Top 10 Web Series in India

Gone are the days when cable TVs were the charm of the room, and you had to wrestle through your siblings to grab the remote and tune into your favorite channel. TVs have become a nostalgia, and with the dawn of OTT, entertainment centers have shifted from desks and walls to pockets and backpacks. Names like Star Plus and Zee Cinema, which used to be entertainment titans, are now swiftly being replaced by new-age platforms like Hotstar and Jio Cinema. Among all this turmoil, web series have been stealing the screens and winning hearts across India, with many of them emerging as cult classics, bearing a remarkable effect on pop culture. Additionally, the Top 10 Richest YouTubers in India are also contributing significantly to this digital transformation.

With hundreds of web series grabbing awards and their iconic dialogues becoming catchphrases for all, it's one hell of a task to keep up with the best content Indian OTT has to offer. To make sure you don’t miss out on the episodes that the masses are binge-watching, join us as we take a dig at the top 10 best web series in India Don’t worry; there are no spoilers ahead! So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let's roll the reels for the top 10 web series in India!

The Rise Of OTT Platforms In India

Less than a decade ago, OTT and streaming services used to be a thing of a few individuals with particular entertainment needs. However, over the past few years, OTT has grown from a niche to become one of the most significant sources of entertainment for thousands of families across India. The increasing accessibility of smartphones, paired with the sharp decline in the cost of high-speed internet after 2014, is one of the most prominent reasons for the incredible rise of OTT in India. Moreover, the COVID-19 Lockdown, which restricted the nation’s entertainment to safer indoors, boosted the spread of OTT in India.

Presently, OTT continues to dominate the entertainment industry, followed by capturing the share of the good old television day by day. Moreover, the tastes and preferences of Indian audiences are essentially shifting towards higher-quality, more tailored, and regional content, something that OTT beats traditional TVs and cinema by miles. Keeping the past expansion, current growth, and increasing availability of broadband internet in smaller cities and remote corners of the country in mind, it is safe to estimate that within the next few years, OTT will break into the lifestyles of a million more families at ease.

A Quick Binge Of The Top 10 Web Series In India

Be it ZEE5 or Sony LIV, every OTT platform is brimming with content from every genre. Although it can be a treasure trove for anyone looking forward to enjoying a long weekend bingeing with family and friends, it makes it equally daunting to find the best web series in the ocean! With immense research (and a bit of guilty bingeing), we have curated the top 10 web series in India that you can stream right away!  

1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story

Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story is a financial thriller that plays around the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who became infamous for orchestrating India's biggest financial scam of the time. Set in the bustling city of Bombay during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the series follows Mehta's journey from a humble background to becoming the "Big Bull" of the stock market. The show shines with Pratik Gandhi's stellar performance as Harshad Mehta and Shreya Dhanwanthary as the vigilant journalist Sucheta Dalal, who exposes the scam.
Not only is Scam 1992 number one on our list of the top 10 best web series in India, but it also proves that a well-written script and excellent performance turn mundane stories about fraud and finance into cult classics. The sudden spike in the number of DEMAT accountholders under the age of 35 cements Scam 1992’s impact on India’s youth.

2. Mirzapur

Mirzapur is the story of a city in Uttar Pradesh where power and violence rule the roost. The story revolves around Akhandanand “Kaleen Bhaiya” Tripathi, a ruthless crime lord and carpet exporter, and his power-hungry son, Munna. The series takes a dark turn when two brothers, Guddu and Bablu Pandit, get entangled in the Tripathi family’s web of crime and corruption. What sets this series apart is its intense storytelling, memorable characters, and sharp dialogues.

When I first hit the play button on Mirzapur Season 1 Episode 1 for this blog, I thought it was yet another overrated crime drama. However, towards the end of Season 3, Guddu Pandit’s iconic dialogue, “Shuru Majburi Mein Kiye The…Ab Maza Aa Raha Hai,” felt criminally relatable. With unexpected plot twists and a gripping narrative, Mirzapur keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As Kaleen Bhaiya says, “Jo Aaya Hai, Woh Jaayega Bhi. Bas Marzi Humari Hogi,” this series is as captivating as crime dramas can get, making it one of the top 10 best web series in India.

3. The Family Man

The Family Man is an action-packed spy thriller that follows Srikant Tiwari, a seemingly ordinary middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC). Balancing his high-stakes job with his domestic life, Srikant paces through the challenges of protecting the nation from terrorist threats while dealing with family drama, sounds pretty similar to a typical Indian dad character, just garnished with action. The show cleverly blends humor and suspense, making it a must-watch. With plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s no wonder Srikant’s catchphrase, “Don’t be a minimum guy,” has become iconic.

4. Panchayat

Panchayat is a heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the life of Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate working as a Panchayat secretary in Phulera, a remote village. Struggling to adapt to rural life, Abhishek faces a host of quirky characters, including the iconic Pradhan Ji and his wife, Manju Devi. The series beautifully captures the essence of village life, blending humor with emotional moments. Abhishek’s journey of self-discovery and the bonds he forms with the villagers are central to the narrative. With its relatable storyline and down-to-earth characters, “Panchayat” offers a refreshing setup and story, far from urban chaos.

5. Sacred Games

Sacred Games is a dark tale set in the city of Mumbai that spins into a complex web of crime, politics, and espionage. The story kicks off with Sartaj Singh, a police officer, receiving a mysterious call from the infamous gangster Ganesh Gaitonde, who warns him to save the city within 25 days. This sets off a thrilling chain of events that takes a deep dive into Mumbai's underworld. What makes this series unique is its intense narrative, stellar performances by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and its dark, gritty portrayal of the city. The series is a rollercoaster of suspense and drama, with each episode named after Hindu mythology. As Gaitonde says, "Kabhi Kabhi Lagta Hai, Apunich Bhagwan Hai”, this series will make you question everything.

6. Kota Factory

Kota Factory is a compelling drama that delves into the lives of students in Kota, Rajasthan, a city renowned for its coaching centers. The series follows the story of a 16-year-old student, Vaibhav Pandey, who moves to Kota to prepare for the IIT-JEE exams. The show stands out with its unique black-and-white cinematography, symbolizing student life's stark and often harsh realities. It captures the intense pressure, competition, and stress among students while also highlighting the guidance of mentors like Jeetu Bhaiya. With its realistic portrayal and relatable characters, “Kota Factory” resonates deeply with the youth of India, especially the students. As Jeetu Bhaiya wisely says, “Life is not a race, it’s a marathon,” reminding us to pace ourselves in the pursuit of our dreams.

7. Apharan

Apharan is a thrilling, action-packed series that carefully blends crime, mystery, and suspense. The story revolves around Rudra Srivastava, a senior inspector of Uttarakhand Police, who is lured into kidnapping a young girl named Anusha at her stepmother’s request. What starts as a simple extortion plan spirals into a complex web of murder and betrayal. Set in the nostalgic 70s era, the series captivates with its gritty narrative and unexpected twists1. Rudra, portrayed by Arunoday Singh, has become a fan favorite due to his intense performance and memorable dialogues. As the plot progresses, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, making “Apharan” a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

8. Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side

Asur is a psychological thriller that mixes crime, mythology, and mystery. Set in Varanasi's sacred and ancient backdrop, the series follows forensic expert-turned-teacher Nikhil Nair, who returns to the Central Bureau Of Investigation. Alongside his mentor, Dhananjay Rajpoot, they engage in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a brutal serial killer who believes he is the incarnation of the Asura Kali. The series stands out for its intense narrative, complex characters, and chilling exploration of good versus evil. With unexpected twists and a dark, atmospheric setting, “Asur” keeps the audience hooked with dialogues like Dhananjay’s “In the battle of good and evil, only the smartest will survive.”

9. Breathe

Breathe is a psychological thriller that showcases the extraordinary lengths to which ordinary people can go to protect their loved ones. The series follows Danny Mascarenhas, a loving father who becomes desperate to save his son, Josh, who needs a lung transplant. As Danny's actions grow increasingly extreme, he crosses paths with Kabir Sawant, a brilliant but unconventional Crime Branch Officer. All of this soon turns into a cat-and-mouse game between Danny and Kabir that forms the core of the series, jam-packed with suspense and moral dilemmas. R. Madhavan and Amit Sadh deliver powerful performances, making the characters deeply relatable. With its intense narrative and emotional depth, Breathe intrigues the audience with the question, "How far will you go to save the one you love?"

10. Taaza Khabar

Starring the YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam from BBK Vines, Taaza Khabar is a unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and drama that follows the life of Vasant “Vasya” Gawade. Vasant is a sanitation worker who stumbles upon a magical boon that can predict the future. This newfound power flips his normal life upside down, building up to a series of unexpected and often humorous events. The show is set in the vibrant streets of Mumbai and explores themes of ambition, friendship, and destiny. With a mix of quirky characters and a plot filled with twists, “Taaza Khabar” is a special treat for Bhuvan Bam’s fandom. As Vasya navigates his new reality, the series offers a delightful escape into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, with Taaza Khabar becoming one of the top 10 latest web series in India.

Conclusion

With the entertainment industry going digital, every click has the power to open up a new world of fiction. From the shady streets of Mumbai to the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, each of the top 10 web series in India packs a unique punch with storylines powerful enough to captivate even a cattle! These web series don’t just show; they are flavor-packed, creatively written experiences that drive the emotions of their viewers by blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Consider our blog to be your next watchlist and dive into the realms of the top 10 web series in India. Trust me, with your mind and heart immersed in the treasure trove of gripping narratives, heart-pounding thrillers, and captivating characters, you won't want to hit pause!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which is the most-watched web series in India?

Ans. Karan Anshuman’s crime thriller - Mirzapur, Anurag Kashyap’s neo-noir crime thriller - Sacred Games and Hansal, Jai Mehta’s Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story is the most-watched web series in India.

Q2. What are some lesser-known Indian web series that everyone must watch?

Ans. Following is a list of underrated web series that are worth watching:

1. Bose: Dead/Alive - A historical biopic revolving around the mysteries of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s mysterious death.
2. Aarya - A series that showcases the transformation of an ordinary Indian housewife into a strong and protective woman.
3. The Final Call - The thriller story of a pilot set aboard an aircraft.
4. Rangbaaz - A glimpse of the gangster life presented with the perfect balance of suspense, drama, and action.

Q3. Which web series are the best to watch with family?

Ans. Panchayat is a light-hearted comedy web series set in rural India that can be watched by family members of all age groups.

Q4. Where can I watch trending web series in multiple languages?

Ans. Almost all of the popular streaming platforms, including Jio Cinema, ZEE5, Sony LIV, Disney+ Hotstar, and Netflix, support multi-language streaming.

Q5. Where can I watch web series for free?

Ans. Streaming platforms like Jio Cinema, Amazon Mini TV, and MX Player offer many web series and movies that you can watch for free.

Q6. Is it safe to watch pirated web series and movies?

Ans. Streaming and downloading web series from piracy websites and apps is unsafe and also illegal in several parts of the world. Watching and downloading content through piracy exposes you to risks of phishing, data theft, cyber-attacks, and viruses.