Choona stands as a noteworthy experiment in the Indian OTT space. It successfully adapts the global heist format to a hyper-local context, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and socially relevant. While it suffers from pacing inconsistencies, its sharp writing, strong ensemble performances, and biting political satire make it a significant commentary on power, superstition, and the resilience of the common man. It confirms that the digital medium in India is maturing,
The antagonist, Avinash Shukla (portrayed by Kim Sharma's character's target, the politician played by Monish Gandhi), is crafted as a caricature of the corrupt, superstitious politician. The show uses the politician's reliance on astrology and numerology as a plot device and a satirical tool.
By making the antagonist’s weakness his blind faith in the stars, the creators critique the intersection of politics and superstition in India. The heist is executed by manipulating these very beliefs, suggesting that the irrational foundations of power are also its greatest vulnerabilities. This adds a layer of dark comedy, distinguishing Choona from grittier, more serious crime dramas like Mirzapur or Sacred Games.
Upon its release on September 29, 2023, Choona received a mixed to positive reception from critics but won overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth from audiences.
However, some viewers felt the first two episodes were slow in establishing the six protagonists. But those who stuck around were rewarded with a masterful second half where every seemingly minor detail pays off in a big way.
Choona proves that you don't need a big budget or explosion-heavy sequences to tell a gripping story. With its strong writing, brilliant acting, and socially relevant themes, it stands out as one of the more intelligent offerings on Netflix India in 2023. It is a story of the weak rising against the strong, using the system's own flaws against it—a narrative that resonates deeply in today's times.
Choona is a 2023 Hindi-language heist thriller series on Netflix that blends political drama with sharp, satirical humor. Created by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the show follows an unlikely group of misfits who band together to take down a common enemy: a powerful, superstitious, and ruthless politician. Quick Facts Release Date: September 29, 2023 Genre: Heist, Comedy, Political Drama Episodes: 8 (Season 1)
Lead Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Monika Panwar, and Namit Das. The Plot
The story revolves around Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), a formidable politician who believes his success is dictated by the stars and astrology. However, his arrogance has left a trail of people he has wronged. Eight of these individuals—including an astrologer, a police officer, and a small-time crook—unite to pull off a 300-crore heist to settle the score. Key Highlights
The "Misfit" Team: The series shines in its character dynamics, as each member of the heist team brings a unique (and often chaotic) skill set to the table.
Jimmy Shergill’s Performance: Shergill is widely praised for his portrayal of the antagonist, balancing menace with a quirky obsession with planetary alignments.
Satirical Tone: Unlike gritty crime dramas, Choona is "fun and breezy," focusing more on wit and elaborate planning than pure violence, according to reviewers on Instagram.
Cultural Nuance: The show heavily incorporates elements of Indian astrology and local politics, giving the heist genre a distinct regional flavor. Episode Guide The Bad Omen Introduction to Shukla and the disgruntled team. The technical details of the 300-crore heist begin to form. The Grand Finale The execution of the heist and the ultimate confrontation.
The 2023 web series is a Hindi-language heist comedy thriller streaming on
. Created and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the series features an ensemble cast including Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, and Monika Panwar.
The story is set in Uttar Pradesh and follows a group of unlikely misfits who discover they share a common enemy: Avinash Shukla, a ruthless, power-hungry, and deeply superstitious politician. Each character has a personal vendetta against Shukla, whose actions have ruined their lives. Together, they plot an elaborate heist to steal his ill-gotten wealth—estimated at ₹800 crores—during a solar eclipse, a time Shukla believes is spiritually significant. Drafted Story: The Eclipse Heist In the sweltering heat of Lucknow, Avinash Shukla
, a man who measures his power by the number of stars in his favor, prepares for his ultimate move. He plans to topple the state government and crown himself the next leader, timed perfectly with an upcoming solar eclipse. Shukla is not just a politician; he is a man who believes he can outsmart destiny.
However, destiny has other plans. Six "nobodies"—victims of Shukla’s greed—find themselves in a dingy basement, bound by shared rage. Among them are: , a street-smart fixer with a personal score to settle. , a man driven by protective love for his sister, Bela. choona 2023 web series
, a master of disguise who infiltrates Shukla's inner circle as a "seer".
, a tech genius who creates a VR map of Shukla’s heavily guarded fortress.
The plan is audacious: steal ₹800 crores from right under Shukla’s nose while he is distracted by a religious ritual during the two-hour eclipse window.
As the sun begins to dim on the 28th, the heist is set in motion. The misfits use zip-lines to bypass security, while Triloki keeps Shukla occupied with prophecies. But the mission is plagued by "bad luck"—internal betrayals, a drunken teammate, and Shukla’s own cunning counter-moves. In this world, the term
(literally quicklime, but slang for conning) becomes a way of life.
