Choona 2023 Web Series Top

When Netflix India dropped Choona in late September 2023, it flew under the radar for many. Sandwiched between bigger-budget action dramas and crime thrillers, this quirky, political heist-comedy seemed like an oddball. But for those who took a chance? They discovered one of the most inventive, laugh-out-loud, and unexpectedly heartfelt Indian series of the year.

If you haven’t heard of Choona yet, or you’re on the fence about hitting play, let’s break down why this “underdog vs. giant” story is the top pick for anyone tired of the same old streaming formulas.

As we close out the year’s streaming releases, Choona remains a hidden gem that deserves to be in the conversation for the top web series of 2023. It is not the loudest show on Netflix, nor the most expensive. But it is arguably the smartest.

It proves that you don't need a famous star (beyond the reliable Shergill) or a massive VFX budget to create a compelling world. You just need a clever script, a fresh perspective, and a team of people desperate to give a politician the ultimate choona (swindle).

The final rating: 8/10. Recommendation: Add it to your queue tonight. By episode 3, you won't be able to stop.

Have you watched Choona? Share your thoughts on whether it deserves the top spot in 2023 in the comments below. For more deep dives into the best hidden gems on streaming, subscribe to our newsletter.

Choona 2023 Web Series: The "Top" Desi Heist Drama You Can't Miss

Released on September 29, 2023, the Netflix original web series Choona has quickly carved out a niche as one of the top must-watch Indian heist dramas of recent years. Created and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the series is a vibrant blend of political satire, dark comedy, and high-stakes revenge set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh.

The title "Choona"—literally meaning quicklime but colloquially referring to the act of conning or "putting one over" on someone—perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this eight-episode journey. The Plot: An Unlikely Alliance Against a Common Foe

The story centers around Avinash Shukla, also known as "Calculator Shukla," a ruthless and deeply superstitious politician played with chilling precision by Jimmy Shergill. Shukla is a kingmaker who relies heavily on planetary alignments and Vastu Shastra to maintain his grip on power.

The narrative follows an unlikely band of misfits—all of whom have been personally wronged by Shukla—as they unite to pull off an audacious 600-to-800 crore heist from his heavily fortified party office.

Choona (2023) — Web Series Review and Analysis

Choona, released in 2023, is a Hindi-language dark comedy-heist series that blends satire, revenge drama, and social commentary into a tight, character-driven narrative. At its core, Choona is about a ragtag group of people who come together to exact revenge on a billionaire politician who destroyed their lives. The series balances humor with moments of real emotional weight, and its success lies in the chemistry among the ensemble, a sharp script, and confident tonal control.

Plot and Structure The story centers on a flawed mastermind who recruits five individuals—each with a distinct grievance against the powerful antagonist—to carry out an elaborate plan. Rather than a straight heist thriller, Choona spreads its narrative across character backstories, incremental reveals, and moral ambiguity. Episodes alternate between present-day planning and past incidents that explain why each member joined the plot, creating a layered pacing that maintains curiosity while deepening investment in the characters’ motives.

Characters and Performances Choona’s strength is its ensemble cast. Each character is vividly drawn: the charismatic but unstable leader, the idealistic newcomer, the bruised veteran looking for closure, the tech-savvy conspirator, and the quiet but dangerous outsider. Performances are uniformly strong; actors commit to both the comedic beats and the darker turns, making the group feel believable as both a dysfunctional family and an effective team. The antagonist—a larger-than-life billionaire-politician figure—is portrayed as predatory and cartoonishly powerful, which the series uses to satirize rampant corruption and inequality.

Themes and Tone Choona navigates themes of revenge, justice, class struggle, and the ethics of vigilantism. The series doesn’t glorify violence uncritically; instead, it interrogates whether personal retribution fills the void left by systemic failure. It frequently adopts a blackly comic tone, allowing satire to expose social ills without becoming didactic. This tonal blend—wry humor undercut by shocking consequences—gives the series a distinctive voice.

Writing and Direction The writing is tight and economical, using flashbacks and cliffhangers to propel the plot while revealing human details that elevate the heist into something emotionally resonant. Dialogues are often sharp and quotable; comic moments feel earned rather than tacked-on. Directionally, the series favors kinetic staging for heist sequences and quieter, more intimate setups for character beats, balancing spectacle and introspection effectively.

