Best Indian Web Series on Netflix

Bollywood cinema – costumes, actors, songs, and all, have been popular worldwide for a while now. However, the same cannot be said for Indian shows.

Popularly known as ‘serials‘, often Saas-Bahu drama shows last for years on end to entertain only a niche audience across a particular age group.

Nowadays, with OTT platforms like Netflix taking the center stage in entertainment media, Indian shows have finally begun to become popular. 

Catering to an entirely new audience, the focus of these shows span over a remarkable variety of genres.

Ranging from comedy and drama to romance and horror – Indian web series are becoming far more accepted than ever was before.

With even global audience watching these shows, the writing, acting, and production is reaching new heights.

Watching shows online also gives you the freedom to binge-watch even the entire show in a single sitting, so no more waiting to know what happens after a heart-breaking cliffhanger.

So, if you are new to watching Indian web series, or have been following them for a while, here is a list of the top nine shows on Netflix India that are worth the watch (or even a rewatch, if you’ve already seen them).

Top 9 Indian Web Series on Netflix to Watch Now:

This list encompasses a mixture of genres, lengths, release dates, and cast that will keep you hooked to the screen.

Little Things

Little Things follows the life of two young people, as they try to figure out life, love, and themselves. If you are looking for a series that will warm your heart even on the coldest of days, Little Things might be the one for you.

Mithila Palkar and Dhruv Sehgal deliver a story, filled with moments as close to real-life as a show can get. The series spans three seasons and while it will not keep you on edge throughout, it is filled with relatable moments that you may have lived through too.

Truly a tribute to the little moments in life, this show is a reminder of how sometimes even the largest changes cannot compare to the little things that matter the most.

Whether those things come as gifts, road trips, or even a few messages on a night that seems to be a blur – they will always have a big place in your heart.

Ghoul

Based on the Arab folklore monster, Ghoul is a series that pushes boundaries, mindsets, and fears. Mirroring a futuristic India governed by tyrannical rules, the setting of the story itself is enough to qualify as horror.

The story begins with a prisoner who is detained and sent to a remote location for interrogation.

However, this goes sideways when the prisoner unleashes the ghoul from Arabic folklore on his captors and with it their most well-guarded secrets.

Radhika Apte outdoes herself as the interrogator on a quest to find the truth. She discovers the ghoul and what follows is a story spun on a web of truths, lies, and shame.

If what you are itching for is a horror that will send chills down your spine, Ghoul is the right pick to add to your immediate watch list.

Selection Day

Based on a popular novel, Selection day is a story apt for this cricket crazy nation.

Mohan, played by Rajesh Manju Kumar is the father of two talented sons – who will do anything to make sure that they make the Under 19 Mumbai team. Manju and his brother Radha have lived and trained with this pressure all their life.

At 16, their journey to Mumbai to play their chances for the pro contract takes them through highs, lows, and everything in between.

The dynamic between the brothers and the complex storylines of the individual characters makes this series a unique watch.

The sports drama is an unexplored realm in India, save for a few biopics and this show is a rare treat from Netflix. The acting is spot on and makes you fall in love with the story and the characters further.

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Delhi Crime

Well researched and beautifully shot, this series is heart-wrenching, but a must-watch. Following the real-life story of the 2012 gang rape in Delhi, it is no easy watch, and will in fact make you wonder how this could have happened in the world we all live in.

The story that shook the nation and the investigation that followed will keep you gripped from beginning to end. Delhi Crime unfolds from the Delhi Police’s point of view, including how the investigation and the stress affected their personal lives.

The actors live and breathe as if they were in the heat of the moment, which elevates the entire series to be more realistic.

Even if you already know the details of the tragic incident, this watch will still trigger anger and frustration in you – along with some other details in a light you might have not thought of before.

Also read: Best Indian Web Series to Watch on YouTube

Leila

Leila is a tale set in a dystopian future, where women are subject to the extremities of patriarchy in society. An unexplored genre in India, this series is on this list for making a commendable mark in unexplored territory.

In a near-future setting where division by caste, creed, and economic state is far more dictating, a woman, played by Huma Qureshi, desperately searches for the daughter that was taken from her when she got arrested years ago.

From the most marginal, she traverses various other sects of society. Disturbing and thought-provoking, Leila explores themes of Indian society at its most extreme – where basic human values are traded for the promise of a religious utopia.

The series keeps you gripped with a cliff-hanger ending for almost every episode that will keep you itching to watch the next.

Stories by Rabindranath Tagore

Stories penned by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore set in the 20th century Bengal comes to life in this 26-episode long series. The masterpieces chosen for this show are mostly centred on women making their way through life in British India.

From different walks of life, their stories of struggle and self-discovery are relevant even in today’s world. Some tales although cliche, in their time, were progressive and charming in their own way.

The level of relatability this show offers is unmatched by most other renditions of book-based series.

Each episode gives the audience a peek into the life of a woman fighting their own battles -and their grief, excitement, and struggles will soon feel like your own.

Even visually, the entire series is a treat and leaves the viewer with a pleasant feeling coupled with introspective questions. 

Sacred Games

Sacred Games was and remains one of the most popular Indian series worldwide. The captivating story, fast-paced, and chilling plot twists will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

The series follows the investigation of Sartaj Singh, an honest cop on the tail of a criminal overlord Ganesh Gaitonde.

This takes him through the corrupted world of criminals in Mumbai – both above and underground. This cat-and-mouse game eventually leads him to be removed from the case itself.

A cryptic warning of doom urges him to begin independently pursue details that could save all of Mumbai from catastrophe. 

The story switches between the present and the past, allowing us to understand the story of each character and get a closer look into Gaitonde’s past.

Right from the get-go, the pilot episode begins with a story that will convince you to stay and watch the entire series in one sitting.

Also Read: Best Shows on Amazon Prime Video India

Girls Hostel

If what you are looking for is a laid-back series filled with laughs, and entertaining storylines, Girls Hostel is the right pick. A sweet and simple story of 4 friends who share the good, bad, and ugly of life, this series is a fun watch any day.

Unlike most other shows that deal with larger-than-life issues, Girls Hostel takes the simple things that any person deals with and spins a relatable tale.

Every episode brings witty dialogue, an effective plot, and praiseworthy acting. The portrayal of the characters and the relationship between the girls elevates the relatability of the entire series.

A show that will keep you laughing and entertained, Girls Hostel is a great pick for binge-watching on a rainy day that will give you the dose of nostalgia you need.

Taj Mahal 1989

A story that speaks to the beauty of love set in Lucknow of 1989. This heartwarming show explores the meaning of love to different people, and how it plays a different role in each of their lives.

This Netflix original Indian series follows three intertwined love stories. Each story has problems of its own, the pain of when love meets society.

Each couple is wildly unique and at different stages in life – the story of lost love, eternal love, and new love unfold effortlessly together and are altogether a great watch.

Set in a time free from the difficulties of technology, Taj Mahal 1989 exudes the truth of how even when life goes on, love waits patiently. 

What’s Next?

This list is based on the latest shows available in Netflix India and is subject to change with upcoming shows and seasons.

With that being said, these shows range over a wide variety of genres and will surely satisfy your craving for a story that keeps you entertained and feels relatable at the same time.

Some familiar faces and great acting make these shows all the more captivating and engaging. So, pick a series that seems to capture your attention and sit back and enjoy!

P.S. Don’t forget to share with your friends!!