In the final moments of darkness, the misfits must decide if they are truly seeking justice or if they have simply become the very thing they set out to destroy. As the moon moves away from the sun, only one side will emerge from the shadows with the fortune. more detailed breakdown
of a specific character's backstory or the technical steps of the heist? Choona (TV Series 2023– )
is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language heist comedy thriller series currently streaming on
Directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the series follows an unlikely group of misfits who unite to take down a common enemy: Avinash Shukla, a ruthless and superstitious politician. Their plan involves an ambitious heist to rob him of ₹800 crore. Key Details Release Date: September 29, 2023. Heist, Comedy, Thriller. Jimmy Shergill as Avinash Shukla. Aashim Gulati as Ansari. Vikram Kochhar as Baldev. as Triloki. Monika Panwar Chandan Roy as Bishnu.
The story centers on "choona" (a slang term for swindling) as the group uses Shukla’s own obsession with astrology against him to execute their revenge. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
have noted that while the show starts slow, it gains significant momentum as the heist mechanics and character dynamics come together. It is praised for its quirky humor and Jimmy Shergill's performance as the formidable antagonist. Rotten Tomatoes of the ending or a character guide for the main crew? Choona (TV Series 2023– ) - IMDb
is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language heist comedy-thriller series. It follows an unlikely group of misfits who join forces to take down a common enemy: a ruthless, superstitious politician named Avinash Shukla. Core Details Platform: Netflix . Release Date: September 29, 2023. Episodes: 8 (Running time: 34–52 minutes each). Genre: Heist Comedy, Political Satire, Thriller. Creator: Written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra. The Plot
Set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, the story centers on Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), a high-ranking politician with aspirations of becoming the next Chief Minister. Shukla is not only ruthless but deeply superstitious, making decisions based on astrology.
The "misfits" include individuals whose lives Shukla has ruined, such as a bumbling cop, a wily con man, and a local strongman. They plan an elaborate heist to steal his ill-gotten cash (amounting to 800 crore rupees) on the day of a solar eclipse, exploiting his astrological fears to catch him off guard. Key Cast Jimmy Shergill Avinash Shukla The ruthless, superstitious politician Aashim Gulati Yaqoob Ansari The mastermind and leader of the heist Arshad Warsi The "Voice of Author" guiding the viewer Namit Das An expert in disguise and part of the crew Monika Panwar Bela Pandey A fierce ally in the revenge mission Chandan Roy A member of the misfit group Vikram Kochhar A disgraced member of Shukla's circle turned ally Viewer's Guide
Title: Choona Genre: Crime, Thriller Release Year: 2023
Plot:
The web series "Choona" revolves around the life of a young and ambitious cop, Shivansh (played by a talented actor like Vijay Deverakonda or Sidharth Malhotra), who is determined to make a name for himself in the police force. The story takes place in the gritty city of Mumbai, where crime and corruption are rampant. Choona stands as a noteworthy experiment in the
The series begins with Shivansh, a rookie cop, being assigned to a high-profile case involving a notorious gangster, Chandu (played by a seasoned actor like Nawazuddin Siddiqui or Pankaj Tripathi). Chandu, also known as "The Choona" (which translates to "the smuggler" in Hindi), is a cunning and ruthless crime lord who has been evading the law for years.
As Shivansh delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Chandu's gang is involved in a complex web of crimes, including extortion, money laundering, and even murder. Shivansh becomes obsessed with bringing Chandu to justice, but the gangster always seems to be one step ahead.
The series explores the cat-and-mouse game between Shivansh and Chandu, with the cop facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. Shivansh's determination and skills are put to the test as he navigates the complex underworld of Mumbai, where loyalty and betrayal are constant themes.
As the series progresses, Shivansh's character evolves, and he begins to question the true nature of justice and the system he is a part of. He also forms alliances with some unexpected characters, including a brilliant journalist (played by a talented actress like Rashmika Mandanna or Kiara Advani) and a retired cop (played by a veteran actor like Naseeruddin Shah or Zarina Wahab).