Production Values Choona’s production values are solid for a streaming series: competent cinematography that shifts between stylized sequences and grounded realism, a soundtrack that punctuates mood shifts, and production design that highlights the contrast between opulence and deprivation. Action is handled with clarity—stylized but coherent—and editing keeps momentum without sacrificing clarity.

Criticisms The series is not without flaws. At times, certain subplots receive less resolution than they deserve, and a few tonal shifts can feel abrupt—moving from broad comedy to visceral drama within the same scene risks jarring the viewer. Some viewers may also find the moral ambiguity unsatisfying if they prefer clear-cut heroes and villains.

Cultural Impact and Relevance Choona taps into contemporary frustrations about wealth inequality, corrupt elites, and the failings of institutions, making it resonate with audiences attuned to such social critiques. Its mixture of entertainment and commentary helped it stand out among 2023 releases, and it sparked conversations about methods of justice and the ethics of taking power back into ordinary hands.

Conclusion Choona (2023) succeeds as a smart, stylish, and morally thorny heist drama with a strong ensemble and a distinct tonal signature. While not flawless, it is compelling and memorable—a web series that entertains while provoking thought about revenge, justice, and who gets to punish the powerful.

is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language heist comedy-thriller that premiered on on 29 September 2023 . Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra

, the eight-episode series blends political drama with satirical humor and crime. Core Premise

The story revolves around an unlikely group of misfits who discover they share a common enemy: Avinash Shukla

(played by Jimmy Sheirgill), a ruthless yet deeply superstitious and delusional politician nicknamed "Calculator". Bound together by their individual vendettas, the group plots an audacious heist to steal ₹600 crore from Shukla’s fortress-like party office. Key Characters and Cast

The series is noted for its diverse ensemble of characters, each bringing a unique "flavor" or skill to the heist: Avinash Shukla (Jimmy Sheirgill):

A power-hungry politician whose only weakness is his obsession with astrology and planetary positions. Yaqoob Ansari (Aashim Gulati): An impulsive local goon seeking revenge for his mentor. Triloki (Namit Das): A master of disguise and an omnipresent informant. Bishnu (Chandan Roy):

Shukla’s brother-in-law who provides internal access to power. Bela Pandey (Monika Panwar):

A fierce news anchor and one of the primary female characters with agency. Jhumpa (Niharika Lyra Dutt):

A tech genius whose skills are vital for the heist's execution. Narrator (Arshad Warsi):

His frequent voiceover provides context and adds a comedic layer, though some reviewers found it intrusive.

is a 2023 Indian heist comedy thriller streaming on Netflix that follows a group of misfits attempting to pull off a massive heist against a superstitious politician. Essential Guide to Choona Genre: Heist, Comedy, Thriller Creator: Pushpendra Nath Misra

Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Monica Panwar, and Namit Das

The Plot: Six people with a common enemy—the powerful and astrology-obsessed politician Avinash Shukla (Jimmy Sheirgill)—plan an 800-crore heist to get revenge.

Why It's a "Top" Watch: The series is noted for its sharp wit, exceptional script execution, and a stellar ensemble cast that balances suspense with dark humor. Quick Tips for Viewing

Best For: Fans of quirky heist dramas like Ocean's Eleven or Lootere, but with a distinct North Indian political flavor.

Tone: Breezy and fun, focusing more on character-driven strategy and "morally thorny" situations than pure gritty crime. choona 2023 web series top

Critical Reception: Viewers on IMDb highlight the show's ability to resonate through its "concoction of emotions" and masterful pacing. If you'd like, I can:

Give you a breakdown of the main characters and their "specialties" in the heist.

Compare it to similar series on Netflix if you've already finished it.

Check for any recent news regarding a potential second season.

Let me know what specific info you need to decide if it's your next binge! Choona (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb

is a 2023 Indian heist comedy-drama series released on Netflix on September 29, 2023. Created by Pushpendra Nath Mishra, it combines political rivalry, astrology, and a high-stakes heist. Core Overview Release Date: September 29, 2023 Platform: Netflix Genre: Heist, Political Satire, Comedy-Drama Number of Episodes: 8 Plot Summary

The story follows an unlikely group of misfits who share a common enemy: Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), a ruthless and superstitious politician who believes his success is dictated by the stars. The group plans an elaborate heist to steal ₹600 crore from his heavily guarded fortress, using his own obsession with astrology against him. Key Cast & Characters

Jimmy Shergill as Avinash Shukla (aka "Calculator Shukla"): A politician who manages his life through Vastu and planetary alignments. Aashim Gulati as Ansari: A key member of the heist team.

Arshad Warsi: Serves as the series' narrator, providing a witty commentary on the unfolding events.

Namit Das, Chandan Sanyal, and Vikram Kochhar: Supporting cast members playing various roles in the heist crew. Critical Performance & Reception

The series received a mixed to positive response, currently holding a 6.4/10 rating on IMDb. Strengths:

Jimmy Shergill's Performance: Widely praised for his "effortless projection" of the delusional yet powerful antagonist.

Quirky Premise: Critics noted that the blend of heist mechanics with Indian political superstition was a fresh concept.

Ensemble Chemistry: The diverse characters and their individual backstories were cited as a highlight. Weaknesses:

Pacing Issues: Some reviewers from Film Companion felt the show stretched a two-hour movie premise into an eight-episode series, causing interest to dip in the middle.

Heavy Narration: While Arshad Warsi's narration was liked, some felt it was overused and explained things the audience could already see. Why it Made "Top" Lists in 2023

While it may not have reached the cultural peak of shows like Panchayat, it was frequently cited in "Best Heist Shows" or "Must-Watch Indian Originals" of late 2023 due to its unique regional flavor and the return of Jimmy Shergill to a leading role in the streaming space. Choona (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb

is a 2023 Indian heist comedy thriller series that premiered on September 29, 2023 . Set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh,

the show follows a diverse group of underdogs who unite to pull off an audacious heist against a common enemy: a ruthless and deeply superstitious politician Core Premise & Plot The narrative centers on Avinash Shukla

(played by Jimmy Shergill), a power-hungry politician obsessed with astrology and planetary alignments. He believes his political destiny is written in the stars, but his hubris has left a trail of wronged individuals in his wake. The "planets" that align against him include: Yakub Ansari

(Aashim Gulati): A cocksure local tough with a personal vendetta. (Namit Das): A master of disguise and wily con man.

(Gyanendra Tripathi): A demoted police officer publicly humiliated by Shukla.

(Chandan Roy): Shukla’s own brother-in-law seeking revenge for his sister.

(Vikram Kochhar): A contractor whose business was ruined by the politician. (Niharika Lyra Dutt): A tech-savvy cyber thief.

(Monika Panwar): A fearless aspiring police officer turned news anchor. Choona (TV Series 2023– )

is an Indian Hindi-language heist comedy thriller web series that premiered on September 29, 2023 Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra

, the show blends political satire with an underdog revenge narrative set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh Core Premise and Plot

The series follows a ragtag group of misfits who discover a common enemy in Avinash Shukla

(Jimmy Shergill), a ruthless, corrupt, and highly superstitious politician. Each character has been personally wronged by Shukla: : The group plots an ambitious heist to steal ₹800 crore from Shukla’s high-security fortress. Key Themes : The show explores the intersection of astrology, politics, and technology

, as Shukla’s obsession with planetary alignments becomes a central vulnerability the team exploits. Lead Cast and Crew

The series is headlined by a diverse ensemble cast, featuring established veterans and fresh faces:

Choona - Wikipedia Choona is an Indian Hindi-language heist comedy thriller television series streaming on Netflix. Created, written and directed by ... Watch Choona | Netflix Official Site

When an unlikely group of misfits discovers a common enemy in the same ruthless yet superstitious politician, they plot a heist to... Pushpendra Nath Misra

These two are cult favorites, and not many filmmakers have been able to tap into the genre. The new Netflix India Original created... Pushpendra Nath Misra

