4.3 / 10 (based on 140 reviews)
When a boy from the slum disappears, his search leads a historian and a journalist to strange and seemingly unrelated incidents, including warnings of natural calamities.
Genre: Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Jishu Sengupta, Prateik Babbar, Denzil Smith, Sonal Chauhan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like Skyfire (2019)
Bard of Blood (2019)
6.8 / 10 (based on 11786 reviews)
Political espionage thriller based on “Bard of Blood,” by Bilal Siddiqi.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shishir Sharma
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 8 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Criminal Justice (2019)
8.1 / 10 (based on 17751 reviews)
Sex, drugs and a gruesome murder. An edgy one night stand turns into a nightmare for Aditya, when he wakes up with blood on his hands. The evidence is stacked against him, but he doesn’t remember the grisly crime. Is he guilty or not ?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Rucha Inamdar, Jagat Rawat
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Aashram (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 34122 reviews)
A duplicitous, aashram based, Indian Godman’s good deeds serve activities criminal and unholy, such as rapes, murders, drugs, vote bank politics and forced male emasculation. The law and a few crusaders investigate to bring him to account.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Bobby Deol, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Aditi Sudhir Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Kaali (2018)
7.1 / 10 (based on 567 reviews)
Kaali is a story which takes you on a cliffhanger ride where a mother has one night to save her son. Produced by Parambrata Chattopadhyay who is known for acting in and directing brilliant and entertaining films, Kaali delves into the unseen underbelly of Kolkata which is usually spoken about in hushed tones. Filled with hope, courage, danger and betrayal, Kaali is a multi-layered show that will give you jitters as it progresses towards the climax.
Genre: Thriller
Main Cast: Paoli Dam, Rahul Banerjee, Santilal Mukherjee, Anindya Pulak Banerjee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Ratri Ke Yatri (2020)
5.9 / 10 (based on 182 reviews)
Ratri ke Yatri, Hungama Play’s latest original show, is an anthology that narrates 5 unique and thought-provoking stories set in red-light areas. The show features an ensemble cast headlined by some of the biggest names from the television industry including Sudhir Pande, Anju Mahendru, Iqbal Khan, Barkha Sengupta, Parag Tyagi, Avinash Mukherjee, Shiny Doshi, Renee Dhyani, Mansi Srivastava, Reyhna Pandit and Akashdeep Arora, among others. Each story follows a character leading an incomplete life and seeking something – love, bodily pleasures, refuge or just closure – a man who is ashamed of being a prostitute’s son and has an awakening in a place he detests the most; a 69 year old who is unapologetic about his sexual desires and refuses to be shamed by the society; a jilted lover who comes to terms with reality and decides to start a new chapter in his life; an 18 year old eager to lose his virginity before he gives up all sexual pleasures in life; a conman who makes a living out of robbing people but gets robbed of something deeply precious instead. Though they feature in distinct stories, each of these characters visit a brothel for the first time in their lives and eventually find wisdom and solace with sex workers. Their experiences may range from sensual to provocative, but irrespective of that, a single night ends up changing their outlook forever. The show is produced by Anil V Kumar Productions in association with Hungama Digital Media, and all episodes have been directed by Anil V Kumar. It also stars popular television actors like Pyomri Mehta, Supriya Shukla and Indresh Malik in key roles. Ratri ke Yatri will be available to stream on Hungama Play from 21st July 2020
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Vaibhav Rajoriya, Avinash Mukherjee, Barkha Sen Gupta, Piyush Ghadse
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes, 27.0-minute runtime
Mission Over Mars (2019)
7.4 / 10 (based on 3676 reviews)
Based on true events, Mission Over Mars depicts the inspiring story of four women who played a pivotal role in the Mars Orbiter Mission. And how they fight both professional and personal battles, to triumph for India ki sabse oonchi udaan.
Genre: Drama, History
Main Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Nidhi Singh, Palomi Ghosh
Creators: Vinay Waikul
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
Damaged (2018)
5.5 / 10 (based on 259 reviews)
A psychological crime drama, the show follows seductress – Lovina, a remorseless serial killer, and a ruthless, angry and trigger-happy cop.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Amruta Khanvilkar, Amit Sial, Auroshika Dey, Shreyes Anil Lowlekar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 20 episodes
In the realm of television, there’s a trend that’s hard to ignore – the rise of disaster-themed series. Among these, “Skyfire” (2019) stands out, not just for its gripping portrayal of natural disasters but also for its unique setting and storytelling approach. This Chinese series, which dives into the heart of a volcanic eruption, offers a fresh perspective on disaster response and human resilience. Let’s explore what makes “Skyfire” a must-watch, without sugarcoating or resorting to clichés.