Themes:
Episode Structure:
Key Cast:
Cinematography and Music:
Target Audience:
Overall, "Choona" is a gripping and intense web series that explores the dark underbelly of Mumbai's crime world, while also delving into the personal struggles and ambitions of its protagonist, Shivansh. With its talented cast, gripping plot, and atmospheric setting, "Choona" is sure to captivate audiences and leave them eagerly awaiting the next episode.
is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language heist comedy-drama series released on September 29, 2023. Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the show follows a group of unlikely underdogs who unite to pull off a massive heist against a corrupt and superstitious politician. Series Overview Genre: Heist, Crime-Comedy, Drama Release Date: September 29, 2023 Streaming Platform: Netflix Format: 1 Season, 8 Episodes
Setting: Heartland of India (specifically Uttar Pradesh/Lucknow) Plot Summary
The story centers on Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), an ruthless and influential politician who is obsessed with astrology and believes himself to be invincible due to the alignment of his stars. After being wronged by Shukla in various ways, a diverse group of individuals—including a disgruntled contractor, a student leader, and an astrologer—team up to rob him of 800 crore rupees using his own superstitions against him. Main Cast and Characters
Jimmy Shergill as Avinash Shukla: The arrogant, power-hungry politician who is the target of the heist.
Aashim Gulati as Ansari: A charismatic local leader and a key player in the heist group. Vikram Kochhar as Baldev: A contractor with a grudge.
Namit Das as Triloki: An expert in disguises and technology. Monika Panwar as Bela: A fierce woman looking for revenge.
Niharika Lyra Dutt as Riya: An integral part of the team's planning. Kirtika Buden as Shukla's First Wife. Critical Reception However, some viewers felt the first two episodes
The series received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences:
Strengths: Critics praised the performances, particularly Jimmy Shergill's portrayal of the antagonist, and the show's quirky, non-linear storytelling. The blend of astrology with a heist thriller was noted as a fresh concept.
Weaknesses: Some reviews mentioned that the pacing could be slow in parts, with certain subplots feeling overstretched or underdeveloped. Some felt the technical planning of the heist was glossed over in favor of character backstories.
The heist genre in India has often oscillated between high-stakes drama and gritty realism, but every so often, a show comes along that embraces the sheer absurdity of a "plan gone wrong." Enter Choona, the 2023 web series on Netflix that blends political satire, astrology, and a ragtag group of misfits into a heist comedy that feels uniquely Indian.
If you’re looking for a binge-watch that swaps the sleekness of Money Heist for the dusty, chaotic charm of Uttar Pradesh, Choona is your best bet. The Premise: Revenge is a Dish Best Served with Luck
The series revolves around Avinash Shukla (played with menacing brilliance by Jimmy Shergill), a formidable and superstitious politician who believes his luck is written in the stars. He’s ruthless, power-hungry, and has a long list of enemies.
The "misfits" are a group of six ordinary people—ranging from a silent muscleman to a disgruntled police officer—who have all been wronged by Shukla. Despite having nothing in common, they unite for a singular goal: to pull off a heist worth 800 million rupees from the politician’s highly secured office. Their secret weapon? Not just high-tech gadgets, but the very superstition that Shukla relies on. Cast and Performances: Jimmy Shergill Steals the Show
While the ensemble cast is strong, Jimmy Shergill is the gravity that holds Choona together. As Shukla, he manages to be both terrifying and hilarious, portraying a man who won't take a step without consulting his astrologer but won't hesitate to ruin a life in the same breath. The supporting cast brings the "heist" energy to life: Aashim Gulati as the charismatic conman. Namit Das as the strategist with a personal grudge.
Monika Panwar and Niharika Lyra Dutt provide the brains and the grit that keep the group from imploding. Style and Execution: Satire at its Peak
Director Pushpendra Nath Misra, known for Taj Mahal 1989, brings a distinct visual flair to the series. The pacing is snappy, the dialogue is peppered with regional wit, and the fourth-wall-breaking narration keeps the audience in on the joke.
What makes Choona stand out in the 2023 web series lineup is its refusal to take itself too seriously. It acknowledges the tropes of the heist genre—the planning phase, the recruitment, the "one last job"—and infuses them with local flavors like tantriks, political rallies, and the bureaucratic chaos of small-town India. Why You Should Watch It
Unique Flavor: It’s not just a heist; it’s a commentary on the intersection of power and superstition in Indian politics.
Binge-ability: With eight episodes, it moves fast enough to finish in a weekend without feeling rushed.
The "Underdog" Factor: Watching a group of "nobodies" try to outsmart a man who thinks he’s a god is a classic trope done right. Final Verdict
Choona 2023 is a refreshing addition to the Indian streaming space. It doesn't rely on excessive gore or dark themes to keep you hooked; instead, it uses clever writing and great performances to deliver a heist that is as much about heart as it is about the loot.
If you enjoy heist comedies with a heavy dose of desi sarcasm, Choona is a solid addition to your watchlist.
The core strength of Choona lies in its ensemble cast, often referred to in the show as a team of "losers" or "nobodies."
The dynamic serves as a critique of social stratification. The group’s diversity represents various facets of society ignored or oppressed by the political elite, turning their union into a metaphor for democratic resistance.