(2023) is a quirky Indian heist comedy-thriller series streaming on

. Set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, it blends political satire with a "desi" take on the heist genre, often compared to an Indian version of Money Heist Top Features & Highlights Intriguing Plot When Netflix India dropped Choona in late September

: The story follows a diverse group of misfits who realize they share a common enemy in the ruthless, superstitious politician Avinash Shukla. They team up to plan an audacious heist to steal ₹600 crore from his party office. Stellar Lead Performance Jimmy Shergill

delivers a powerhouse performance as Avinash Shukla, a corrupt politician obsessed with astrology and planetary alignments. Unique Narrative Style : The series features a refreshing narration by Arshad Warsi

, which adds a layer of dry humor and satire to the unfolding drama. Quirky Characters

: The heist team includes a master of disguise (Namit Das), a tech-whiz (Niharika Lyra Dutt), and a fearless former cop-turned-anchor (Monika Panwar), each bringing distinct flavor and humor to the plan. Satirical Tone

: It cleverly mocks political greed, manipulation, and the blind faith some leaders place in superstition. Quick Series Facts Creator/Director Pushpendra Nath Misra Release Date September 29, 2023 8 Episodes Heist, Comedy, Political Drama

Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, Namit Das, Chandan Roy, Vikram Kochhar to watch or more details on the individual characters in the heist team? Choona - Wikipedia

Choona is an Indian Hindi-language heist comedy thriller television series streaming on Netflix. Created, written and directed by ... Watch Choona | Netflix Official Site

When an unlikely group of misfits discovers a common enemy in the same ruthless yet superstitious politician, they plot a heist to... Choona - Wikipedia

Created, written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra and produced by Flying Saucer, the series stars Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gula... Pushpendra Nath Misra

These two are cult favorites, and not many filmmakers have been able to tap into the genre. The new Netflix India Original created... Pushpendra Nath Misra Jimmy Shergill

Recently, Jimmy Shergill has started working in web series and has grabbed huge eyeballs in online space. Maybe, we won't see him ... Jimmy Shergill Aashim Gulati

He ( Aashim Gulati ) made his ( Aashim Gulati ) debut with the serial Gulmohar Grand in 2015, the serial is aired on Star Plus cha... Aashim Gulati Arshad Warsi

Arshad Warsi, who left a deep impact with his web series Asur, has now shared the latest update on the third season of the show. T... Arshad Warsi

Rather, it was the digital platform that helped him ( Namit Das ) prove his ( Namit Das ) versatility. Das ( Namit Das ) , who sta... Vikram Kochhar

Vikram Kochhar is known as an Actor. Some of his work includes Dunki, Kesari, Thank God, Mili, Angry Indian Goddesses, Inside Edge... Vikram Kochhar Gyanendra Tripathi

Gyanendra Tripathi is an Indian actor known for his impactful roles in films and web series. Gyanendra Tripathi Monika Panwar

Monika Panwar obviously shines in this web series, and every other character does. Basically, the winning performance here is a ti... Monika Panwar Atul Srivastava

Veteran Se Vaartalaap! In this special series of episodes of Audition Ka Adda, I am honoured to have the experienced actor Atul Sr... Atul Srivastava Chandan Roy

Exciting News! 🎙 We had the pleasure of hosting Chandan Roy from the trending Panchayat web series on our “Please Sit Down” podca... Chandan Roy Dhruv Ghanekar

He ( Dhruv ) also was the lead actor in the TV series Katha Sagar, featuring in its debut episode. He ( Dhruv Ghanekar ) also had ... Dhruv Ghanekar Niharika Dutt

The one English-speaking actor who acquits herself ( Neeraj Kabi ) well is Niharika Dutt who plays an ambitious young journalist a... Niharika Dutt Choona (TV Series 2023– )

Choona Web Series is a Entertainer. - itsbymayank. Those who are saying bad things about web series.. I may agree but there are ma... Watch Choona

Choona. ... When an unlikely group of misfits discovers a common enemy in the same ruthless yet superstitious politician, they plo... Choona (Serie de TV 2023 - IMDb

Has its moments! This is a regular heist show, nothing new or exceptional, but still fun. The acting talent in this show is fabulo...

