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Do you ever wish that there were more desi options for your daily TV series binge? Are you tired of Sarabhai V/S Sarabhai and Khichdi re-run marathons, because most Indian TV series have little to offer other than tiresome melodrama? Or Netflixing just isn’t cutting it anymore and you are on the look for something more refreshing and relatable? Well, the good news is that there is a whole new world of Indian web series waiting to be explored. What’s great about this web content is that these 10 to 20-minute-long episodes can easily be accommodated into your hectic urban life; be it during lunch breaks or a short unwinding session before you sleep.
What shields Indian web series from the threat of aping commercial Bollywood is the freedom to explore real Indian urban lifestyles and its sensibilities without any regressive censorship or crowd pleasing tactics. Indian web series are brimming with fresh talent, experimenting with the visual medium and are definitely on their way to becoming an exciting and thriving industry. From start-up culture, live-in relationships to a road trip with siblings – these five web series have refreshing stories to tell, packed with laughter and dramatised with nuance.
I. Pitchers
If you are a young entrepreneur thinking of starting your own business this show is the one for you. The story follows four friends who begin a start-up and then revolves around the struggles and ambitions of these urban Indians. Made by The Viral Fever these 40 minute episodes are at number 21 on the top-rated TV show list on IMDB (Internet Movie Database); it even managed to beat all-time favourite TV shows Friends and Seinfeld! Big on high drama and humour, it is considered as one of the best Indian web series out there in terms of direction, editing and soundtrack.
Get a head start and watch the first episode here.
II. Permanent Roommates
Young Indians are gradually not only defying social taboos but also willing to initiate conversation around it. Heading in that direction is Permanent Roommates. The show revolves around a young couple who after being in a three-year-old long distance relationship start living together and contemplate marriage. Presently one of the most viewed Indian web series on YouTube, it is one of the the most romantic and realistic web series made in recent times.
Watch the first episode here.
III. Bang Baaja Baaraat
Created by Y Films, this web series is a story of two lovers from completely different social backgrounds that decide to get married without the consent of their parents. But the catch is that they don’t elope, instead invite their parents to be part of the ceremony. What commences next is the hilarious interaction between the couple’s folks who try to find a middle ground while coping with the other’s idiosyncrasies while the strength of the bride and groom’s relationship is put to test. This might sound like a conventional Bollywood flick – and it does have the commercial elements of baaja and baaraat – it still manages to make pertinent social statements about gender and religious stereotypes that prevail in the country in a surprisingly nuanced manner. With convincing natural performances from the entire cast, this one is a must watch for its laughs and genuineness.
Watch the entire show here.
IV. Tripling
Road trip with your siblings? While this might not be a plan you have ever considered works well, it becomes a refreshing premise for this series. Three siblings embark on a road trip together and discover that they’re not as different as they thought they were. The trip itself becomes a metaphor for the transformative journey for the characters – the idea being that when you are within the confines of a car, moving towards a destination, there is no space to run away from your problems. The episodes are peppered with humour and quirky situations in classic TVF fashion but the core of the show is still the bonds of family.
Click here to watch the first episode.
V. Ladies Room
Set in a different restroom in each episode, this web series is about two young women, Dingo and Khanna, that are best friends and in their mid-20s. From smoking pot, pregnancy scares, dealing with obnoxious bosses and the woes of sticking it out independently as a young female tenant in Mumbai, this one is very real, and moreover, cracks you up instantly. It’s refreshing to see a female lead pair in comedy – the subtle feminism in the series wins because it’s not a morality lesson in disguise and still manages to make a strong statement on gender equality. With lots of Mumbai-appropriate banter and fantastic performances by the lead actors, these ten minute episodes should make it to your ‘to watch’ tasks!
What the show here.
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