Genre: Crime, Drama, Biographical Thriller
Language: Hindi
Platform: ZEE5
No. of Episodes: 9 (Season 1)
Release Year: 2018
Created By: Navdeep Singh
Lead Cast: Saqib Saleem, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Ravi Kishan, Aakanksha Singh, Rajesh Tailang
The show uses a clever narrative device by juxtaposing Shiv’s rise with his eventual downfall in a Mumbai jail. We see the arrogant, untouchable don of UP reduced to a caged animal in Maharashtra, realizing too late that the political masters who fed him have chewed him up and spit him out. The series is a stark reminder that in the gangster-politics nexus, the gangster is always expendable. He is the sword, never the hand that wields it.
Released on December 22, 2018, is a ZEE5 original crime-drama series that chronicles the rise of one of India's most notorious real-life gangsters. The first season is set in the 1990s against the rustic backdrop of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Core Story & Inspiration
The Protagonist: The series follows Shiv Prakash Shukla (played by Saqib Saleem), a 25-year-old boy who transforms from a regular DDU student into a deadly gangster and the second most wanted criminal in India.
Real-Life Basis: The story is inspired by the life of Shri Prakash Shukla, a notorious criminal whose terror spread across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal during the late 90s.
The Conflict: As Shiv Prakash builds his empire through organized crime and political patronage, the state government forms a Special Task Force (STF) led by Siddharth Pandey (Ranvir Shorey) to track him down. Cast & Characters
The series features a stellar ensemble cast praised for their authentic performances: Saqib Saleem as Shiv Prakash Shukla (The Protagonist). Ranvir Shorey as Siddharth Pandey (The determined STF Cop).
Tigmanshu Dhulia as Ram Shankar Tiwari (Inspired by real-life figure Hari Shankar Tiwari).
Aahana Kumra as Babita (Shiv’s love interest and a key link for the police). - Rangbaaz -2018- Hindi - Complete WEB SERIES -...
Ravi Kishan as Chandrabhan Singh (Inspired by former MP Suraj Bhan Singh). Episode Guide (Season 1)
The first season consists of 9 episodes that explore Shiv's transition from an innocent student to a "National Level" criminal. Key Plot Point Gangster ka Mobile phone!
A single hot-blooded act changes Shiv's life forever on a fateful night. Coming-of-Age
Shiv becomes more than a blip on the police radar as his backstory is revealed. Bhiksha, Shiksha aur Diksha
Siddharth Pandey uses every means to close in; Shiv recalls his return from Bangkok. Naam Hai Ram Shankar Tiwari!
Shiv enters the political sphere, causing friction with his mentor, Tiwari. Shiv Prakash Kiske Saath Hai?
Shiv aligns with Chandrabhan Singh, leading Tiwari to take drastic action. Mata Ka Jagrata
The STF tries to use Babita to lure Shiv out; a past rivalry with Tiwari's family intensifies. Apaharan If you missed Rangbaaz in 2018, you are
A manhunt begins in earnest as Tiwari and the police tighten their hold over Gorakhpur. National Level ka Criminal
The STF is officially formed, making Shiv the most hunted man in the state. Climax
The past and present merge as the STF acts on their final lead for a dramatic showdown. Where to Watch
If you missed Rangbaaz in 2018, you are missing the blueprint for modern OTT crime stories. It doesn't rely on star power (no Bollywood A-listers) or exotic locations. It relies on truth, terror, and tragedy.
The show asks a haunting question: What happens when an ordinary boy decides that the law is his enemy? The answer is 9 episodes of pure, unadulterated, desi dhulai (thrashing).
Final Verdict: 9/10
So, clear your weekend. Search for "Rangbaaz -2018- Hindi - Complete WEB SERIES" on ZEE5, and prepare to enter the bloody, dusty, fascinating world of Haroon Shah Ali Baig.
Have you watched Rangbaaz? Share your thoughts on the final encounter scene in the comments below. And if you want a similar series recommendation, check out our list of Top 10 Hindi Crime Web Series on OTT. So, clear your weekend
(2018) series is a crime thriller available on that chronicles the true story of Shri Prakash Shukla
(renamed Shiv Prakash Shukla in the series), one of Uttar Pradesh's most notorious gangsters in the 1990s. Series Overview Premiere Date : December 22, 2018. : Action, Crime Thriller. : Season 1 consists of 9 episodes. : Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, during the 1990s.
: Original in Hindi, with dubs in several regional languages. Plot Summary The story follows Shiv Prakash Shukla
(Saqib Saleem), a young college student whose life takes a dark turn after a single fateful act of violence committed in defense of his sister's honor. He enters the world of organized crime under the protection of powerful political figures and eventually becomes India’s second most-wanted criminal. The series depicts his rapid rise and the subsequent manhunt led by the Special Task Force (STF) officer Siddharth Pandey (Ranvir Shorey). Primary Cast & Characters Role Description Saqib Saleem Shiv Prakash Shukla The protagonist and dreaded gangster Ranvir Shorey Siddharth Pandey The honest STF officer determined to capture Shiv Tigmanshu Dhulia Ramshankar Tiwari A powerful and manipulative politician Aahana Kumra Babita Sharma Shiv’s love interest Ravi Kishan Chandrabhan Singh A local strongman/politician Critical Reception
It sounds like you're looking for a ready-to-post caption or description for the web series Rangbaaz (2018). Below are a few options based on where you plan to share it (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, or a blog).
Haroon shaves his beard and reinvents himself as a politician. He wins an election from jail. This episode brilliantly critiques India’s criminal-politician nexus. You will find yourself horrified yet fascinated by how the system legitimizes a killer.
The Complete WEB SERIES is available exclusively on ZEE5. You can watch it with a subscription. Note: Because of its graphic content and strong language, it carries an A (Adult) certification.
Technical Specs for Streaming:
The series transports you to the dusty, humid badlands of Uttar Pradesh. The dialect (Bhojpuri-infused Hindi), the costumes (simple kurtas, cheap cell phones, vintage bullets), and the crumbling brick houses create an immersive atmosphere that Hollywood period crime dramas would envy.
The final showdown. Haroon’s arrogance leads to a massive police trap. The climax is not a dramatic shootout but a quiet, tragic encounter in a field. The last shot of Haroon’s lifeless face staring at the sky stays with you long after the credits roll.
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