In recent years, the digital entertainment landscape has seen a significant shift, with web series becoming a dominant force in the industry. The Indian digital space, in particular, has been a hotbed of creativity, churning out content that not only resonates with the local audience but has also garnered international acclaim. When we talk about the best web series in India, it’s not just about the storyline but also the cultural nuances, powerful performances, and authentic representation of the diverse Indian society. As more and more viewers cut the cord and turn to streaming platforms, the demand for high-quality web series has skyrocketed. Whether you’re a fan of gritty crime dramas, heartwarming romances, or tales of ambition and struggle, the Indian web series arena has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 21 must-watch Indian web series of 2023, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best of what Indian digital content has to offer.
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Best Web Series In India in 2023
- The Family Man:
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Description: A working man from the National Investigation Agency tries to protect the nation from terrorism, balancing his high-stakes job with the challenges of family life.
- Star Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi.
- Rocket Boys:
- Platform: SonyLIV
- Genre: Drama, History
- Description: Chronicles the lives and achievements of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, two extraordinary scientists who shaped India’s nuclear and space programs.
- Star Cast: Jim Sarbh, Saba Azad, Regina Cassandra, Mark Bennington.
- Scam 1992:
- Platform: SonyLIV
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Description: A gripping tale that chronicles the life and times of Harshad Mehta, the controversial stockbroker who orchestrated the Rs 5000-crore 1992 securities scandal.
- Star Cast: Pratik Gandhi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Hemant Kher.
- Delhi Crime:
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Description: Based on the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, this series delves deep into the investigation led by DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, shedding light on the challenges faced by the police.
- Star Cast: Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain.
- Mirzapur:
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Description: Set in the lawless city of Mirzapur, this series revolves around crime, power struggles, and vengeance among mafia dons and families.
- Star Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal.
- Special Ops:
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Description: Led by Himmat Singh, this series is inspired by real-life espionage missions undertaken by India over the last two decades.
- Star Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Gautami Kapoor, Muzamil Ibrahim.
- Panchayat:
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Description: A lighthearted take on the life of an engineering graduate who, due to a lack of job opportunities, ends up as a secretary in a remote village’s Panchayat office.
- Star Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik.
- Aspirants:
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Genre: Drama
- Description: A story that captures the journey of UPSC aspirants, their dreams, struggles, and the challenges they face in their quest to enter the Indian civil services.
- Star Cast: Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal.
- Asur:
- Platform: Voot Select
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Description: A thrilling tale of two forensic officers who are drawn into the world of serial killings with a mythological twist.
- Star Cast: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Riddhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka.
- Kota Factory:
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Description: Kota Factory is a black-and-white web series that provides a realistic view of the lives of students preparing for the IIT entrance exams in the city of Kota, Rajasthan. The series delves into the challenges, pressures, and dilemmas faced by these students, while also highlighting the friendships, mentorships, and small joys that make their journey memorable. With its relatable characters, heartfelt moments, and insightful commentary on the Indian education system, Kota Factory has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
- Star Cast: Mayur More, Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan, Jitendra Kumar
- Criminal Justice:
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Description: A one-night stand turns into a nightmare for Aditya when he wakes up to find himself with the dead body of the woman. The series delves into the complex world of the Indian judicial system.
- Star Cast: Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Jackie Shroff, Anupriya Goenka.
- Breathe:
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Description: A father’s love knows no bounds, as showcased in this series where a father goes to extreme lengths to save his dying son.
- Star Cast: R. Madhavan, Amit Sadh, Sapna Pabbi, Shriswara.
- Yeh Meri Family:
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Description: Set in the summer of 1998, it’s a story about conflicting emotions towards family members from the eyes of a twelve-year-old.
- Star Cast: Vishesh Bansal, Mona Singh, Akarsh Khurana, Ahan Nirban.
- Farzi:
- Platform: ZEE5
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Description: “Farzi” is a thrilling roller-coaster ride that revolves around an artist who gets entangled in the dark world of con jobs. As he navigates this treacherous path, a determined task force officer is on a mission to eradicate the country of such menaces. This fast-paced, edgy thriller is a unique blend of crime, suspense, and a touch of humor. With a dream cast, the series offers exceptional performances, sharp dialogues, and a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns.
- Star Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethu Pathi
- TVF Pitchers:
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Description: Four friends quit their jobs to start their own company. The challenges they face and the bonds they build form the crux of the story.
- Star Cast: Naveen Kasturia, Arunabh Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, Abhay Mahajan.
- Permanent Roommates:
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Description: The series revolves around a young couple, Tanya and Mikesh, who after being in a long-distance relationship for three years, face the prospect of marriage.
- Star Cast: Sumeet Vyas, Nidhi Singh, Deepak Kumar Mishra, Shishir Sharma.
- Hostel Daze:
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Description: A peek into the world of engineering hostels, the series captures the chaos, the friendships, the struggles, and the innocent joys of hostel life.
- Star Cast: Adarsh Gourav, Luv, Shubham Gaur, Nikhil Vijay.
- TVF Tripling:
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Description: Three siblings set out on a road trip, rediscovering their relationship and understanding their places in each other’s lives.
- Star Cast: Sumeet Vyas, Maanvi Gagroo, Amol Parashar, Kunaal Roy Kapur.
- Flames:
- Platform: MX Player
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Description: A sweet tale of first love and all the emotions that come with it, set against the backdrop of a coaching center.
- Star Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Tanya Maniktala, Sunakshi Grover, Shivam Kakar.
- Grahan (Eclipse):
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Description: Grahan, translated as Eclipse, is a poignant tale that delves deep into the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Set in the backdrop of a small town in Bihar, the series oscillates between two timelines, 1984 and the present day. The story unfolds as a young IPS officer, Amrita Singh, discovers a personal connection to a case from 1984. As she delves deeper, she confronts disturbing truths about her father’s involvement in the riots. The series beautifully captures the essence of love, loss, and redemption, making it a must-watch.
- Star Cast: Pavan Malhotra, Zoya Hussain, Anshuman Pushkar, Wamiqa Gabbi
- Cubicles:
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Description: The series captures the life of a fresh graduate who joins the corporate world and his experiences in his very first job.
- Star Cast: Abhishek Chauhan, Nidhi Bisht, Badri Chavan, Shivankit Singh Parihar.
The evolution of the digital entertainment sphere in India has been nothing short of phenomenal. The web series listed above are a testament to the talent, creativity, and storytelling prowess of Indian creators. Each series offers a unique perspective, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Indian society and culture. As the line between mainstream cinema and web series continues to blur, it’s evident that the future of entertainment lies in these digital narratives. If you’re on the lookout for the best web series in India, this list is your ultimate guide. Dive into these captivating stories and experience the brilliance of Indian digital content. As the digital space continues to expand, we can only anticipate even more groundbreaking series that will redefine the parameters of storytelling. So, gear up for a roller-coaster ride of emotions, drama, and unparalleled entertainment.