It’s time to dive back into the dark underbelly of society because Paatal Lok is finally returning! The second season of this gritty, no-holds-barred crime thriller drops on January 17, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead. But if you’re struggling to remember everything that happened in the first season, we’ve got you covered. Here’s Paatal Lok Season 1 recap with all the major twists and turns that made it such a gripping, binge-worthy series. So buckle up, because we’re about to plunge into the depths of Paatal Lok – a world where justice is an illusion, and the real demons walk among us.

The assassination attempt that wasn’t

The season begins with an assassination attempt on high-profile journalist Sanjeev Mehra, a veteran news anchor whose career is on the decline. Four suspects are apprehended:

Vishal Tyagi a.k.a. Hathoda Tyagi

Tope Singh, a young Dalit man from Punjab.

Kabir M, a Muslim man accused of being a terrorist.

Mary Lyngdoh, a transgender woman from the Northeast.

What initially seems like a straightforward case quickly spirals into a labyrinth of deceit, exposing layers of corruption, caste discrimination, and systemic exploitation.

Hathiram’s descent into Paatal Lok

Hathiram Chaudhary, a washed-up cop stationed at Delhi’s Outer Jamuna Paar police station, is tasked with solving the case. This is his chance to prove himself to his superiors and his family as everyone thinks he’s good for nothing. But as Hathiram digs deeper, he discovers that this case isn’t just about the suspects – it’s about the rotten core of the society he serves. 

Hathoda Tyagi’s chilling backstory

One of the most gripping arcs of the series is the backstory of Vishal Tyagi, a.k.a. Hathoda Tyagi. A quiet and brooding man, Tyagi is a cold-blooded contract killer, infamous for using a hammer (hathoda) to execute his victims.

Tyagi’s descent into violence began when his sisters were gang-raped and murdered in his hometown. He took revenge by killing the perpetrators, marking the start of his journey as a killer. Later, Tyagi falls under the influence of Masterji (Donullia), a local gangster. Masterji manipulates Tyagi into becoming his loyal assassin, erasing any remnants of humanity in him. 

Sanjeev Mehra’s true colours

While the investigation initially frames Sanjeev Mehra as the intended target, the truth is far more complicated. The assassination plot wasn’t meant to kill Mehra but was to frame Tyagi. Mehra was just famous enough to draw attention. Mehra uses the attempted assassination to revive his failing career. He plays the victim card, portraying himself as a fearless journalist under attack, all while toeing the lines of the corrupt system he claims to stand against.

Ending of Paatal Lok Season 1

As the season ends, Hathiram finds that Masterji is dead and Gwala keeps this a secret (even from Hathoda Tyagi) for his political gain. He wanted to contest in elections against a man named Bajpayee who found out about all of this. He knows that Gwala will use Tyagi to get him killed. So, he goes a step ahead and plans to get Tyagi killed in an encounter. Bajpayee convinces Gwala to get Tyagi paired with some other criminals to kill Sanjeev Mehra. But in reality, Tyagi was the scapegoat. Bajpayee’s real plan was to frame Tyagi instead of actually killing Mehra.

When Hathiram informs Hathoda Tyagi about Masterji’s death, he is devastated and kills himself. Hathiram also informs Sanjeev Mehra that he was never the target of any assassination.  

In the next season, will Hathiram find a way to take down the system, or will he remain a powerless observer? 

Season 2 of Paatal Lok promises to take us deeper into this dark, complex world with its return on January 17. Prepare for another rollercoaster ride through the three realms – Swarg Lok, Dharti Lok, and Paatal Lok.

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