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.
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– )
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 choona 2023 web series top
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
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.
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
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 As we close out the year’s streaming releases,
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
Here is the full overview of the series, including the plot, cast, and what makes it a standout watch.
Here are four reasons this series deserves a spot on your weekend watchlist:
Choona is not perfect. The pacing in the middle episodes sags a bit, and the production value is clearly mid-budget. But in an era of bloated, over-serious prestige dramas, Choona feels like a breath of fresh, chaotic air.
It’s clever, it’s funny, and it has a massive heart. Jimmy Sheirgill’s performance alone is worth the ticket price.
So if you’re looking for something completely different—a heist show where the best weapon isn’t a gun, but a good horoscope—stop scrolling and give Choona a chance. Just remember: watch out for Mercury retrograde.
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5) – An underdog that wins big.
Have you watched Choona? Do you think astrology could actually pull off a heist? Let me know in the comments below!
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. Have you watched Choona
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.
(2023) is a witty, heist-style revenge drama that trades dark grittiness for high-energy satire and clever plotting. It is currently streaming on Netflix. 🎬 The Premise
The story follows an unlikely group of misfits who all share a common enemy: Avinash Shukla, a ruthless, power-hungry, and intensely superstitious politician. Together, they plan an elaborate heist to steal ₹800 crore and "apply lime" (the literal meaning of Choona, an Indian idiom for swindling) to his ego and bank account. ⭐ Key Strengths
Jimmy Shergill’s Performance: Shergill is the soul of the show, playing the antagonist with a perfect mix of menace and comedic obsession with astrology.
Playful Tone: Unlike typical Indian crime thrillers, it embraces absurdity and humor, making it a breezy, fun watch.
Ensemble Chemistry: The cast—including Aashim Gulati, Namit Das, and Monika Panwar—brings distinct, quirky energy to their roles.
Visual Style: Features polished cinematography and a non-linear narrative that keeps the heist mechanics engaging. ⚠️ Potential Weaknesses
Pacing Issues: The middle episodes can feel stretched, with some subplots not getting enough development.
Logic Gaps: Some heist elements require a significant suspension of disbelief to enjoy the ride.
🎯 Verdict: If you enjoy "Ocean's Eleven" style capers mixed with small-town Indian politics and sharp wit, Choona is a solid recommendation. If you'd like, I can:
Compare it to other 2023 Indian web series (like Farzi or Guns & Gulaabs)
Provide a detailed breakdown of the heist members and their "skills" Check for news on a Season 2 renewal status Let me know what you'd like to explore next! Choona (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb
At its core, Choona adopts the classic heist structure popularized by films like Ocean’s Eleven or Money Heist, but it localizes these tropes within the specific context of the Indian political system. In Western heist films, the target is usually a bank or a vault; in Choona, the target is the electoral machinery itself.
The show posits that in a system rigged against the poor, the only way to seek justice is through "Choona" (a slang term often implying a scam or a ruse). The narrative is non-linear, employing flashbacks and flash-forwards to reveal the characters' motivations. This structure mirrors the chaotic nature of Indian politics, where history is constantly rewritten and alliances shift overnight. The series suggests that the ultimate heist is not stealing money, but stealing back agency from a system designed to suppress it.
If you are looking for the top web series of 2023, here is the specific criteria that elevates Choona above the noise.
Here is the final verdict for those searching for "choona 2023 web series top" :
You will love Choona if:
You might skip it if:
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