Choona (2023) is a quirky Hindi web series that blends crime, ...

Performances are one of the show's strengths. The lead antagonist is portrayed with charm and menace, making him entertaining to w... film_decode_studio Choona Season 1 Review: An enthralling desi heist drama!

Choona Season 1. ... While 'Choona' may not achieve the iconic status of 'Money Heist,' it is an enthralling desi version that off... The Times of India "Choona" Sleep with the Fishes (TV Episode 2023) - IMDb

Storyline * Genres. Comedy. Crime. Drama. Thriller. * Certificate. TV-MA. * Add content advisory.

'Choona' series review: This crazy Jimmy Shergill showreel is ...

In Choona, the latest Netflix series title after the metaphor for conning someone in the Hindi heartland, he is incredibly believa...

‘Choona’ review: An impish caper with memorable characters

The voiceover, by Arshad Warsi, is dominating and distracts from the events, especially in the initial episodes. Overall, Choona s... Choona - Web Series Review - Deepa Gahlot

The two young women have the most interesting roles – Triloki's girlfriend Jhumpa is a tech wiz, without whose expertise nothing c... deepagahlot.com Choona (Serie de TV 2023 - IMDb

Choona. ... Cuando un improbable grupo de inadaptados descubre un enemigo común en el mismo político despiadado y supersticioso, p... Choona on Netflix: Full cast, release date, plot, trailer

Despite their best efforts to please Shukla, they all end up facing humiliation at his hands. ... An error occurred. Try watching ... The Statesman

In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, a ruthless and deeply superstitious politician named Avinash Shukla rules with an iron fist, believing his destiny is written in the stars. However, he makes one fatal mistake: he crosses the wrong people. Have you watched Choona

The story of the 2023 Netflix series Choona follows an unlikely band of eight misfits—each wronged by Shukla in personal, financial, or professional ways. Realizing they cannot take him down through traditional means, they decide to hit him where it hurts most: his massive, ill-gotten wealth. The Heist of a Lifetime

The group, led by the sharp-witted Shukla’s former accountant, devises a plan to steal 800 crore rupees (roughly $100 million) from the politician's high-security vault. The team includes:

The Astrologer: Exploits Shukla’s obsession with planetary alignments.

The Muscle: Provides the physical force needed for the break-in.

The Tech Whiz: Handles the digital bypasses of modern security.

The Inside Man: Navigates the labyrinth of the politician's home. The "Choona" (Trickery)

The series title, Choona, refers to the Indian slang for "conning" someone. The narrative unfolds as a high-stakes heist comedy where the group must stay one step ahead of Shukla’s violent henchmen and his "divine" intuition. As they execute the plan, the story shifts between tense action and satirical humor, mocking the intersection of power, greed, and blind faith in modern India.

Ultimately, it is a classic David vs. Goliath tale, where the "small people" use their collective wit to apply the ultimate choona to a man who thought he was a god.

The web series , released on September 29, 2023, is a heist comedy thriller that gained popularity for its quirky "desi" take on the genre. It features a group of misfits attempting to take down a corrupt and superstitious politician. Series Overview Release Date: September 29, 2023. Platform: Netflix India. Genre: Heist Comedy, Political Satire, Thriller. Episodes: 8 episodes (Season 1). Creator/Director: Pushpendra Nath Misra. Primary Cast & Narrator

Jimmy Shergill: Stars as Avinash Shukla, the ruthless yet superstitious politician.

Arshad Warsi: Serves as the series' narrator, adding a layer of wit and intrigue.

Key Ensemble: Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Monika Panwar, Namit Das, Chandan Roy, and Gyanendra Tripathi. Plot Summary

The story is set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh. It follows a diverse group of individuals—including a bumbling cop, a wily con man, and a student leader—who all share a common grudge against State Cabinet Minister Avinash Shukla. Leveraging Shukla’s deep-rooted belief in astrology and planetary alignments, the group plots a massive heist to steal his ill-gotten wealth. Reception & Highlights

Critical Rating: The series received generally positive reviews, with The Times of India giving it a 3.5/5 rating.

Entertainment Value: Critics highlighted the series' light-hearted tone and effective blend of humor and revenge.

