Disney+ Hotstar offers a diverse array of original series that captivate audiences with their gripping narratives, stellar performances, and high production values. From intense thrillers and legal dramas to emotional sagas and political intrigues, Disney+ Hotstar originals have something for everyone. While Indian originals like Aarya, Special Ops, City of Dreams, Criminal Justice, The Night Manager, and Out of Love among others have etched their names in OTT history, there are a host of other Disney+ Hotstar series that deserve your attention. These series deliver top-notch entertainment that keeps you hooked from the first episode to the last.
1. Showtime
Set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous yet cutthroat world of filmmaking. The series weaves multiple storylines involving key players in the entertainment industry. At the heart of the narrative is the fight between Raghu Khanna (Emraan Hashmi), producer and son of late filmmaker Viktor Khanna (Naseeruddin Shah), and Mahika Nandy (Mahima Makwana), a journalist. She also happens to be Viktor’s granddaughter and Raghu’s half-niece. When Viktor dies, he leaves his production house in Mahika’s name, so that she can restore its lost glory. The plot follows Mahika and Raghu, and the pressures they face to outdo each other in showbiz. The engaging storytelling and strong performances keep viewers engaged. The series also stars Mouni Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Vishal Vashishtha in pivotal roles.
2. Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo
This bold and gripping Disney+ Hotstar original turns the traditional “saas-bahu” trope on its head by blending it with an intense crime thriller. The series revolves around Savitri (Dimple Kapadia), the matriarch, who manages a drug empire under the guise of a traditional household. A doll-making and herbal products manufacturing company acts as a front for their illicit business. Her daughters-in-law, far from being typical submissive figures, are deeply involved in the business and play multiple roles – henchmen, peddlers, and accountants – to manage the criminal operations. Savitri’s daughter, Shanta (Radhika Madan), is a fierce and independent girl and the brainchild of the drug Flamingo. However, challenges arise for Savirt when she is forced to name an heir to her empire when law enforcement tightens its grip and rival cartels encroach. The family faces numerous challenges that test their unity and resolve.
3. Hostages
The series begins with Dr. Mira Anand (Tisca Chopra), a renowned surgeon, who is scheduled to perform a routine operation on the Chief Minister. Her life takes a dangerous turn when her family is taken hostage by a group of masked intruders the night before the surgery. The captors demand that she kill the Chief Minister on the operating table to save her family. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, and alliances shift, leading to a suspenseful narrative. Tisca Chopra and Ronit Roy deliver applause-worthy performances.
4. Human
This medical thriller puts the spotlight on medical malpractice and unethical drug trials. The series focuses on a high-profile drug trial that goes awry and causes irreversible consequences. Upset with the loss of lives due to the drug trial, Dr. Saira Sabharwal starts digging deeper, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful figures in the medical and corporate world. The plot also focuses on her complex relations with Dr. Gauri Nath, a senior and influential doctor, with moral dilemmas driving the narrative ahead. The intense and thought-provoking series addresses problems within the healthcare system and the pharmaceutical industry.
5. November Story
This gripping crime thriller follows Anuradha, who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and murder. When her father, Ganesan, a celebrated crime novelist suffering from Alzheimer’s, is discovered at a crime scene with no memory of what transpired, Anuradha races against time to prove his innocence. As she deepens her investigation, she discovers dark secrets and hidden motives, all while struggling to accept her own emotional turmoil. The series is a rollercoaster of suspense, featuring intricate storytelling and unexpected twists. Tamannaah delivers a noteworthy performance and portrays Anuradha with depth and intensity.
6. Kaala
The series opens in the year 2018 and shows millionaire Naman Arya, who uses his recycling business as a front to carry out money laundering and other nefarious activities. IB Officer Ritwik Mukherjee is tasked with investigating Naman’s crimes and putting an end to his black money business. Each episode unravels a new layer of conspiracy, showcasing the intense pressure and moral dilemmas faced by those in the line of duty. The main players driving the plot ahead include determined officer Ritwik, a host of corrupt politicians, cunning businessmen like Naman, and other key figures in the criminal underworld. The realistic portrayal of financial crimes and an intense storyline keep you engaged.
7. Grahan
IPS officer Amrita Singh’s world comes tumbling down when she learns her father, Gurusevak, is one of the accused in the 1984 Sikh riots. Amrita, who was resigning from the police force owing to political interference, decides to stay back and investigate the case. As she delves deeper into the past, she unravels long-buried secrets, confronts personal demons, and grapples with the complexities of identity, memory, and forgiveness. The series intertwines past and present narratives, revealing the interconnected lives of characters affected by the 1984 riots.
