Paatal Lok 2 REVIEW: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh shine in a gripping Nagaland tale of crime, loss & chaos

Film:
Paatal Lok 2

Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware

Writer: Sudip Sharma

Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Runtime: 8 episodes (45 minutes)

Paatal Lok Season 2 Review

‘Mein Paatal Lok ka permanent nivasi hu’, delivers Jaideep Ahlawat, who returns as inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary, well had us right there again! Joining him again in Paatal Lok Season 2 is Ishwak Singh but this time with an upgrade as IPS Imran Ansari. Returning with its signature raw intensity, the second season takes us on a haunting journey, this time weaving its plot into the lesser-explored landscapes of Nagaland.

Without diving into heavy spoilers, season 2 explores a fresh narrative set against the backdrop of Nagaland. The plot unravels with gripping twists, unexpected revelations, and a deeper exploration of crime in Nagaland. The interplay between crime, systemic injustice, and personal losses creates a layered and impactful storyline.

What Works

Paatal Lok’s story centres around the narrative of Nagaland with crime and showcases the scenic beauty and cultural nuances of the region to enrich the storytelling. The best part is Jaideep’s portrayal of Hathi Ram Chaudhary as he remains the backbone of the series.

What also works is the focus on the northern part of India, bringing its stories and culture into the spotlight, a refreshing change from the usual emphasis on metropolitan narratives.

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What Doesn’t Work

The story gives it a miss when it comes to delivering a strong antagonist. While the plot remains gripping, the absence of a villain as impactful as Tyagi from Season 1 leaves a noticeable void.

Secondly; it’s some scenes fail to deliver the emotional or dramatic punch they aim for, creating minor dips in engagement.

Lastly, a few plot-driving errors by characters feel out of place, slightly affecting the true balance of the story.

Technical Analysis

The cinematography deserves a special mention for its stunning portrayal of Nagaland, adding both beauty with regional characters and grit to the narrative. The editing keeps the pace taut for most parts, though a few scenes could have been trimmed for a tighter impact.

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Star Performances

The USP of the series is Jaideep Ahlawat, his remarkable performance as Hathi Ram Chaudhary remains the heart of the series, blending vulnerability and strength seamlessly. On the other hand, Ishwak Singh is a star, his standout performance leaves an emotional impact as his character unravels in unexpected ways.

Also, other supporting cast such as Gul Panag, Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Jahnu Barua deliver solid performances that bolster the narrative.

Conclusion

Paatal Lok Season 2 is a gripping return to the dark underbelly of society, enriched by its exploration of crime and drama in Nagaland. While it misses the towering presence of an antagonist like Tyagi, the series compensates with emotional depth and stunning visuals.

If you loved the first season, this one will pull you right back into the chaos of Paatal Lok. It’s a must-watch for fans of gritty, socially relevant thrillers.

Watch the trailer of Paatal Lok Season 2 here:

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