Paatal Lok Season 2 Review: A Riveting Return to the Depths of Crime and Society

After a hiatus of nearly five years, the critically acclaimed Prime Video series Paatal Lok is back with its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the underbelly of crime, corruption, and societal decay. This time, the narrative shifts to the Northeast, with the mysterious and brutal murder of Jonathan Thom, a powerful businessman-politician from Nagaland, serving as the catalyst for the season's gripping storyline.

The Plot Thickens

Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) returns to the gritty world of crime-solving, still stationed at the Outer Jamuna Paar police station and grappling with his personal and professional struggles. Meanwhile, Ansari (Ishwak Singh), now an assistant commissioner of police, is tasked with investigating Thom's murder. When Hathi Ram’s missing person case begins to intertwine with Ansari’s murder probe, the duo embarks on a journey to Nagaland, where the challenges are as complex as the case itself.

In Nagaland, the investigation is met with resistance from SP Meghna Barua (Tillotama Shome), who is less than thrilled about collaborating with the Delhi officers. The murder reveals layers of intrigue, including Thom's shady dealings, his mistress Rose Lizo (Merenla Imsong) who vanishes after being caught on CCTV fleeing the crime scene, and his estranged son Reuben (LC Sekhose), each of whom becomes a suspect in the twisted tale.

A Multi-Layered Narrative

The eight-episode season unfolds like a slow-burning thriller, exploring themes of corruption, greed, revenge, and the erasure of local identities. The show skillfully captures the socio-political dynamics of Nagaland, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The use of multiple languages—Nagamese, Assamese, Hindi, and English—grounds the story in authenticity, painting a vivid picture of the region’s cultural and political complexities.

Series creator Sudip Sharma and director Avinash Arun Dhaware not only bring Nagaland’s lush landscapes to life but also delve into the simmering tensions of a generation feeling left behind. Through its characters and storytelling, Season 2 reminds viewers that paatal lok—the metaphorical underworld—exists in every system, society, and human psyche.

Stellar Performances

At the heart of the series is Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of Hathi Ram. If Season 1 introduced audiences to his grit and moral conflicts, Season 2 deepens his character, showcasing a man weighed down by guilt and failure but driven by an unyielding resolve. Ahlawat’s nuanced performance is complemented by Ishwak Singh, whose restrained and methodical Ansari provides a perfect foil to Hathi Ram’s instinctive approach. Their evolving partnership is a compelling mix of camaraderie and contrasting perspectives.

Tillotama Shome shines as SP Meghna Barua, juggling her professional duties with the challenges of motherhood. LC Sekhose as the volatile Reuben Thom, Merenla Imsong as the enigmatic Rose Lizo, and veteran filmmaker Jahnu Barua as the aging Rongthong Ken deliver memorable performances that add depth to the narrative. Cameos by film journalist Aseem Chhabra and filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor further enhance the series.

A Powerful Comeback

With its nuanced storytelling, stellar performances, and exploration of societal issues, Paatal Lok Season 2 reaffirms its place as one of the most compelling series on Indian OTT platforms. By venturing into new terrains, both geographically and thematically, the show not only expands its scope but also reinforces its core message: the darkness of paatal lok lurks everywhere, waiting to be uncovered.