The Premise
At its core, “Skyfire” is about a volcanic island in Southeast Asia that becomes a ticking time bomb. The story centers around a team of scientists and locals who try to mitigate the disaster while dealing with personal and collective challenges. It’s a straightforward premise, but the execution is anything but simple. The series masterfully combines suspense, drama, and the stark reality of facing nature’s wrath.
Characters and Performances
One of “Skyfire”‘s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters. From the dedicated geologist, Li Xiaomeng, played with depth by Wang Yuexin, to the complex businessman Zhang Wenliang, portrayed by Hao Ou, the series offers a range of perspectives on the disaster. The performances are nuanced, avoiding the melodrama often seen in disaster narratives. Instead, the actors deliver a grounded portrayal of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
The Reluctant Hero
Li Xiaomeng stands out as the reluctant hero. His journey from a scientist consumed by his research to a man who takes decisive action to save lives is compelling. It’s a classic arc done right, without the usual fanfare or over-the-top heroics. His evolution feels earned, making his character all the more relatable.
The Antagonist with a Twist
Zhang Wenliang could have easily been a one-dimensional villain, the greedy businessman willing to risk lives for profit. However, “Skyfire” adds layers to his character, showing his motivations and the consequences of his actions. This depth makes the conflict more engaging, as viewers can understand—even if not agree with—his choices.
Visuals and Effects
For a series about a volcanic eruption, the visuals and special effects are crucial. “Skyfire” doesn’t disappoint. The eruption scenes are both breathtaking and terrifying, striking a balance between spectacle and realism. The production team clearly put in the effort to research volcanic activity, ensuring that the depiction isn’t just visually impressive but also scientifically plausible.
The Power of Nature
The series doesn’t shy away from showcasing the sheer power of nature. From the initial tremors to the catastrophic eruption, each phase is depicted with attention to detail. The effects are not just for show; they serve the story, highlighting the vulnerability of humans in the face of natural disasters.
Themes and Messages
Beneath the suspense and drama, “Skyfire” explores several themes that resonate on a human level. It’s not just about the disaster but what it reveals about people.
Survival and Sacrifice
At its heart, the series is about survival. But it goes beyond the physical act of surviving a disaster. It delves into what people are willing to sacrifice for survival, not just their own but that of others. This theme is woven throughout the narrative, presenting viewers with moral dilemmas that are both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
Environmental Awareness
“Skyfire” also serves as a cautionary tale about environmental neglect and the hubris of believing we can control nature. Through its story, the series prompts viewers to think about our relationship with the environment and the consequences of our actions. It’s a timely message, delivered not through lectures but through the unfolding drama.
Why “Skyfire” Stands Out
In a sea of disaster-themed series, “Skyfire” distinguishes itself for several reasons. It’s not just the setting or the special effects, though those are certainly factors. What sets “Skyfire” apart is its commitment to telling a human story amid the chaos of a natural disaster.
A Unique Setting
While many disaster series opt for familiar settings, “Skyfire” takes viewers to a volcanic island in Southeast Asia. This choice not only offers stunning visuals but also introduces cultural elements that enrich the story.
A Balanced Narrative
The series excels in balancing the spectacle of the disaster with the personal stories of its characters. It’s this balance that keeps viewers invested, as they care about the fate of the characters as much as they are awed by the eruption scenes.
A Global Message
Finally, “Skyfire” carries a message that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Its themes of survival, sacrifice, and environmental responsibility are universal, making the series relevant to viewers around the world.
Conclusion
“Skyfire” is more than just a disaster series. It’s a thoughtfully crafted story that combines suspense, drama, and meaningful messages. With its unique setting, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, it offers a viewing experience that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you’re a fan of disaster narratives or simply looking for a series that offers something more, “Skyfire” is worth your time. It’s a reminder of the power of nature, the resilience of humans, and the importance of our choices, both big and small.