Standout Elements: Jimmy Shergill's performance as the antagonist and the unique inclusion of planetary horoscopes as a plot device were widely praised. Watch Choona

Released on September 29, 2023, is an eight-episode Indian heist drama and political satire streaming on Netflix. Set in the political heartland of Uttar Pradesh, it follows an unlikely team of underdogs who unite to take down a formidable common enemy. Core Premise & Plot

The series centers on Avinash Shukla, a ruthless, power-hungry, and highly superstitious politician. After being wronged by him in different ways, a diverse group of "misfits"—including a small-time criminal, a bumbling cop, and a wily con man—plot a daring ₹800 crore heist from Shukla's party office. The title "Choona" is a Hindi idiom for cheating or swindling someone. Cast & Characters

Jimmy Shergill as Avinash Shukla: A powerhouse performance as the superstitious antagonist.

Aashim Gulati as Yaqoob Ansari: A key member of the heist team.

Arshad Warsi: Provides the distinctive voiceover narration for the series.

Supporting Cast: Includes Namit Das, Chandan Roy, Vikram Kochhar, Monika Panwar, and Niharika Lyra Dutt. Critical Reception

Reviews for Choona were generally mixed to positive, with critics highlighting its unique flavor: Choona (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb

Title: The Great Indian Political Heist: A Critical Analysis of the 2023 Web Series Choona

Abstract

This paper examines the 2023 Hindi-language web series Choona, created by Pushpendra Nath Misra and streamed on Netflix. Positioned within the burgeoning genre of Indian political satires and heist thrillers, Choona attempts to deconstruct the nexus between bureaucracy, politics, and superstition in the Indian heartland. By analyzing the narrative structure, character archetypes, and thematic concerns, this paper argues that Choona serves as a poignant, albeit occasionally tonally inconsistent, critique of systemic corruption. It successfully utilizes the heist genre not merely for entertainment, but as a metaphor for the chaotic, byzantine nature of Indian democracy where the marginalized must resort to subterfuge to topple the powerful.

Directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra (known for TVF’s Tripling), Choona benefits from a crisp, 8-episode run. Each episode runs under 45 minutes, respecting the binge-watcher's time. Cinematographer Harshvir Oberoi frames Uttar Pradesh not as the gritty, brown landscape we usually see, but as a vibrant, colorful chessboard. The visual metaphors—planets colliding, doors opening at precise angles—are a treat for cinephiles.

If you are looking for the top web series of 2023, here is the specific criteria that elevates Choona above the noise.

Unlike the gritty, rain-soaked mafia worlds of Mumbai or Delhi, Choona is soaked in the sunlight and dust of Prayagraj. The series captures the uniquely North Indian obsession with shagun (auspicious timings) and vastu. It doesn't mock these beliefs; rather, it shows how easily they can be weaponized by the intelligent.

The local dialects, the street food politics, and the bureaucratic absurdity are rendered with a loving, satirical eye. This authenticity makes the "choona" (the con) feel real.

When you search for “top web series 2023,” you usually find The Last of Us, Succession (Final Season), or Jury Duty. While Choona doesn't have the budget of HBO, it matches their writing quality in the comedy genre.

While Farzi gave us Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi, Choona gives us an ensemble of underdogs who feel like your neighbors.

2023 saw a saturation of "serious" crime. Choona broke the mold by merging Crime, Satire, Astrology, and Slapstick into one cohesive package. It is rare to find a show where a character uses a Kundali (birth chart) to calculate the timing of a bank heist, yet the show plays it completely straight. This audacious concept lands perfectly, making it a top pick for viewers bored of formulaic plots.

A recurring theme in Choona is the intersection of superstition and power. The antagonist’s reliance on astrological predictions and religious rituals to make state decisions serves as a sharp critique of the irrationality that often governs political discourse. The protagonists exploit this superstition to execute their heist, using the politician's blind faith against him.

This dynamic creates a compelling dichotomy: the "backward" thinking of the ruling class versus the modern, calculated pragmatism of the rebels. The series suggests that while the political elite may rely on outdated, feudal methods to maintain power, the new generation of disruptors uses intellect and technology to dismantle it.