It’s been almost five years since a group of audiences locked in their homes were introduced to Paatal Lok and the talent of Jaideep Ahlawat. This was the time when OTT shows had more flamboyance and rawness. In Paatal Lok Season 2, the makers (producer Sudeep Sharma and director Avinash Arun) are showing some restraint, and a lot of mess has been carefully cut out. The shock value is still there, with a very detailed scene of a dismembered, headless body greeting you in the first few minutes (that’s all spoilers, I promise).

It is safe to say that Paatal Lok 2 has no relation to the first part, except for the addition of Inspector Hathi Ram Choudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), Officer Ansari (Ishwak Singh), SHO Virk (Anurag Arora) and a few characters. Hathi Ram’s family members – His wife (played by Gul Panang) and son Siddharth (Bodhisattva Sharma). Hathi Ram and Ansari may have parted ways after becoming IPS, but their paths diverged further after the murder of high-profile Jonathan Thom, a man who enjoys the support of almost the entire Nagaland. Ansari has been made in-charge. Meanwhile, Hathi Ram of Jamnapar police station is searching for Rahul Paswan, a bandleader, who is missing. Unexpectedly, these two cases connect, and in episode three, the Hathi Ram-Ansari duo arrive in Nagaland, this time with Ansari in charge.

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Just like in the OG season, people keep getting murdered like it’s no big deal, and the problems facing Haathi Ram become even more complicated. Elephant-Like memory, the mystery is eventually solved layer by layer. If you loved the first season and watched it religiously, you will know how the story will end – the lines between Swarg Lok and Paatal Lok will always be blurred for the people of Dharti Lok. If season one focuses on the class divide in the Hindi heartland, season two sets the action in Nagaland – where the underworld, equally steeped in crime and greed, still exists.

However, it feels like the brutality, rawness, and grit of the first season is missing. In season one, the narrative came very close toThe audience is brought face to face with the underworld they know about but often ignore. The series made us feel nervous and uncomfortable with the realization that the darkness of Hades is present all around us and within us. Season 2 doesn’t hit as close to home, but it tackles something that’s been ignored in the mainstream for a long time.

A brilliant insider-outsider debate, with the backdrop of Nagaland, in which nuances are dealt with and room for growth is given. With the understanding of the concept moving forward with the ‘village idiot’ like Hathi Ram who doesn’t know where Nagaland is on the Indian map, the makers ensure that every member of the audience will get a chance to understand the socio-political cleavages. Seems like the perfect setting.

As an audience, it is a welcome change to see the north-eastern state on screen. Amidst the flying bullets, you get a glimpse of the tranquil environment surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. There’s also a north-eastern cast that adds authenticity – be it the fugitive Rose Lizzo played by Merenla Imsong or the restless Ruben Thom, whose passion is brought out to perfection by LC Shekhoz or Jahnu Barua as Kane He is ready to do whatever it takes to seal the agreement at the Delhi Business Summit.

Jaideep Ahlawat established himself as one of the most talented actors in the first seasonAnd he continues with his usual disposition in the second also. He is flawless as Hathi Ram, and it is a treat to see him as the cop who won our hearts five years ago. Ishwak Singh is measured as AnsariThis season featured Tillotama Shome, and she was impeccable as SP Meghna Barua, a mother of six and a formidable policewoman who has to make her mark in a male-dominated field. His track leaves you wanting more. And then, there is Nagesh Kukunoor as Kapil Reddy, who creates magic in his limited screentime.

Paatal Lok season 2 is a significant change from the first season. Although it may lack many of the elements that audiences loved earlier, it also adds more layers and nuances to the many sensitive issues related to the North-East (especially Nagaland). It bravely enters an area that many would fear to approach. For that reason and many others in between, it’s definitely worth a watch.