From 'The Family Man' to 'Special Ops', 8 impactful web series to binge watch this I-Day

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Amidst the echoes of freedom and the heartbeat of a nation, Independence Day emerges as a time of reflection and celebration. 

And what better way to honor the spirit of this day than by delving into a collection of web series that stir the soul and ignite the flames of patriotism.

These are not just stories; they are emotional journeys that take us back to the sacrifices, the struggles, and the unyielding love for our homeland. 

As the sky adorns itself with the colors of freedom, grab a tissue box, because we are about to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions with these gripping web series that resonate with the essence of India's Independence Day.

The Family Man Season 1 and 2

'The Family Man', a spy thriller series revolves around Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), who works for the National Investigation Agency. He must juggle his secret role as an intelligence officer, while keeping his family safe from both his dangerous job and terrorist threats. Balancing between national security and his family's well-being, Srikant's character takes centre stage. The show, available on Prime Video for two seasons, has garnered praise from both critics and audiences for its gripping storyline and thrilling action. The third season of the popular series will be released soon. 

Rocket Boys

'Rocket Boys' narrates the remarkable story of Dr Homi J. Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, two exceptional men who shaped India's scientific future. The series, available on Sony Liv, delves into their deep bond, determination, and selflessness, leading to India's first rocket launch. Starring Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, and Regina Cassandra, the show portrays their journey through India's formative years in science during the 1940s to 1960s. 

The second season, released on March 16, 2023, and continued to depict their extraordinary lives, navigating political unrest and international scrutiny, striving to make India a nuclear power. This inspiring series reveals their friendship, sacrifices, and pivotal role in shaping India's scientific and technological landscape.

Special OPS

'Special OPS' stands as a compelling espionage thriller that draws inspiration from genuine acts of terror in India, notably the tragic events of Mumbai 26/11, spanning a period of over 19 years. Available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, this series boasts a cast led by eminent actors such as Kay Kay Menon and Divya Dutta. The creative helm is manned by directors Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair. 

In its inaugural season, the narrative revolves around Kay Kay Menon's portrayal of Himmat Singh, a RAW operative, who embarks on an intense pursuit to uncover the truth behind the suspects involved in the 2001 Parliament attack. Himmat finds a helping hand in the form of Vinay Pathak's character, an assisting police officer. The series pulsates with high-stakes action, and it is through Pathak's character that the intricate details of the investigation are eloquently presented.

Bard of Blood

The heart of the Indian spy thriller revolves around the actions of an ex-IIW agent. Emraan Hashmi, Kirti Kulhari, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sobhita Dhulipala lead the series, based on Bilal Siddiqi's 2015 spy novel of the same name. Available on Netflix, 'Bard of Blood' is  directed by Ribhu Dasgupta and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. The show portrays Kabir Anand (Emraand Hashmi), a former IIW agent who becomes a literature teacher after a tragic mission. When Indian intelligence officers are captured by the Taliban, Kabir is reluctantly summoned to rescue them, leading to a thrilling narrative of intrigue, danger, and espionage.

Avrodh: The Siege Within

Amit Sadh and Neeraj Kabi take the spotlight in this riveting show—an adaptation of a chapter from 'India's Most Fearless,' the gripping book by Rahul Singh and Shiv Aroor. The series zeroes in on the seismic Uri surgical strike of September 2016, a defining moment in history. With the visionary Raj Acharya at the helm, the series beckons you to SonyLiv for an exclusive streaming experience. 

The narrative orbits around Major Videep Singh, a stalwart leader from Para SF, guiding you through a skillfully embellished reimagining of the Uri incident and its consequential surgical strikes. Inspired by the chapter aptly named 'We Don't Really Know Fear', the series thrills audiences with Amit Sadh headlining Season 1 and Abir Chatterjee assuming the lead in Season 2. 

The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye

'The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye' series recounts the true events of the Indian National Army (INA), led by Subhash Chandra Bose. Born from Indian soldiers who joined the Empire of Japan during WWII, the INA featured the first women's infantry regiment since the Russian units of 1917-1918. The narrative portrays their unwavering fight for India's freedom, but their struggle faded, making them 'the forgotten army'. Starring Sunny Kaushal and Sharvari Wagh, the series sheds light on their sacrifices. Available on Prime Video, it captures their battle for Indian independence amid World War II.

1962: The War in the Hills

'1962: The War in the Hills' portrays the Sino-Indian War, highlighting 126 Indians defending against 3,000 Chinese troops. Led by Abhay Deol, the series is available on Disney+ Hotstar, dramatising their heroic fight. Written and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, it stars Abhay Deol, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Mahie Gill, and Akash Thosar. 

The show offers a fictionalised account of real battles at Galwan Valley and Rezang La, where 125 Ahir soldiers protected against a 3,000-strong People's Liberation Army. The series, inspired by true events, portrays the courage of 124 Indian soldiers led by Major Suraj Singh. Amid personal struggles and camaraderie, they fiercely protect Ladakh's claim. 

Bhaukaal Season 1 and 2

Drawing from true events, 'Bhaukaal' is a web series set in Muzaffarnagar during 2003, a time when it earned the title of India's crime capital. The show chronicles the story of a courageous officer embarking on a mission to cleanse the city, battling influential locals, and reinstating the common man's faith in justice. Mohit Raina takes the lead, delivering a captivating performance in this action-packed crime thriller. The series, available on MX Player, captures the officer's relentless pursuit to eradicate crime and bring about a transformation, all while painting a vivid picture of Muzaffarnagar's gritty reality.