Sultan of Delhi (2023) User Reviews

Strong potential and plot, weak execution

[abhinavgupta-66272 · 7/10 · 13 October 2023]

The screenplay adapted from the book of the same name while starting of strong, lacked plot and emotional depth The characters are well defined and have acted well. The dialogues had their moments. But there were many places where the character decisions didn't make much sense and that made me loose touch with the story.

The protagonist is shown as a very brave and confident fellow. In one scene he braves going to the fifth round in russian roullette which tended more towards stupidity than bravery, just like many of his other actions.

Overall a good watch which could have been dont much better.

It has both sides.. Good and waste time!

[hrishikeshwalhekar · 7/10 · 14 January 2024]

Characters casting was accurately plotting the story. The Main role about Tahir (Arjun Bhatia) was good enough till the last 5mins remaining of last episode, the character plays the vital role which can be seen previously while Arjun and Bengali's first meet with MouniRoy! They showed the results at last.

But the conclusion was not up to the mark which should be there, it just got more like waste time when a Bengeli ki killed by Arjun.. It's was quite good till they had challenges in between expanding there emperor..

The Sidhoori character was nicely played, tactics was good, even the riddles are nice in between the episodes!

It should have better ending as it was aspects to end.

Ironical title it should be cheapster of Delhi

[sajjadesic · 5/10 · 14 October 2023]

Fantastic direction of the movie. The pace is quite good. Acting is highly appreciable. This series albeit being close to be one big hit fails to meet the expectations. It successfully portrays the contemporary society of 21st century. Amidst fire works, the chemistry of bangali and arjun should have been celebrated. The catharsis destroys the human conscience. Arjun becomes sultan and then stoops down to be very cheap. High on dialogues but low on action. Arjun's character remained beautiful until he is supported by Bangali. Some dark truths bring dismay, mistrust and hopelessness. Sultan rises to stoop down is unacceptable. Overall stands superfluous, unrealistic. The end is disappointing offcourse and would not recommend this only because of the failure to send a good message to society.

Outdated screenplay full of potholes. Extremely poor direction. Bad casting

[rahuldeorahsgc · 1/10 · 15 October 2023]

1. Terrible screenplay

• the story jumps randomly from one sub plot to another, from one timeline to another. Felt like we were in a multiverse.

• some characters are randomly given importance without establishing their purpose or motive eg: who is shankari devi, why does she exist, why is she so annoying were all questions left unanswered

2. Worst casting ever

• ranked in order from worst to best (don't know all the actors' names so will alternate between the actor and the character)
• shankari devi (complete misfit as the mistress)
• taher raj bhasin (bad mustache, bad haircut, not enough gravitas for the role). He is much much better than this and should stay away from such roles.

• bangali - terrible casting, bad hairstyle
• vinay Pathak - wasted in the wrong role
• Arjun's wife - poor casting, bad acting
• sanjana - HAS to go to an acting school

3. Outdated dialogues, terrible direction

• Milan Lutharia ji - this is not 2005 and this is not a single screen movie. Please adapt or you won't be relevant any more.

• the background score was the same as once upon a time in mumbai - at least try to make something new/different
• the dialogues were from the 80s with common recurrence of absolutely obsolete and overused statements from jeetendra movies.

Very disappointed with the execution. Expected better from Milan - as he is the OG of this genre. He could learn a thing or two from the creators of Bombay meri Jaan.

Blockbuster flop

[mgibbons-05078 · 10/10 · 15 October 2023]

Anyone who have a lot of time to waste and a good internet connection along with Disney hot star subscription Go for it man this is the key.

Accidentally I started watching it with my wife and constantly it was giving me a hint to stop it but as I was having some free time to binge I decided to go for the last stage of this web series and concluded that the writer was not paid and asked to write the story under gunpoint or else I don't find any reason that it could be this worst I had given this as 10 rating just to ensure that human kind must feel the trauma that I am going through right now only those intellectuals who will read this before watching will be able to escape or else they will definitely read it afterwards HA HA HA.

