is a 2023 Hindi-language heist comedy-drama series streaming on Netflix. Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the show blends crime and satire with a unique focus on astrology and superstition. Core Premise
The story follows an unlikely group of misfits who share a common enemy: Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), a ruthless, power-hungry, and deeply superstitious politician. Each member of the group has been personally wronged by Shukla and seeks revenge by plotting an elaborate heist to steal his ill-gotten wealth—totaling 800 crore rupees. Series Details Choona (TV Series 2023– )
a quirky, heartland heist comedy that successfully balances sharp political satire with the fun of a "revenge of the underdogs" narrative
. While it occasionally struggles with its own weight, it remains an entertaining binge-watch thanks to its vibrant cast and unique premise. The Plot: A Desi Heist
Set in the political hotbed of Uttar Pradesh, the story follows a motley crew of six individuals—an aspiring politician, a bumbling cop, a wily con man, and others—who have all been wronged by the ruthless and superstitious State Cabinet Minister, Avinash Shukla
(played by Jimmy Shergill). They team up to pull off a massive 600-crore heist from Shukla's heavily guarded party office. What Works
The 2023 Netflix India Original series is an eight-episode political satire heist comedy that blends sharp wit with a gritty Uttar Pradesh heartland setting. Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the series follows a group of unlikely misfits who band together to take down a common enemy: the ruthless, corrupt, and highly superstitious politician Avinash Shukla, played by Jimmy Shergill. Narrative and Themes
The title Choona is a colloquial Hindi term for "cheating" or "conning someone" (choona lagana). The story centers on a heist to steal 800 crore rupees of Shukla’s ill-gotten wealth. The show explores several key themes:
Political Satire: It satirizes the power dynamics and extreme superstitions prevalent in Indian politics, specifically within the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.
Underdog Revenge: The "misfit" gang—including a bumbling cop, a wily con man, and a vengeful ally from Shukla's inner circle—represents a classic David vs. Goliath struggle.
Absurdity vs. Realism: The writing balances light-hearted banter and moments of tension with an embrace of the absurd, often involving astrological predictions and religious rituals that drive Shukla's decisions. Cast and Production
The series is spearheaded by Jimmy Shergill’s performance as the primary antagonist. It features an ensemble cast and a unique narrative device:
Key Actors: Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Namit Das, Chandan Roy, Gyanendra Tripathi, Monika Panwar, and Niharika Lyra Dutt.
Narration: The series is narrated by Arshad Warsi, whose commentary provides a humorous and rhythmic backbone to the caper.
Visuals: Produced by Flying Saucer, the show is noted for its vibrant cinematography and non-linear storytelling style. Critical Reception
Critics and viewers have highlighted Choona as a "breezy" and "refreshing" take on the heist genre. Choona (TV Series 2023– )
The 2023 web series Choona , which premiered on Netflix on September 29, 2023, is a high-stakes heist comedy that blends political satire with the thrill of revenge. Directed and written by Pushpendra Nath Misra, the series follows a group of unlikely misfits who team up to take down a common, powerful enemy: the ruthless and superstitious politician Avinash Shukla, played by Jimmy Shergill. Plot Overview choona+2023+web+series
Set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, the story centers on a plan to loot ₹600 crore from the party office of Shukla Ji. The title Choona is a Hindi term for quicklime, but colloquially, it refers to "deceiving" or "scamming" someone. The heist is orchestrated by a diverse crew, each with a personal score to settle with the minister:
Ansari (Aashim Gulati): A local goon seeking justice for his mentor.
Bankey (Gyanendra Tripathi): A demoted police officer humiliated by Shukla.
Bishnu (Chandan Roy): Shukla’s own brother-in-law who wants to avenge his sister.
Pandit Ji (Atul Srivastava): An astrologer whose skills are used to exploit Shukla's extreme superstition.
