Rangbaaz (transl. "Goon" or "Bully") is a Hindi-language Indian crime drama web series created by ZEE5. The series is an anthology, with each season depicting the real-life rise and fall of a different notorious gangster from the hinterlands of India. Produced by Jar Pictures, the show is known for its gritty, raw portrayal of power, politics, and crime in small-town India. It premiered on December 21, 2018.
Season 1: Centered on the real-life story of Shiv Prakash Shukla, a notorious gangster from the 1990s. The series explored how a simple young man from Gorakhpur transformed into one of India’s most wanted criminals.
that explores the lives of notorious real-life gangsters and their intersection with politics. The title has also been used for several films in Indian cinema, most notably a 1996 action film and a 2013 Bengali remake. 1. ZEE5 Original Web Series (Anthology) Rangbaaz
The brilliance of the writing lies in its pacing. It does not rush to turn Shiv into a don. Instead, it methodically dismantles his life. Through a series of misunderstandings, political vendettas, and police high-handedness, Shiv finds himself cornered. The system, which should have protected an upright citizen, turns against him. In a society where power is the only currency that guarantees safety, Shiv decides to pick up the gun—not to cause chaos, but to survive. This transition from a promising student to Uttar Pradesh’s most feared gangster forms the emotional core of the series.
Here is why this underrated gem deserves your weekend binge. Detailed Report: "Rangbaaz" (ZEE5 Original) 1
Main Characters:
Plot Summary: The season traces the journey of Haroon Shah Ali, a young, angry boy from a lower-middle-class family in Gorakhpur. After his father is humiliated by a local strongman, Haroon turns to crime. He rises rapidly through the ranks, building an empire based on extortion, bootlegging, and contract killing. He eventually enters politics, becoming an MLA. The story climaxes with his dramatic encounter killing in 2003. The series is an anthology, with each season
Rating: 4/5 Where to watch: ZEE5 Best for: A rainy afternoon when you want grit, not glitter.