It could have been great

[lovemuvies · 6/10 · 21 October 2023]

This series tries to do everything on a grand scale - larger than life characters, twists, sets, fights. But plot is badly woven such that characters or events do not get developed properly. A shame because with more careful handling it could have been great. In some episodes characters ask riddles to each other that look pointless. Some characters are projected as if they have grand plans, but nothing substantial comes out of them. Love stories or other relationships do not get enough opportunities to develop in a strong way. Technical aspects like camerawork, background music etc are good but not enough to elevate the whole drama.

A Disappointing Tale - Why 'This Series' Fails to Deliver

[harshtak-12033 · 1/10 · 14 October 2023]

Up till the 9th episode, I watched this show, and I have to say that it is very terrible. There isn't a nice way to say it. The storytelling and direction are awful, and the concept is essentially nonexistent. How Hotstar chose to release this series is beyond me.

In a nutshell, the plot centers on a wealthy family in Lahore during the partition of India and Pakistan. The father and son manage to flee to Delhi even though the family experiences a horrible end. Over the years, the boy matures into a man and befriends a man who eventually becomes his closest friend. Arjun and Bangali eventually wind up working for a wealthy gun smuggler in Delhi. Despite their devotion, the owner ultimately abandons them. Arjun's popularity could endanger his hold on authority and lead to murderous attempts. In a strange turn of events, Arjun and Bangali succeed in getting away, defeat their former owner, Jagan, and take over Delhi.

Nine episodes make up the story, and it is a boring and tiresome voyage. Anyone with plenty of free time should consider skipping this series; it simply isn't worth your time.

Nice web series nice story

[Laltusk46889432 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

Sultan of Delhi is a gripping drama filled with high-octane action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is something about Milan Luthria's hero's journeys that has survived the test of time. The show excels at keeping the audience engaged, immediately capturing their attention through a high stakes action sequence, while maintaining a tight grip with drama that unfold in every episode. The characters in the series are not one-dimensional but are multi-faceted and morally complex. These moral dilemmas add depth to the storyline,elevating it beyond a typical crime drama. The action set pieces are remarkable my favourite being the shoot outs in ep 1,2 and 8. Big scale, old school stuff!

Why why why?

[NitinnRana · 1/10 · 24 October 2023]

• Sultan of Delhi is a web series that fails to deliver on its promise of being a gritty and realistic portrayal of the underworld in the capital city of India. The show suffers from various flaws that make it a disappointing and frustrating watch. Some of the major flaws are:

• The story plot is full of clichés, inconsistencies, and illogical twists that make no sense. For example, the main character, Sultan, is shown to be a ruthless and powerful gangster who can kill anyone without hesitation, but he also has a soft spot for his family and friends, who often betray him or get him into trouble. The show also introduces many subplots and characters that are either irrelevant or unresolved by the end of the season. The show tries to create suspense and drama by adding unexpected twists, but they often contradict the established facts or the character motivations.

• The dialogue is cheesy, cringeworthy, and sometimes downright offensive. The show uses a lot of slang, curse words, and references to pop culture, but they sound unnatural and forced. The show also tries to be witty and humorous, but the jokes are either lame or inappropriate. The show also uses a lot of violence, sex, and nudity, but they are gratuitous and exploitative, rather than serving the story or the theme.

• The show is shot so poorly that it looks like a low-budget daily soap, with shaky camera work, poor lighting, and amateur editing. The show does not capture the essence or the atmosphere of Delhi, but rather shows generic and dull locations that could be anywhere. The show also uses a lot of slow-motion, zoom-in, and freeze-frame effects that are outdated and annoying. The show does not have a consistent or distinctive visual style, but rather switches between different genres and tones randomly.

• The music and score are pathetic, with generic and repetitive tunes that do not match the mood or the scene. The show uses a lot of songs from Bollywood and other sources, but they are either overused or misplaced. The show does not have an original or memorable theme song or soundtrack, but rather relies on borrowed or recycled music that does not enhance the emotion or the impact of the show.

• The casting and their performances are the worst part of the show, with actors who cannot act, emote, or deliver their lines convincingly. The show features some well-known and talented actors, but they are either wasted or miscast in roles that do not suit them or challenge them. The show also features some unknown and inexperienced actors, but they are either bland or annoying in roles that do not interest them or engage them. The show does not have any chemistry or charisma between the actors, but rather shows them as wooden or artificial.

