Released on December 22, 2018, is a ZEE5 original crime-drama series that chronicles the rise of one of India's most notorious real-life gangsters. The first season is set in the 1990s against the rustic backdrop of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Core Story & Inspiration
The Protagonist: The series follows Shiv Prakash Shukla (played by Saqib Saleem), a 25-year-old boy who transforms from a regular DDU student into a deadly gangster and the second most wanted criminal in India.
Real-Life Basis: The story is inspired by the life of Shri Prakash Shukla, a notorious criminal whose terror spread across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal during the late 90s.
The Conflict: As Shiv Prakash builds his empire through organized crime and political patronage, the state government forms a Special Task Force (STF) led by Siddharth Pandey (Ranvir Shorey) to track him down. Cast & Characters
The series features a stellar ensemble cast praised for their authentic performances: Saqib Saleem as Shiv Prakash Shukla (The Protagonist). Ranvir Shorey as Siddharth Pandey (The determined STF Cop).
Tigmanshu Dhulia as Ram Shankar Tiwari (Inspired by real-life figure Hari Shankar Tiwari).
Aahana Kumra as Babita (Shiv’s love interest and a key link for the police).
Ravi Kishan as Chandrabhan Singh (Inspired by former MP Suraj Bhan Singh). Episode Guide (Season 1) - Rangbaaz -2018- Hindi - Complete WEB SERIES -...
The first season consists of 9 episodes that explore Shiv's transition from an innocent student to a "National Level" criminal. Key Plot Point Gangster ka Mobile phone!
A single hot-blooded act changes Shiv's life forever on a fateful night. Coming-of-Age
Shiv becomes more than a blip on the police radar as his backstory is revealed. Bhiksha, Shiksha aur Diksha
Siddharth Pandey uses every means to close in; Shiv recalls his return from Bangkok. Naam Hai Ram Shankar Tiwari!
Shiv enters the political sphere, causing friction with his mentor, Tiwari. Shiv Prakash Kiske Saath Hai?
Shiv aligns with Chandrabhan Singh, leading Tiwari to take drastic action. Mata Ka Jagrata
The STF tries to use Babita to lure Shiv out; a past rivalry with Tiwari's family intensifies. Apaharan Released on December 22, 2018, is a ZEE5
A manhunt begins in earnest as Tiwari and the police tighten their hold over Gorakhpur. National Level ka Criminal
The STF is officially formed, making Shiv the most hunted man in the state. Climax
The past and present merge as the STF acts on their final lead for a dramatic showdown. Where to Watch
Title: Rangbaaz (2018) – The Gritty Anatomy of a Gangster-Politician Nexus
Platform: ZEE5 Creator: Sachin Pathak Cast: Saqib Saleem, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Ranvir Shorey, Ravi Kishan, Gul Panag Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rangbaaz is a raw, blood-soaked journey into the heartland of India. It is violent, political, and deeply engaging. If you enjoyed shows like Mirzapur or Sacred Games, this ZEE5 original deserves a spot on your watchlist. It serves as a grim reminder of how talent, when misguided by survival instincts and political manipulation, can leave a trail of destruction.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The 2018 Hindi web series is a crime thriller inspired by the true story of Shiv Prakash Shukla (based on real-life gangster Shri Prakash Shukla), a notorious criminal from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, during the 1990s. Key Details Release Date: December 22, 2018. Platform: Available for streaming on ZEE5. Genre: Crime, Action, and Political Thriller. Episode Count: The first season consists of 9 episodes. Plot Summary
The series follows the meteoric rise and eventual fall of Shiv Prakash Shukla, a 25-year-old student who transforms into India's second most-wanted criminal. The narrative spans from 1992 to 1998, detailing his entry into the underworld after a "hot-blooded act" and his subsequent involvement in organized crime and political assassinations. It also tracks the efforts of a Special Task Force (STF) led by officer Siddharth Pandey to apprehend him. Cast and Characters Rangbaaz (TV Series 2018–2022) - IMDb
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Rangbaaz was a sleeper hit upon release. Critics praised it for avoiding the glamorized “gangster as a hero” trope popularized by Bollywood. Instead, it presents crime as a depressing, cyclical system of violence.
📺 Now Streaming – Rangbaaz (2018)
⚡ Complete Hindi WEB SERIES ⚡
From the streets of Gorakhpur to the headlines of UP – witness the rise of a real-life gangster.
✅ All episodes available
✅ High quality
✅ Hindi audio Final Verdict Rangbaaz is a raw, blood-soaked journey
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