Triloki (Namit Das): A master of disguise and resourceful informer. Key Highlights and Themes
Choona (2023) : A Desi Heist That Plays with the Stars Released on September 29, 2023, the original series
is a colorful addition to the Indian "hinterland" genre, blending a high-stakes heist with political satire and a heavy dose of astrology. Created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra
, the show transforms the familiar "revenge drama" into a quirky caper set in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. The Plot: Misfits vs. The Superstitious Strongman
The story follows an unlikely group of six "planets"—individuals from various walks of life who have all been wronged by the same ruthless politician, Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill).
Shukla is not your average villain; while he is power-hungry and cruel, his biggest weakness is his absolute obsession with horoscopes and planetary alignments. He makes every major political move based on the advice of his spiritual advisor and the positions of the stars. The "misfits" decide to hit him where it hurts most: by planning a massive heist to steal his ill-gotten wealth right under his nose, timed perfectly with a solar eclipse. A Powerhouse Cast
Review Report: Choona is a quirky Hindi-language heist comedy-drama created, written, and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra. Produced by Flying Saucer, the series premiered on Netflix on 29 September 2023. Core Premise & Plot
The narrative follows an unlikely group of misfits who join forces to pull off a high-stakes heist. Their target is Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill), a ruthless and superstitious politician who has wronged each of them in the past. The series stands out for its non-linear storytelling and playful, often absurd tone that blends revenge with wit. Cast and Key Performances
The series features a strong ensemble cast, with performances cited as one of its primary strengths:
Jimmy Shergill: Portrays the lead antagonist, Avinash Shukla, with a mix of charm and menace.
Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Namit Das, and Chandan Roy: Form part of the central heist team. is a 2023 Hindi-language heist comedy-drama series streaming
Monika Panwar and Niharika Lyra Dutt: Add distinct energy and layers to the group. Kirtika Buden: Appears as Shukla’s First Wife. Critical Analysis
Writing & Tone: The show avoids taking itself too seriously, using humor to explore themes of power and greed. The dialogue balances light-hearted banter with genuine tension.
Visuals: Critics have noted its polished look, vibrant cinematography, and slick editing that complements the heist genre.
Pacing: While generally engaging, some viewers feel the pacing slows down in the middle sections and that certain subplots remain underdeveloped. Summary Verdict
Choona is described as a "fun, breezy watch" that offers a fresh, wit-driven take on the standard revenge drama. It is highly recommended for fans of heist comedies who enjoy character-driven narratives over pure crime thrills.
One of the strongest pillars of the Choona 2023 web series is its ensemble cast. Netflix assembled a lineup of powerhouse performers who bring distinct flavors to the screen:
The chemistry among the group is palpable. They are not slick; they argue, they mess up, and they bicker like siblings. That rawness is what makes you root for them.
The high-stakes world of political thrillers met the sharp wit of a heist dramedy in the 2023 web series Choona. Premiering on Netflix, this series quickly became a talking point for its unique blend of "desi" charm and sophisticated planning.
If you are looking to dive into the details of this binge-worthy show, here is everything you need to know about the cast, the plot, and why it stood out in the crowded 2023 streaming lineup. The Plot: A Revenge Heist with a Twist
The story revolves around an eccentric and seemingly invincible politician, Avinash Shukla (played by Jimmy Shergill). Shukla is a man who believes in astrology and power, often using his influence to crush anyone in his path.
The "choona" (a slang term for being swindled) begins when a group of unlikely misfits, all of whom have been wronged by Shukla, decide to join forces. Their goal? To pull off a massive 800-crore heist right under the politician's nose. The Motive: Pure, unadulterated revenge.
The Strategy: Utilizing Shukla’s own superstitions against him.
The Setting: The vibrant and politically charged landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Stellar Cast and Performances
One of the biggest strengths of the 2023 web series is its ensemble cast. Each character brings a specific skill set to the heist, ranging from a master of disguise to a tech wizard.
Jimmy Shergill: Delivers a powerhouse performance as the antagonist. He balances menace with a touch of comical arrogance.
