As we approach the culmination of 2023, the Indian OTT landscape stands adorned with a plethora of web series that not only captivated audiences but also earned critical acclaim. In this year-end feature, we navigate through the dynamic realm of streaming, unravelling the tapestry of success and recognition that adorned some of the finest creations.
Indian Web Series of 2023 which were Popular and Critically Acclaimed both:
Rocket Boys: The Stellar Sequel
Rocket Boys soared to new heights in 2023, proving that the success of its first season was no fluke. With an IMDb rating of 8.9, the second season delves into the turbulent post-independence era, chronicling the extraordinary lives of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as they strive to make India a nuclear power.
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The Railway Men: Courage Amidst Chaos
Netflix's The Railway Men earns its stripes with an 8.5 IMDb rating. Released on 18th November, the series portrays the bravery of railway workers facing an unspeakable disaster after a deadly gas leak in Bhopal.
Asur 2: Mythology Meets Thrill
Continuing the success of its first season, Asur 2 emerges as a compelling mythological thriller, garnering an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5. Released on 1st June, the series keeps the audience on the edge with its gripping narrative.
Farzi: Shahid's OTT Debut Triumph
Shahid makes a remarkable OTT debut with Farzi, boasting an IMDb rating of 8.4. Released on 10th February, the series follows an artist entangled in high-stakes cons, with a determined task force officer hot on his trail.
The Jengaburu Curse: Nature's Beauty, Human Greed
SonyLIV's The Jengaburu Curse unfolds as an engaging thriller, juxtaposing the beauty of nature with human greed. With an 8.3 IMDb rating, the series challenges conventional OTT content norms, released on 9th August.
Jubilee: A Thrilling Poetic Tale
Amazon Prime's Jubilee weaves a thrilling yet poetic tale around ambitious characters, earning an IMDb rating of 8.3. Released on 7th April, the series explores the gambles individuals take in pursuit of their dreams, passion, ambition, and love.
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The Freelancer: Internet Waves in No Time
The Freelancer swiftly makes waves on the internet with an 8.1 IMDb rating. Released recently, the series, based on 'A Ticket To Syria,' follows Avinash Kamath, an ex-cop turned mercenary, on a mission to rescue a girl trapped in war-torn Syria.
Guns and Gulaabs: Quirky Crime Thriller
Netflix's Guns and Gulaabs scores a 7.7 IMDb rating. Directed by Raj & DK, the series delves into a sleepy town's chaos, where a mechanic struggles to escape his gangster father's shadow. An honest officer and a reluctant cartel heir add to the entangled narrative, released on 18th August.
Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo: Unapologetically Brutal
Standing tall with a 7.7 IMDb rating, Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo dismantles patriarchy and showcases the raw power of a woman wronged. The series remains equally popular among both audiences and critics.
Trial By Fire: Echoes of Tragedy
Netflix's Trial By Fire revisits the tragic 'Uphaar Cinema Fire' of 1997, earning a 7.7 IMDb rating. The series poignantly captures the heart-wrenching true story and resonates with audiences.
The Night Manager: Roaring Success
Not just one but two back-to-back seasons of The Night Manager roared in 2023, earning an extensive fan following and an IMDb rating of 7.6. The series follows Shaan Sengupta, an ex-soldier, infiltrating an arms dealer's inner circle to dismantle his empire of war.
Bambai Meri Jaan: Post-Independence Intrigue
Amazon Prime's Bambai Meri Jaan intrigues with a 7.6 IMDb rating, offering a glimpse into post-independence Bombay and the crime-ridden streets. An honest cop's journey unfolds as he strives to protect his family.
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Dahaad: Superhit Realism
Dahaad emerges as a superhit with an overall IMDb rating of 7.6. The Amazon Prime original is lauded for its realistic screenplay and impeccable performances, following Sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati's investigation of a series of mysterious deaths.
Popular but Not Critically Acclaimed Web Series of 2023:
Taaza Khabar: Bhuvan Bam's Magical Journey
Despite its great popularity and an impressive IMDb rating of 8.1, Taaza Khabar didn't receive much critical acclaim. Bhuvan Bam's series revolves around a sanitation worker stumbling upon magical powers, leading to a riveting transformation in his humble life.
Made In Heaven 2: A Sequel's Struggle
The much-anticipated Made In Heaven season 2, released on 10th August, struggled to match the critical acclaim of its predecessor. Audience hype didn't translate into critical success, leaving the series in a paradox.
Adhura: Supernatural and Unrecognized
Adhura's supernatural thrills captured the audience's attention, but it failed to win the hearts of critics, earning a 6.6 IMDb rating. The series, set in an elite boarding school, unfolds a dark secret.
Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of Solang Valley: Underrated Gem
Unappreciated by critics, Charlie Chopra garnered praise from the audience as an underrated gem on SonyLIV, released on 30th June. The series, delving into murder mysteries, remains a hidden treasure.
Critically Acclaimed but Not Popular Web Series of 2023:
Kaala Paani: Andaman's Struggle for Survival
Despite its critical acclaim with an 8.1 IMDb rating, Kaala Paani didn't attain widespread popularity. The series portrays a desperate fight for survival amidst a mysterious illness in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Aarya 3: Maternal Power
Aarya 3 stands as a testament to maternal strength, earning a 7.8 IMDb rating. While critics appreciated the series, it didn't generate significant buzz among the audience, diverging from the success of its predecessor.
Kohrra: Turbulence Unraveled
With a 7.5 IMDb rating, Kohrra dives into the unravelling of a troubling case after a bridegroom's mysterious death. Despite critical acclaim, the series struggled to gain widespread recognition.
Scam 2003: Telgi's Ingenious Scheme
Based on Telgi's ingenious scheme, Scam 2003 received critical acclaim with a 7.5 IMDb rating. However, it couldn't replicate the massive popularity of its predecessor, Scam 1992, among the audience.
As we bid farewell to 2023, the Indian web series panorama reflects a diverse array of narratives, blending popular appeal with critical acclaim or standing out in their own right. These 21 series, each with its unique flavour, have defined the digital entertainment landscape, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what 2024 has in store.