The second season of Paatal Lok, which recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video, is receiving rave reviews, with its gripping storyline and twists keeping viewers glued to their screens.
From the very first frame, we are introduced to a Naga waiter on night duty, cleaning up while speaking in Nagamese on the earphones. It’s a surprising and unconventional start for a series centered around a hard-bitten Haryanvi cop. Delhi Police Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat, now finds himself in a new, unfamiliar Paatal Lok, or Netherworld – Nagaland.
Chaudhary is supported by a strong cast – most of whom are from the Northeast – and a script that delves into the complex social structure and politics of the State, all while maintaining the gritty essence of the slow-burning thriller.
Actor-filmmaker Kenny Deori Basumatary, hailing from Assam and known for his cult-classic Local Kungfu films, makes a noteworthy cameo in the series.
“The series portrays the Northeast without falling into stereotypes or caricatures. The writer, Sudip Sharma, grew up in Guwahati and is familiar with the region. A lot of in-depth research went into the making of the second season to capture the cultural nuances and history correctly, which helps build the gripping narrative,” says Basumatary, who plays ‘DIG Kohima’ in the blockbuster series.
He adds, “I’ve known Sharma since 2012. We watched Local Kung Fu together in Mumbai and have followed each other’s work since. Though it was a cameo, I had a great experience working with the crew. Everything was so well organized. I shot in Kohima and Kalimpong. The series is receiving so much love and appreciation… it’s overwhelming.”
Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is one of the prime locations in Season 2. Its mist-covered hills, picturesque villages, and unique cultural atmosphere provide a stunning visual backdrop for the series. What stands out is the use of Nagamese, the local pidgin language, instead of Hindi, which is often the default language in such settings.
“Paatal Lok Season 2 doesn’t use Nagaland or the Naga people as props. Every character has been beautifully developed. To engage the audience with the region’s true linguistic identity, Nagamese was used extensively across all eight episodes of the series,” Basumatary further shares. In the series, he plays the boss of SP Meghna Barua, portrayed by Tillotama Shome.
In addition to Basumatary, the series features veteran filmmaker and Padma Bhushan awardee from Assam, Jahnu Barua, as ‘Uncle Ken,’ a character integral to the show’s exploration of political and social complexities.
Other notable cast members from Nagaland include Kaguirong Gonmei (Jonathan Thom), Merenla Imsong (Rose Lizo), LC Sekhose (Reuben Thom), Rozelle Mero (Asenla Thom), Alobo Naga (Nagaland Cop), Theyie Keditsu (Grace Reddy), Jonathan Angami (drug peddler), and Bendang Walling (Isaac). Assam’s Bodhisattva Sharma plays Ahlawat and Gul Panag’s onscreen son, Siddharth. Anungla Zoe Longkumer, a writer from Nagaland, served as the research associate for the second season of Paatal Lok.
“Paatal Lok has ventured into a territory that very few have, and it has emerged as a winner. The series has set a benchmark for mainstream portrayals of the Northeast region of India. We have to step up our game. We have to tell our own stories now more than ever. With this series, people will now look up to the region, and we should make the most of it. There is no shortage of talent here, and the region offers a striking visual palette and distinct cultures, making it a complete package,” Basumatary concludes.
The returning season is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware. The series also stars Ishwak Singh, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Indian Idol-fame Prashant Tamang in pivotal roles. Produced by Karnesh Ssharma and Babita Ashiwal, Paatal Lok is produced by Clean Slate Filmz in association with Eunoia Films.
