Watch Gariahater Ganglords

Gariahater Ganglords is an Indian Bengali web-series that first premiered on the streaming platform Hoichoi in 2018. The series, directed by Arnab Riingo Banerjee, fundamentally explores the life of four unassuming young men in Kolkata, traditionally known as 'The City of Palaces', though in this narrative it becomes more of 'The City of Ganglords'.

The title of the series, Gariahater Ganglords, symbolizes the role of the locality 'Gariahat' in Kolkata. Characters in the series embody the spirit and dynamic culture of the region, using the local lingo and incorporating particular mannerisms that bring alive the vibrant life of Gariahat.

The primary narrative spins around the lives of the central protagonists - Sunny, Pablo, Gaurav and MJ who, during the day lead ordinary lives. By day, Sunny is an aspirant hip-hop singer, Pablo, an auto-rickshaw driver, Gaurav mends shoes and MJ is a pizza delivery boy. Yet as night falls, their harmless facades give way to their true identities as they transform into the notorious drug lords of Gariahat.

Moreover, the series takes up a unique narrative style, sophisticated cinematic techniques, and grounded performances that lend it a fresh, edgy, and lively vibe. It does an excellent job of highlighting the essence of friendship, loyalty, and brotherhood. The plot evolves around their overnight transformation from modest civilians into feared ganglords, and the subsequent adventures that ensue.

The witty dialogue and humorous exchanges keep the show lighthearted, while the subplots deliver a certain level of mysterious suspense. It also does an excellent job of showing the strong camaraderie between the quartet amidst their adventurous undertakings, undercover operations, and dealings with rival gangs. Making for an interesting watch, their unusual foray into the criminal underworld is done with an unexpected blend of humor and sincerity.

Gariahater Ganglords finds its strength in its well-etched characters who are carefully crafted with endearing quirks and distinctive behaviors. The characters' transformation from ordinary men with meagre jobs to feared gangsters forms the crux of the narrative, lending an air of suspense and anticipation.

All the characters have been rendered depth and nuance by talented actors who familiarize themselves with the local culture and mood, ensuring the authenticity of the series. The cast includes contemporary Bengali actors Endorphin, Paran Bandhopadhay, Ritabhari Chakraborty, and others who bring alive these vivid characters with their proficient performances.

The series also scores on its production quality and art direction that add more layer to the narrative structure. Visually, the series presents the rich and pulsating life of Kolkata in all its vibrant hues with strikingly beautiful and at times, starkly realistic cinematographic sequences. The sound design, too, keeps up with the rapid tempo of the narrative, facilitating a brilliantly immersive viewing experience.

The digital platform of Hoichoi has been instrumental in offering a plethora of content, catering to the entertainment needs of the Bengali audience around the world. Gariahater Ganglords is a much-appreciated addition to Hoichoi’s growing collection. It unarguably brings a breath of fresh air in the world of web-series with its gripping narrative, excellent performances, and authentic portrayal of Kolkata’s local life.

To surmise, Gariahater Ganglords is a compelling watch as it weaves a story infused with gripping adventures, wit, suspense, and a dash of humor. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of youth in urban spaces, their dreams, dilemmas, and how they navigate through the trials and tribulations of life, with an unexpected twist of becoming the infamous drug lords of Gariahat. With a unique blend of local flavor, crime, friendship, and comedy, the series offers an entertaining and immersive viewing experience. This series is definitely a must-watch for those who appreciate new-age contemporary Bengali content.