As ‘Paatal Lok 2’ Tops Indian Charts, Its Creator and Star Talk Show’s Evolution and if There Will Be a Third Season: ‘I Haven’t Made Up My Mind Yet’

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In its initial week, the gripping crime thriller series “Paatal Lok” on Amazon Prime Video, produced by Sudip Sharma and helmed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, has become India’s most-viewed streaming program, with a viewership of 7.2 million, as per figures from the Indian media consulting firm Ormax Media.

Furthermore boosting the program’s achievements, Jaideep Ahlawat, our main actor, has taken the top position on IMDb’s ranking of Well-Known Indian Celebrities due to his depiction of Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary.

This television show, co-produced by Clean Slate Filmz and Eunoia Films, brings back its renowned cast members such as Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, and Gul Panag, alongside fresh faces like Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua in significant roles. The narrative unfolds in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, where it focuses on Hathi Ram joining forces with his reliable associate, Imran Ansari (Singh), to probe into the vanishing of a migrant worker linked to a perilous drug network. Concurrently, a complex political drama unfolds as well.

The second season of the crime thriller series has earned a significant level of excitement or “buzz” with a score of 41 on Ormax Stream Track. According to Keerat Grewal, head of business development at Ormax Media, seasons that receive an Ormax Power Rating of 73 or higher typically spark high levels of discussion and have the potential to attract more subscribers, demonstrating a title’s ability to boost its viewership numbers. This information was shared with EbMaster.

2020 saw the debut of a series that caused quite a stir upon its premiere. Critics praised its raw storytelling style, while some political groups criticized it for supposedly fueling communal conflicts. The intense crime drama faced criticism for its depiction of caste and religious differences, leading to legal warnings and boycott demands. However, its incisive social commentary kept viewers captivated.

Despite apprehensions that the content might be toned down due to India’s 2021 Information Technology “Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules,” which imposed stringent content regulations on streaming platforms, Season 2 managed to thrive. These guidelines are particularly focused on sensitive topics like drug abuse, violence, and religious intolerance, requiring careful categorization and potentially restricting their portrayal.

Showrunner Sharma tackled these obstacles by reinventing the show’s atmosphere while preserving its core. “This time around, it’s a less confrontational series,” Sharma shared with EbMaster. “The change is likely due to my own personality and also how I perceived Jaideep and Hathi Ram from season one to season two.”

In this rephrased version, the key points remain the same but are presented in a simpler, more conversational style. The focus is still on Sharma’s approach to overcoming challenges by changing the show’s tone while keeping its essence, and the quote attributed to Sharma about the change being due to his own personality and perception of certain characters.

Sharma chose a daring, inventive path for Season 2, choosing to locate the narrative within India’s northeastern region, Nagaland. He stated, “If we don’t tell a Naga story for the second season of our successful series, then when would be the right time? I’ve always wanted to craft a tale set in that area. I spent the initial 20 years of my life in Assam. My family resides there.

Choosing Nagaland as the backdrop for the story was both a personal preference and culturally meaningful. As Sharma explained, “Nagaland stands out as the only Baptist state in our country, with its distinct tribal culture, diverse lands and tribes.” Furthermore, he noted that Nagaland has been grappling with an insurgency issue, one of the longest-lasting in the nation. However, Sharma also highlighted the resilience of its people and the strong sense of pride they instill.

Ahlawat’s portrayal showcases a deeper understanding of his character’s growth. As Sharma put it, “He appears to be more content within himself and his role in life. He’s come to understand that recognition for his work may never come, but he continues because it’s an integral part of who he is and what defines him as Hathi Ram.

Ahlawat’s portrayal is characterized by a notable calmness, which he connects to the character’s development. “The calmness stems from acceptance,” Ahlawat explained. “You can sense the underlying tension and calm in the script. You simply aim to embody it. You just strive to evoke that feeling.

For Ahlawat, stepping back into his character brought an unforeseen delight. “I honestly didn’t anticipate a Season 2 for this one,” he shared. “Playing this role was, in my opinion, one of the most remarkable chances I’ve been offered throughout my career. As soon as [Sharma] began scripting Season 2, I felt nothing but joy, and I couldn’t help but ask him if Hathi Ram would still be a part of it.

The actor acknowledges a significant shift in his character’s lifestyle, while his fundamental nature remains consistent. “Even some crucial figures recognize that, yes, he’s a man, aware of his actions,” Ahlawat stated. “His family, including his wife and characters like Ansari, understand that he’s an exceptional individual capable of handling responsibilities. But to the outside world, everything appears the same. He has come to terms with the fact that no one truly comprehends his inner workings.

In a novel approach for Season 2, the creative team chose to begin anew, as if they were crafting a completely fresh series. As Sharma disclosed, their initial directive to the writers was to essentially discard everything that had been done in Season 1 and write as if they were starting from scratch. They would carry over only the character Hathi Ram and a few others from the previous season.

Despite doubts about whether the series will continue after Hathi Ram’s departure from the police force, Sharma suggested that his decision to leave might be permanent. “I can’t say for sure if there will be a Season 3,” Sharma stated. “At this point, I haven’t made a final decision. However, considering Hathi Ram’s character, once he makes a decision, it’s unlikely he would change his mind. So, if he has resigned, he has truly left.

In the meantime, both the creator and the lead actor have been occupied with other ventures. Sharma is at present directing the second season of “Kohhra” on Netflix, while Ahlawat has finished three films and concluded filming for “The Family Man” Season 3, where he now collaborates with Raj and DK’s successful series.

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2025-01-30 16:17