Paatal Lok Season 2: Jaideep Ahlawat Magic Continues
One defining factor that sets the Paatal Lok series apart is its meticulous attention to detail. The makers have been careful enough to be on the right path on each scene about perfection. The creators have ensured precision in every scene. A testament to this is the depiction of call detail records on screen—everything is neatly organised, reflecting the care taken in crafting the narrative.
Paatal Lok season 2, directed by Avinsh Arun Dhaware, gets out of the dark underbellies of the Delhi and Chitrakoot, and travels slowly but bloodily to mountainous terrain of Kohima and Dimapur, though the lead character starts the series with his famous ‘I am a permanent resident of Pataal Lok (nether world)’. The story remains gripping, urging viewers to binge-watch.
As the season concludes, a lingering question arises: how does a Delhi police officer navigate Dimapur so freely, fully aware of the dangers established in previous episodes?
Interestingly, all the characters, apart from the Delhi ones in the series are ‘children of the conflict’ and the series intricately weaves the lives of characters rooted in the Nagaland conflict. This season, gets into the live of the most affected ones of a conflict – children and women. But, there is a serious question about the story which is being told in the season 2 of Paatal Lok. The Naga issue or the conflict in Nagaland is serious and complex. Questions will obviously be asked by people who are in the conflict about the correctness of the portrayal, especially the series connects the story mostly into bad men and narcotics. Given the complexity of the Naga conflict, the depiction may invite scrutiny from those directly affected.
As with the first season, Paatal Lok Season 2 raises unsettling questions about systemic failures. In one instance, a character remarks, “This system is a sinking boat, and you are trying to save it.” Similarly, SHO Virk (Anurag Arora) tells Hathiram, “We are playing gully cricket while they are in the World Cup,” highlighting the hierarchical neglect faced by low-level officers as top officials manipulate outcomes for personal gain.
The major highlight of Paatal Lok season 2, (as in the first one) is obviously Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathiram Chaudhary, inspector from Outer Jamuna Paar police station, who steals the entire season. In his range of performance, he matches the ability of acting greats like Al Pacino, Naseeruddin Shah and Mohanlal. Every gesture, even his walk, is infused with nuanced acting, making him the show’s undeniable cornerstone. Such a fine and refined acting performance that you may see in movies of legends.
Then there is Ishwak Singh as Imran Ansari IPS. The moment you might you star to feel like he is a misfit as a senior police officer than a junior one in Paatal Lok 1, there happens the Ishwak wonder. He emerges as the most loved character from the series. The magic the writers shown in developing his character demands applause. After a long time, Imran Ansari IPS will make you feel that you are falling in love with a character. The depth and development of his character make him a standout.
Tillotama Shome who plays SP Meghna Barua is compelling, evolving from a strict officer to a more empathetic figure. And her evolution as an officer who becomes soft and reliable in the end gives the actress better chances to perform, though her scenes are limited in the series.
Then there are the actors who did characters based out of Nagaland. They all, including Merenla Imsong as Roze Lizo, Prashant Tamang as Daniel, Bendang Walling as Issac, LC Sekhose as Reuben Thom and Rozelle Mero as Asenla Thom, justified their casting. Prashant Tamang’s ruthlessness and the way he executing the character stands apart.
Finally, Nagesh Kukunoor impresses as Kapil Reddy, a government official whose layered intentions keep viewers guessing. His restrained yet impactful performance cements his place as a memorable addition to the season.
