The year 2022 gave us some of the most brilliant Indian web series. From crime thrillers to college dramas to slice-of-life stories, the viewers were spoilt for choice. The year also saw Bollywood actors like Ajay Devgn and Kunal Kemmu making their OTT debuts with the Indian web series. And we also saw several OTT regulars like Pankaj Tripathi, Tisca Chopra, Shefali Shah, and Shweta Tripathi, among others returning with the second seasons of their successful dramas and bringing newer narratives to the OTT. With just 15 days left for the New Year, here’s a look at some of the highest-rated, top Indian web series of 2022 as per IMDb. From psychological thrillers to college romances, these web series will keep you hooked.
1. Panchayat – Amazon Prime Video
Featuring a versatile ensemble cast boasting names like Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, and Jitendra Kumar, among others, the Indian web series is a light-hearted take on an engineering graduate’s life in a village. After failing to find a job that does justice to his education, Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra) moves to a remote village in Uttar Pradesh as a panchayat secretary. Abhishek is at first frustrated with the several challenges that he faces as he adjusts to rural life. However, slowly, he forms several bonds in the village and also falls in love. Funny, witty, and engaging, the two seasons of the web series make for a perfect weekend binge-watch.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
2. Delhi Crime – Netflix
The gritty crime drama received several accolades including an International Emmy Awards for best drama series. The first season is based on the heinous Delhi gang rape in 2012 (the Nirbhaya gang rape), which shook the nation. The second season focused on a string of gruesome murders. It is based on a chapter (Moon Gazer) from Khaki Files, penned by former top cop, Neeraj Kumar. Shefali Shah effortlessly holds both seasons together with her spectacular cop act as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi. She is ably supported by an equally talented cast that keeps the narrative going.
IMDb Rating: 8.5
3. Rocket Boys – SonyLiv
The web series, starring Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, and Regina Cassandra in pivotal roles, is a lesson in both history and science. The biographical drama revolves around two great Indian men – Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai. At the backdrop of the drama is India’s formative years towards a progressive, independent nation with the two men being the harbinger of growth in the field of science. Dr Homi Bhabha (Jim) spearheaded the Nuclear Programme, and Dr Vikram Sarabhai (Ishwak) set up the Indian Space Programme. Both Jim and Ishwak quite perfectly step into the shoes of the amazing duo. It’s also surreal to watch other distinguished Indians like Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, C V Raman, JRD Tata, and others making an appearance. The Indian web series successfully captures the vibe of that era and gives a visual glimpse into an important part of India’s history.
IMDb Rating: 8.9
4. Human – Disney+Hotstar
For the last few years, though there have been dramas on several subjects, medical dramas have been few. This series, from the word go, keeps you hooked with its engaging narrative and exemplary performances. This thriller sheds light on the cruel world of medical scams and drug testing where humans are the guinea pigs. It also focuses on the nexus between pharma companies, private hospitals, and the government. Shefali Shah and Kriti Kulhari headline this disturbing yet remarkable Indian web series.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
5. Apharan – Voot
This crime thriller revolves around a senior inspector’s fight to get his life back on track after being falsely accused of a crime. Rudra Srivastava (Arunoday Singh) dons the uniform as the senior inspector for this drama. In the first season, we see Rudra being forced to kidnap a young girl, while in the second season Rudra travels to Serbia at the behest of the RAW to catch a criminal. The fast-paced Indian web series is high on action, mystery, thrill, and a bit of comedy with Rudra throwing some powerful kicks and punches.
IMDb rating: 8.3
6. Gullak – SonyLiv
Through the simpleton Mishra family, the web series dwells on the life of a middle-class family, where adjustment and jugaad are a way of life. Mishra family’s daily will give you deja vu as you nod in acknowledgment at the varied similarities between the reel life of the Mishra family and somewhat the real life around you as a viewer. The series’ USP is the simple narrative that keeps you engaged. There are no complex layers, yet the Mishra family pulls you into their life and makes you their own. You no longer are a bystander but are instead living with the Mishras. This light-hearted series, though not high on comedy, certainly will make you chuckle at several relatable instances.
IMDb rating: 9.1
7. NCR Days – YouTube
If Panchayat is about a city boy moving to a remote rural village for work, this web series shows the life of a small-town boy striving to keep up with city life. Monesh Vyas (Nikhil Vijay) comes to the city to pursue MBA. His excitement about living his dream soon wears off when he’s met with the harsh realities of the urban lifestyle. He is a misfit, a rustic, small-town simpleton who is made fun of by his college mates. However, as the narrative progresses, Monesh wins hearts with his endearing personality and makes friends, who stand by him when crisis strikes.
IMDb rating: 9.1
8. Abhay – Zee5
The psychological crime thriller marked Bollywood actor Kunal Kemmu’s web debut and brought him into the spotlight again. The actor wowed the audience with his impressive performance as the investigating officer, Abhay Pratap Singh. Through the three seasons, Abhay faces varied challenges and will go to any length to solve cases that are thrown at him. What works in Abhay’s favour is his ability to think like a criminal. While the protagonist is doing a commendable job of playing the hero, our antagonists are not far behind in making their presence felt. Playing villains to perfection are actors Ram Kapoor and Chunky Panday. Featuring other talented actors like Vijay Raaz, Bidita Bag, Rahul Dev, Namit Das, Elnaaz Nourozi, and more, this fast-paced drama will keep you entertained until the end.
IMDb rating: 8.1
9. Campus Diaries – MX Player
This coming-of-age drama revolves around six students cruising through college life. There’s toxic, one-sided love, heartbreak, ragging, sex, and drugs. The six students are also subjected to social discrimination and together they learn to stand up for themselves and fight for what is right. If you like high school dramas, give this one a try. It will transport you back to your college days when every student is excitedly enjoying freedom.
IMDb rating: 8.9
10. College Romance – SonyLiv
Another college drama, this one focuses on a group of friends who are loving every bit of their college life. After Campus Diaries, this light-hearted series is a perfect ‘stream and chill’ kind of drama. Revisit your college days with the protagonists as they navigate their college life while fighting against all odds to keep their friendship intact. External factors like peer pressure, differences of opinion, and newer expectations threaten to tear them apart.
IMDb rating: 8.4