Aashim Gulati: Plays the charming and strategic lead of the ragtag group. The Stellar Cast of 'Choona' One of the
Namit Das: Provides excellent comic relief while remaining integral to the plot.
Monika Panwar: Stands out as a strong female lead in a male-dominated heist crew.
Gyanendra Tripathi & Vikram Kochhar: Add depth and local flavor to the squad. Why Choona Stood Out in 2023
While 2023 saw many gritty crime dramas, Choona took a different route. It opted for a "Heist-meets-Humor" approach that felt refreshing. 1. Satirical Tone
The series doesn't just focus on the crime; it pokes fun at the intersection of politics and superstition in India. It highlights how logic often takes a backseat to "planets and stars" in the halls of power. 2. Fast-Paced Narrative
Director Pushpendra Nath Misra keeps the energy high. The non-linear storytelling in the early episodes helps build the backstory of each member of the heist crew without slowing down the momentum. 3. Visuals and Dialogues
The dialogue is sharp, localized, and witty. The cinematography captures the rustic yet modern vibe of North India, making the setting a character in itself. Critical Reception
Upon its release, Choona received positive reviews for its casting and premise. Critics praised Jimmy Shergill’s return to a dominant role and the chemistry between the heist members. While some felt the middle episodes stretched the plot, the finale's payoff was widely considered satisfying. How to Watch
Choona is currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. It consists of 8 episodes, making it a perfect weekend binge for fans of shows like Money Heist or Special OPS, but with a distinctly Indian soul. If you're interested, I can: Give you a spoiler-free breakdown of the ending Recommend similar heist series on Netflix
Provide a deeper look into Jimmy Shergill's best OTT performances
| Actor | Character | Role | |-------|-----------|------| | Jimmy Sheirgill | Shukla Ji | Arrogant, superstitious politician & main target | | Namit Das | J.P. Yadav | A disgruntled former employee of Shukla | | Aashim Gulati | Baadal | A struggling actor-turned-conman | | Vikram Kochhar | Bishnu | Astrologer who fuels Shukla’s superstitions | | Gyanendra Tripathi | Anwar | Revenge-seeking small businessman | | Atul Srivastava | Pandit Ji | Shukla’s personal astrologer | | Chandan Roy | Makhan | Bumbling but loyal team member | | Monika Panwar | Gudiya | Sharp, street-smart young woman with a vendetta |
Premise: A misfit group of six people, all wronged by a powerful and astrologer-obsessed politician (Shukla ji), plan an elaborate heist to take revenge and steal from him.
At its core, Choona (which translates to "a pinch" or "swindle" in Hindi/Urdu) is a heist comedy with a political soul. Created and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra (known for Taj Mahal 1989), the series takes place in the heartland of India—specifically in the politically charged state of Uttar Pradesh.
The plot revolves around Shukla Ji (played by the formidable Jimmy Shergill), an arrogant, superstitious, and utterly ruthless politician who has built an empire of lies, land grabs, and intimidation. He believes the planets are always aligned in his favor.
Enter a group of six seemingly ordinary men—an astrologer, a former accountant, a disgraced cop, a gym trainer, a waiter, and a small-time crook. Each has been personally wronged by Shukla Ji. They are not masterminds; they are amateurs. Their plan? To break into Shukla Ji’s ancestral mansion and rob him of a fortune worth crores.
The twist? The entire heist is planned not with blueprints and safecracking tools, but with horoscopes and astrological charts. The team’s leader, a brilliant astrologer named Bishnu, decides to strike when the planetary positions (or graha-dasha) are at their weakest for Shukla Ji. It’s a revenge saga written in the stars.
Written by the team behind Panchayat and Kota Factory (The Viral Fever), the dialogue is rooted in small-town authenticity. The humor comes from situational irony and verbal sparring. For example, watching a life-threatening heist pause because "Mercury is in retrograde" is comedic gold.