Jamnapaar Season 2 Web Series Review: The emotional tug-of-war between principles and ambition — Vijay Raaz shines, but tone inconsistency dulls impact
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Platform: Amazon MX Player
Director: Prashant Bhagia
Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Varun Badola, Vijay Raaz, Anubha Fatehpuria, Srishti Ganguly Rindani, Dhruv Sehgal, Anushka Kaushik
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Overview
The second season of Jamnapaar takes us back to the narrow lanes, modest rooftops, and vibrant lives of East Delhi. After the success of the first season in 2024, which focused on class divide and self-identity, Season 2 continues to explore Shantanu Bansal aka Shanky’s journey — this time with deeper moral dilemmas and emotional turbulence. What begins as a story of reconciliation between a father and son turns into a powerful commentary on ambition, corruption, and ethics in today’s competitive world.
Plot Summary
Shanky (Ritvik Sahore), once a bright Chartered Accountant, faces a major setback when his CA license is suspended due to a scandal. With no career and no reputation, he begins teaching at his father’s coaching institute in East Delhi. His father (Varun Badola) — a man of strict values and old-school ethics — is both his biggest critic and silent supporter.
In the early episodes, their strained relationship from the previous season begins to heal. There are moments of genuine bonding — from lighthearted conversations to one touching scene where father and son share drinks, signifying their newfound camaraderie. Just when things start looking up, tragedy strikes: the coaching institute catches fire.
This incident sets off the real conflict. Rebuilding the institute requires money — something they don’t have. As financial pressures mount, Shanky’s idealism begins to crumble. His moral compass is tested when Shaukeen Bhaiya (Vijay Raaz), a local influencer and fixer, enters his life. Shaukeen Bhaiya represents the darker side of Jamnapaar — a man who knows how to bend the system to his advantage. His arrival adds spice, unpredictability, and intensity to the story.
The series then follows Shanky’s gradual descent into moral ambiguity. Will he stay true to his father’s teachings or choose the easier path paved by Shaukeen Bhaiya’s world of shortcuts and influence? This question forms the emotional and philosophical core of Jamnapaar 2.
Performances
Ritvik Sahore delivers a mature and layered performance as Shanky. His expressions — from guilt and helplessness to defiance and ambition — feel natural and relatable. Ritvik captures the voice of today’s youth who dream big but are often trapped in social and economic barriers.
Varun Badola, as the father, brings depth and warmth to his role. He perfectly embodies the values of the middle-class patriarch — a man torn between pride and love for his son. His nuanced acting makes their father-son dynamic the emotional heart of the show.
Vijay Raaz is, without doubt, the highlight of the season. His entry in the third episode marks a tonal shift. With his rustic dialogue delivery, piercing eyes, and subtle menace, Raaz transforms Shaukeen Bhaiya into a memorable, larger-than-life character. He adds both humor and gravitas, symbolizing the temptations of the darker world.
Supporting actors Anubha Fatehpuria, Srishti Ganguly Rindani, Dhruv Sehgal, and Anushka Kaushik perform convincingly, though their screen time feels limited. Still, they effectively portray the struggles of Jamnapaar’s youth — balancing dreams with reality.
Direction and Writing
Director Prashant Bhagia captures the pulse of East Delhi with authenticity — from cramped coaching classrooms to metro rides overlooking the polluted Yamuna. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the chaos of Jamnapaar with the polished, privileged life of South Delhi.
The writing by Gaurav Arora and Jasmeet Singh Bhatia starts off strong. The first two episodes focus on relationships, emotions, and subtle humor. However, from the third episode onward, the narrative tone shifts drastically. The entry of street slang, rough dialogues, and underworld elements may appeal to some viewers but alienates those expecting a clean, family-centric story like the first season.
Despite this tonal inconsistency, the writers deserve credit for addressing relevant social themes — the commercialization of education, class divide, corruption, and the fragile moral fabric of society. The depiction of competition between South Delhi and East Delhi coaching institutes adds realism and satire.
Technical Aspects
Cinematographer Aditya Varma uses natural lighting and handheld shots to give the show a grounded feel. The visual of Delhi’s garbage mounds juxtaposed with high-rise apartments adds depth to the storytelling. The background score by Suhas Joshi effectively complements emotional and intense moments, though it could have been toned down in certain scenes.
The editing is crisp in the early episodes but feels stretched toward the finale, especially when Shanky’s moral downfall takes center stage. The 10-episode structure could have been tighter with one or two fewer episodes.
Highlights
Vijay Raaz’s powerful screen presence and witty dialogue delivery
Realistic portrayal of East Delhi’s middle-class struggles
Strong father-son emotional arc
Sharp social commentary on education and ethics
Lowlights
Uneven tone after Episode 4
Overuse of abusive language in the later episodes
Some scenes appear to mock local culture instead of celebrating it
Predictable ending with rushed resolution
Verdict: Watch or Skip?
Jamnapaar Season 2 is a grounded, engaging portrayal of dreams, struggles, and moral choices in modern Delhi. While the first season had the charm of simplicity, the second tries to go darker and bolder — not always successfully, but with enough grit to keep you watching.
If you want to explore Delhi beyond the glamour of Connaught Place and South Delhi — into the raw, pulsating lanes of Laxmi Nagar — this series is worth your time. Just remember: it’s best enjoyed with friends, not family, due to the adult tone in later episodes.
Final Word:
A heartfelt, morally complex tale powered by Vijay Raaz’s brilliance and Ritvik Sahore’s sincerity — Jamnapaar 2 may not be flawless, but it’s real, relatable, and worth a watch.
