Mini web series and shows in India gained momentum in 2015, quickly becoming popular in India due to this unusual plots, short length as well as creative depiction. Earlier, new actors such as Sumeet Vyas, Naveen Kasturia etc became the face of the web world. But because of the popularity of the medium, Bollywood actors are now being a part of these web series too. Top Indian Web Series featuring famous Bollywood stars are:
1. Sacred Games
Directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, Sacred games was a milestone when it came to global Indian content. The full season of eight episodes released on Netflix on 6 July across 191countries; it had subtitles in more than 20 languages. The show has an amazing cast including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, Kubra Sait, Rajshri Deshpandey etc. Radhika Apte played the supporting role of Anjali Mathur as a RAW officer who helps the main character of uncovering the secrets of Mumbai’s dark underworld.
2. Breathe: R Madhavan and Amit Sadh
It is Amazon Prime video’s second original in India after Inside edge. It released on amazon prime video in January 2018. The series revolves the lives of two men, who get into a cat and mouse chase to save the person they love. The crime drama features R Madhavan, Sapna Pabbi and Amit Sadh.
3. The Trip: Lisa Haydon, Shweta Tripathi, and Sapna Pabbi
Again a show launched by Bindass, this fiction web series runs on the same lines as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta hai; The only difference being, it’s a girl squad this time instead of the guys. The series revolves around a group of four girls who decide to go on a road trip from India to Thailand for the bachelor party of one of them. The first season of the series was quite a hit and the first episode of the second season has just dropped on Bindass’s channel on youtube India. The star cast includes Bollywood actresses like Lisa Haydon, Shweta Tripathi, Sapna Pabbi and internet sensation, Mallika Dua.
4. Ghoul: Radhika Apte
This Indian horror mini web series is the second of the Netflix originals after Sacred Games. The series is based on the Arab folklore Moster Ghoul. Radhika Apte plays Nida Rahim, who’s a newly recruited military officer and is fiercely loyal to the authoritarian regime and is ready to go to any limit to prove her faith in the existing system to cleanse the society for a better future.
5. It’s Not That Simple: Swara Bhaskar
The lesser known of the lot, this Voot original series marked the web series debut of the well-known actress Swara Bhaskar. This series explores the subjects of urban marriage, love, and infidelity. The protagonist played by Swara tells her tale to the viewers while taking them on a path of self-discovery with them. She is a housewife who is stuck in an unhappy marriage until she attends her school reunion where she meets two of her ex-lovers. The series gives a message that it shouldn’t be just the woman who has to compromise and sacrifice for saving a marriage or a relationship.
6. Stories by Rabindranath Tagore: Radhika Apte
Based on the brilliant literary work of Rabindranath Tagore, this series is directed by the famous Indian filmmaker Anurag Basu. The series originally aired on the T.V channel Epic and recreated many beautiful stories of the author like Chokher Bali, Kabuliwala, Atithi etc. It is a must watch for everyone who wants to enjoy outstanding Indian cinematography and art direction. It is available on Netflix.
7. Inside Edge: Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, Angad Bedi
The first Indian original on Amazon Prime video. The second season will premier in 2019 on the same platform. The story is set up in the landscape of conspiracies related to a fictional T-20 cricket team. It stars Richa Chada, Tanuj Virwani, Vivek Oberoi and Angad Bedi in lead role and was received positively by the critics and the audience.
8. Bose: Rajkumar Rao
The Historical period drama web series by Alt Balaji starred Rajkummar Rao in the role of Subhash Chandra Bose. It is based on the life and the mystery of the alleged death of the legendary Indian freedom fighter, Dr. Subhash Chandra Bose.
