- Rangbaaz -2018- Hindi - Complete Web Series -... May 2026
With only 9 episodes, there is no "filler." Every scene serves a purpose—building character relationships, escalating violence, or advancing the political plot. The dialogues are sharp, memorable, and often quoted by fans.
The plot thickens with political entry. Haroon realizes that power in Uttar Pradesh/Bihar lies not in guns but in government contracts and election tickets. He executes a daring jailbreak—a scene shot with raw, handheld urgency that became a fan favorite.
Rangbaaz is a raw, blood-soaked journey into the heartland of India. It is violent, political, and deeply engaging. If you enjoyed shows like Mirzapur or Sacred Games, this ZEE5 original deserves a spot on your watchlist. It serves as a grim reminder of how talent, when misguided by survival instincts and political manipulation, can leave a trail of destruction.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The 2018 Hindi web series is a gritty crime thriller that premiered on ZEE5. Set in the 1990s, it focuses on the rise and fall of a notorious real-life gangster. Plot Overview
The series is inspired by the true story of Shri Prakash Shukla (renamed Shiv Prakash Shukla in the show), a 25-year-old student from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. - Rangbaaz -2018- Hindi - Complete WEB SERIES -...
The Descent into Crime: The story follows Shiv’s transition from a regular college student into one of India's most wanted criminals.
The Hunt: As Shiv becomes a deadly figure involved in organized crime and political hits, the state government forms a Special Task Force (STF) to track him down. Key Cast & Characters Saqib Saleem: Plays the protagonist, Shiv Prakash Shukla.
Ranvir Shorey: Siddharth Pandey, the lead officer of the Special Task Force.
Tigmanshu Dhulia: Ram Shankar Tiwari, a cunning politician who recruits Shiv. Aahana Kumra: Babita Sharma. Ravi Kishan: Chandra Bhan Singh. Critical Reception
Critics praised the series for its authentic depiction of the North Indian hinterland and the nexus between crime and politics. With only 9 episodes, there is no "filler
Authenticity: Reviewers noted the "rustic flavor" and the use of precise, realistic dialogue that avoids being overly cinematic.
Performances: Saqib Saleem received accolades for his transition from innocence to a hardened criminal.
Rating: The show generally received positive reviews, with several critics giving it a 3/5 star rating and IMDb users rating it highly for its engaging narrative. Quick Facts Release Year Episodes 9 episodes (Season 1) Genre Action, Crime, Thriller Streaming On
Rangbaaz (2018) is a gritty ZEE5 original crime thriller that explores the dark intersection of student politics and organized crime in 1990s Uttar Pradesh. The Story: A Student Turned Gangster
Set in the rustic landscapes of Gorakhpur, the series chronicles the true-life journey of Shiv Prakash Shukla (played by Saqib Saleem), a character based on the notorious real-life gangster Shri Prakash Shukla. The plot thickens with political entry
The Catalyst: Shiv begins as a regular DDU student whose life takes a drastic turn after a "hot-blooded act"—shooting a man in his college—forces him into the criminal underworld.
The Rise: He moves from small-time crimes to becoming one of India's most-wanted criminals, operating under the protection of dangerous local figures like Ram Shankar Tiwari.
The Hunt: The narrative follows a dual path, showing Shiv's rise while simultaneously tracking the Special Task Force, led by Inspector Siddharth Pandey, as they use then-emerging mobile tracking technology to hunt him down. Cast and Crew
The series is lauded for its ensemble cast, many of whom have deep roots in realistic Hindi cinema: