Virk remarks to his subordinate Hathiram Chaudhary, “Hum Gully cricket ke launde hain Chaudhary aur yahan World Cup chal raha hai,” This statement encapsulates the overarching theme and intricacies of the new season of Paatal Lok. The narrative begins in the ‘gully’ of Jamna Paar Thana in Delhi and extends to the borders of Damipur in Nagaland.
Patal Lok Season 2 Review
Season 2 of the web series picks up right where Season 1 concluded, continuing the narrative with Jaideep Ahlawat’s Hathiram Chaudhary still embodying the underdog. Unfortunately, he finds himself in a stagnant position at the Jamna Paar Thana, despite having successfully solved a significant case in the previous season.
In contrast, Chaudhary’s junior, Ansari, has risen to become a distinguished IPS officer, tackling high-profile cases with success. Additionally, his superior, Virk, has transitioned to a role within the Narcotics division. This shift highlights the progression of Chaudhary’s colleagues, who seem to ascend to greater heights, while he remains trapped in Paatal Lok—a hellish existence that he did not choose, but one that has chosen him.
Script
The season kicks off dramatically with a murder, intertwining the paths of three officers: Virk, Chaudhary, and Ansari, each grappling with distinct cases that ultimately converge. Ansari is determined to involve his superiors and persuades Chaudhary to assist in unraveling a case that leads them directly to Nagaland, following the death of a prominent business figure from the region, as they explore potential political connections and opportunities in Delhi.
As the investigation unfolds, numerous suspects emerge in the murder of Thom, with a key suspect being a young woman from Nagaland named Rose. What begins as a straightforward murder inquiry rapidly expands into a complex narrative, plunging Hathiram Chaudhary and Ansari into a tumultuous situation in Nagaland, where they are joined by Tillotama Shome, portraying a local officer.
Sudip Sharma constructs an expansive narrative that delves into themes of power dynamics, political intrigue, corruption, social stratification, and significant existential challenges in Nagaland. He crafts this intricate world with remarkable authenticity and conviction, ensuring that nothing feels contrived. The audience becomes deeply engaged, striving to interpret each action and growing increasingly anxious with every revelation that could jeopardize the lives of Hathiram Chaudhary and Ansari.
Caste Peformance
Jaideep Ahlawat undeniably embodies the authority of this underworld. Intriguingly, he is portrayed as a celestial being striving to navigate through the depths of Hell with the aim of transforming it into a better environment. There is a possibility that he may one day elevate it to a heavenly state; however, for now, he has chosen to be the ‘Permanent Nivasi of Paatal Lok,’ as he asserts in one of the scenes.
Ishwak Singh’s portrayal of Ansari serves as the ideal counterpart to Chaudhary. Their evolving relationship, characterized by a junior-senior dynamic that leads them to address each other as ‘Sir,’ represents one of the most heartwarming professional and personal connections. This bond encourages viewers to support them as a duo. The depiction of two men who uplift one another and foster each other’s professional growth is a refreshing rarity, both on-screen and off-screen.
Conclusion
The web series is a true depiction of the hell we all reside in. However, the series is not about hell, but fighting to not live in hell, and one of the characters in Nagaland sums it all up – We need hope; we all deserve hope! Well, truly it is the hope that keeps us going throughout. Hope of a better world. The hope of a better hell, if not heaven. But hope to walk upwards and higher, just like this web series!
