented writers, including Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra.

The series explores the complexities and challenges that come with planning weddings for India's wealthy elite, who have high expectations and demands. Through the eyes of Tara and Karan, viewers get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous and the behind-the-scenes drama that goes into organizing the perfect wedding. From dealing with overbearing parents to navigating class and caste divides, the show takes a bold and innovative approach to storytelling.

One thing that sets Made in Heaven apart from other shows is its attention to detail. The series depicts the opulence and extravagance of Indian weddings with stunning visuals and beautiful cinematography. The show also touches upon important social issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender inequality, and the stigma attached to mental illness. By tackling these issues head-on, the show offers a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of contemporary India.

Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur deliver outstanding performances as the two wedding planners. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and they bring depth and complexity to their characters. The supporting cast, which includes Jim Sarbh, Kalki Koechlin, and Shashank Arora, also delivers strong performances, adding depth and nuance to the show.

One of the series' standout episodes is "A Royal Affair," which follows the wedding of a royal family member. The episode touches upon issues of class and caste, as the wedding planner's team must navigate the demands of the royal family and their traditional values. The episode also features a moving storyline about a gay prince forced to hide his sexuality due to societal pressures.

Another standout episode is "Powers," which focuses on the wedding of a powerful politician's daughter. The episode explores themes of corruption, power, and the nexus between politics and business. The episode also features a powerful performance by Kalki Koechlin, who plays a bride with a troubled past.

8. Kota Factory

This TVF original series is a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by students in India's competitive education system. The show follows a young studennavigatinges the challenges of preparing for the IIT entrance exam. With a talented cast and a relatable storyline, Kota Factory has struck a chord with audiences across India.

Kota Factory, a TVF original series, is a realistic and relatable portrayal of the struggles faced by students in India's highly competitive education system. The show centers around Vaibhav Pandey (Mayur More), a young student from a small town who moves to Kota, a hub for IIT coaching, to prepare for the entrance exam. The show has gained immense popularity among audiences for its honest and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by students in their pursuit of academic excellence.

The show is directed by Raghav Subbu and written by Saurabh Khanna. It features a talented cast of actors who deliver excellent performances, including Jitendra Kumar as Jeetu Bhaiya, Vaibhav's mentor and an IIT alumnus who guides him through the rigorous coaching process. The series also features talented actors such as Alam Khan, Ranjan Raj, and Urvi Singh.

Kota Factory offers a unique perspective on the competitive education system in India, which puts immense pressure on students to excel academically. The show highlights the grueling coaching process, the pressure to perform well in exams, and the impact on students' mental health. Through Vaibhav's journey, the show explores the sacrifices students must make to pursue their dreams, including leaving their families and homes behind to study in a different city.

One of the most compelling aspects of Kota Factory is its relatable storyline. The show depicts the struggles faced by students from all walks of life, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The show also touches upon important social issues, such as caste discrimination and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

The show's production design and cinematography are also noteworthy, with Kota's small-town charm and dusty streets as the perfect backdrop for the story. The show's music, composed by Karthik Rao, complements the visuals and adds to the overall mood of the series.

Kota Factory has been praised for its honest and authentic portrayal of the education system and its impact on students' lives. The show has struck a chord with audiences across India, who can relate to the pressures and challenges depicted in the series. The show's popularity has led to a renewed interest in the debate around the education system in India and the need for reforms that consider students' mental and emotional well-being.

9. Breathe

Breathe is an Indian psychological thriller series that premiered on Amazon Prime in 2018. The show stars R. Madhavan is Danny Mascarenhas, a loving father who will go to any lengths to save his son's life. The series explores the ethical boundaries a parent is willing to cross to protect their child, and it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller.

The story follows Danny, a football coach, whose son Josh suffers from cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease. Danny becomes desperate to save his son's life, with Josh's condition worsening. When he learns about organ transplantation, he starts searching for a donor, but Josh's rare blood group makes it difficult to find a suitable match.

As Danny's desperation grows, he takes extreme measures to ensure his son gets a new lung. He teams up with a doctor, Dr. Arvind, played by Hrishikesh Joshi, who is also desperate to save his son's life. Together, they start a secret organ transplant ring, where they kidnap people and harvest their organs to save their children.

The series is about the lengths a parent will go to save their child and the consequences of those actions. Danny's actions start to take a toll on him, and he becomes increasingly erratic and unstable. His relationship with his wife, Ria, played by Sapna Pabbi, also starts to suffer as he becomes more obsessed with saving Josh.

The performances in Breathe are top-notch, with R. Madhavan delivers a standout performance as the desperate father. His portrayal of Danny is sympathetic and terrifying as he becomes increasingly unstable. Hrishikesh Joshi also delivers a strong performance as Dr. Arvind, who is equally desperate to save his own son.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Sapna Pabbi giving a nuanced performance as Danny's wife, Ria. Neena Kulkarni also stands out as Dr. Madhok, the head of the hospital where Danny works, who suspects something is amiss. The show's writing is also strong, with the story keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

The pacing is excellent, and the tension builds throughout the series. The show also raises ethical questions about organ transplantation and the lengths people will go to save their loved ones. The cinematography is also impressive, with the show making excellent use of Mumbai's gritty streets and dark alleys. The city is almost a character in the show, and the camera work adds to the tension and atmosphere.

10. Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is an Indian crime drama series premiered on Hotstar in 2019. The show is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed British series of the same name and is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Furia. The series is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the Indian criminal justice system, and it features a talented cast of actors, including Pankaj Tripathi, Vikrant Massey, and Jackie Shroff.

The series follows Aditya Sharma, played by Vikrant Massey, a young cab driver accused of murdering a passenger. The evidence against him is strong, and he is remanded to police custody. Aditya finds himself at the mercy of the corrupt and dysfunctional criminal justice system, which is rife with bribery, incompetence, and abuse.

Pankaj Tripathi plays Madhav Mishra, a down-on-his-luck lawyer who takes up Aditya's case out of desperation. Mishra is a brilliant lawyer who has fallen on hard times due to his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He sees Aditya's case as a chance to redeem himself and rebuild his shattered reputation.

As Mishra delves deeper into Aditya's case, he uncovers a web of lies, corruption, and injustice. He also faces opposition from powerful people who are invested in ensuring that Aditya is found guilty, regardless of the truth. Mishra's journey is self-discovery and redemption as he fights against the system and his own demons.

The performances in Criminal Justice are outstanding, with Pankaj Tripathi delivering a standout performance as the flawed but brilliant lawyer. His portrayal of Mishra is nuanced and complex, and he imbues the character with vulnerability and strength. Vikrant Massey is also excellent as Aditya, a young man who finds himself trapped in a nightmare of his own making. Jackie Shroff also delivers a powerful performance as Mustafa, a powerful businessman invested in Aditya's conviction.

The supporting cast is also strong, with actors like Mita Vashisht and Anupriya Goenka delivering memorable performances. The writing is sharp and intelligent, and the show's creators manage to balance the emotional drama with the tense and suspenseful plot. Criminal Justice also raises important questions about the Indian criminal justice system and the rampant corruption and abuse that pervades it.

The show highlights the plight of the underprivileged and the marginalized, who often find themselves at the mercy of a system stacked against them. The show's creators are unflinching in their portrayal of the system's failings, and they shine a light on the urgent need for reform. The series is also visually stunning, with the gritty streets of Mumbai providing a stark backdrop to the drama. The camera work is excellent; close-ups and wide shots add to the tension and atmosphere.