Rangbaaz [exclusive] -

The popularity of the series prompted a feature film adaptation. On October 31, 2025, was released on ZEE5, directed by Sachin Pathak and starring Vineet Kumar Singh, Aakanksha Singh, and Vijay Maurya.

: The season is noted for its restrained use of "filmy" tropes, focusing instead on a grounded portrayal of the 1990s political landscape and the caste-based tensions of Northern India. Season 2: Rangbaaz Phirse

that explores the lives of notorious real-life gangsters and their intersection with politics. The title has also been used for several films in Indian cinema, most notably a 1996 action film and a 2013 Bengali remake. 1. ZEE5 Original Web Series (Anthology) Rangbaaz

: It emphasizes that individuals are often forced into criminality by their circumstances rather than being born with such inclinations.

The entire Rangbaaz franchise is available exclusively on . The popularity of the series prompted a feature

Kishan brings his signature flair to the antagonist's role, providing a stark contrast to Shiv’s brooding intensity. His character serves as a mirror to Shiv—showing what happens when crime stops being a means of survival and becomes a toxic addiction to power.

: This is where it all began. Directed by Bhav Dhulia and written by Siddharth Mishra, the first season is the true story of Shri Prakash Shukla (portrayed by Saqib Saleem). It follows his journey from a student at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University (DDU) to becoming one of the most feared gangsters in Uttar Pradesh during the 1990s. The show chronicles his descent into the world of crime and his entanglement with powerful politicians, showcasing a landscape where the lines between lawmaker and lawbreaker are dangerously blurred. Season 2: Rangbaaz Phirse that explores the lives

The brilliance of the writing lies in its pacing. It does not rush to turn Shiv into a don. Instead, it methodically dismantles his life. Through a series of misunderstandings, political vendettas, and police high-handedness, Shiv finds himself cornered. The system, which should have protected an upright citizen, turns against him. In a society where power is the only currency that guarantees safety, Shiv decides to pick up the gun—not to cause chaos, but to survive. This transition from a promising student to Uttar Pradesh’s most feared gangster forms the emotional core of the series.

Released in 2018, the inaugural season traced the true story of Shiv Prakash Shukla (played by Saqib Saleem), one of India's most notorious and feared contract killers of the 1990s.

With the OTT space saturated with gangster dramas, why does Rangbaaz still trend on search engines?

franchise on is an anthology crime drama series that chronicles the rise and fall of real-life-inspired gangsters in India's heartland. Each season functions as a standalone story, praised for its gritty realism and strong lead performances. Season 1: Rangbaaz (2018) Protagonist : Shiv Prakash Shukla (played by Saqib Saleem : Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s. Review Summary