Had enough of ‘Heeramandi’? Watch these four OTT shows instead

From courtroom comedy to science fiction and fantasy, swap 'The Diamond Bazaar' with other single-season releases

KARACHI:

You need not be terminally online to know what Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s widely talked OTT series Heeramandi is all about. Thanks to the algorithm, chances are one stray Alamzeb and Tajdar edit has turned your feed into a Heeramandi fan page. Even if you were swept by Bibbojan’s sultry ‘Gaj Gamini’ walk and Manisha Koirala’s arresting gaze as Mallikajaan, the novelty is likely bordering tedious now.

If you’re tired of being inundated with The Diamond Bazaar, bid adieu to the tales of Lahore and venture into uncharted territories with these four riveting shows that offer a refreshing escape from the well-trodden paths of Heeramandi's stories.

Maamla Legal Hai

In the bustling halls of the fictional Patparganj sessions court in Delhi, Ravi Kishan shines as VD Tyagi, the witty and unscrupulous lawyer with a flair for the absurd. In Maamla Legal Hai, Kishan's comedic timing steals the show as Tyagi navigates the cutthroat world of legal politics while tackling real-life cases with outrageous demands. Set against the backdrop of a Delhi Bar Association election, the series delivers a delightful blend of humour and cynicism. With its brisk pacing and witty observations on elitism and ambition, Maamla Legal Hai is a must-watch for those seeking a lighthearted yet insightful take on the quirks of the legal system.

Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer dives into the chilling tale of Richard Gadd's real-life ordeal with stalking, adapted from his acclaimed one-man play. As Gadd's alter ego, Donny Dunn, encounters Martha, a middle-aged woman who obsessively bombards him with emails, the story spirals into an unrelenting descent of fear and self-destruction. Jessica Gunning's portrayal of Martha is haunting, adding depth to the unnerving narrative. Shot with a horror film aesthetic, the series tackles complex themes of shame, mental illness, and culpability, making for stressful yet compelling viewing. Baby Reindeer is a haunting exploration of trauma and obsession that lingers long after the credits roll.

Killer Soup

Killer Soup unfolds the spicy tale of Swathi, portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma, a nurse juggling her culinary dreams and a tumultuous marriage with Prabhakar Shetty (Manoj Bajpayee), the black sheep of a mafia family. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mainjur, Swathi hatches a daring plan to replace her Prabhakar, with his squint-eyed doppelganger and her lover, Umesh Pillai. With a stellar cast leading a slow-cooked broth of crime, deceit and lies, Killer Soup serves up a tantalising blend of suspense and humour that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

3 Body Problem

In the heart of China's Cultural Revolution, astrophysicist Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao) witnesses her father's brutal demise, leading her down a path of military conscription and secrecy. Stationed at a remote base, her fateful decision to respond to an alien signal resonates through time, entwining the destinies of a disparate group of present-day scientists. As they grapple with the repercussions of her choice, humanity's ultimate peril will challenge their understanding of existence itself. With stunning visuals and a gripping pace, Netflix's adaptation of Liu Cixin's intricate sci-fi epic, The Three-Body Problem, navigates complex physics and human drama with the perfect balance of emotional and cerebral.

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