• The hair and costumes are so poorly done that they look like they were bought from a roadside stall, with no regard for the period or the character. The show is set in the 1980s and 1990s, but it does not reflect the fashion or the culture of those times accurately or authentically. The show also does not differentiate between the characters' backgrounds or personalities through their outfits or accessories, but rather shows them as generic or stereotypical.

• In conclusion, Sultan of Delhi is a web series that had everything going for it: a big budget, a great showrunner and director, a best casting director, and a best cinematographer. But what went wrong? Why did everything look so forced and fake? Why did everything just fail? The answer is simple: the show lacked vision, creativity, and originality. It tried to copy other successful shows like Sacred Games or Mirzapur, but without understanding what made them work. It tried to be edgy and dark, but without any depth or substance. It tried to be entertaining and thrilling, but without any logic or coherence. It was a highly disappointing show that wasted its potential and its talent. It was a show that should have never been made.

Amazing

[ankitasarma-04992 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

Brilliant Performances and Great Storytelling. It gets you hooked. It is a brilliant story that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Tahir is a brilliant as the leading man. Milan Luthria never dissapoints. He is simply brilliant in every scene. Really enjoyable serial. The characters had real depth and the whole thing was quite entertaining. Brilliant brutal unflinching funny daring. Certainly a different way of storytelling which pulls no punches. An introduction to areas of modern and historic India that I wasn't aware of. Great performances, top quality production. Max points. What an outclass series, direction scriptActing Story every thing was Exceptional,only for those people can accept bitter reality.

Why ????

[sqmqtqrq · 1/10 · 17 October 2023]

Fancy fonts won't save the series. An absolute hogwash, with no character development or storyline.

Scenes at times seem as if they have been juxtaposed randomly.

Characters seem to be carrying the same expression through out the series.

An absolute disaster in direction and story.

Avoid at all cost, guns are modern in 1960 era, automatic pistols being used, the writers thought that let's make a series and who will notice , if Kolkatta has the new Howrah in background in 1960.

Dismal research. Sometimes I feel that people think the viewers to be naive who will not understand the series or notice anything.

Downmarket Gangster Drama

[sanjeevanwar · 3/10 · 15 October 2023]

Anwar Says: Web Series keeps on screaming through out nine episodes - story , story and the story . Milind Luthra, who has made all time hit The Dirty Picture , fond of making period films but here he has miserably failed . Gangster genre proves either in Satya way or Rana Naidu way, you can't choose the middle path.

Tahir Raj Bhashin as Arjun had all the opportunities to bring life in the character , but there was hardly any characterisation and the dialogues are so soapy. Mouni Roy and Anupriya Goenka never blossom . Vinay Pathak as Godfather looked more comic than gangster . Only the character of Nishant Dahiya as RP is impressive but when the narratives are unremarkable , one or two good performance would hardly save it.

End is predictable , let's hope Luthraji would bring new team of writers in the second season . 3 out of 10 from me .

#disneyhotstar #anwarsays #GangsterDrama #dosti #milindluthra #VinayPathak #mouniroy #webseries2023 #hopelessstory #downmarket #TahirRajBhasin.

Superb performance

[Dishasarmha2335y46 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

However, as I delved into the show, my initial concerns were pleasantly dispelled. Adapting a dynamic story like Sultan of Delhi requires both audacity and skill. The task demands the ability to faithfully capture the essence of the historical period and the intricacies of the narrative, which includes stellar writing and development. In this endeavor, the creators have admirably succeeded in crafting a world that not only does justice to the book but also pays homage to the authors imagination. Delhi, a city craving compelling crime dramas, has finally received its share of riveting storytelling, thanks to these talented individuals. It is my hope that this franchise will continue to flourish and captivate its audience in the future.

One of the worst web series ever made

[friendsharath · 2/10 · 20 October 2023]

When Milan Luthria gets it right, he makes good movies like Once upon a time in Mumbai & Kacchhe Dhaage. When he gets it wrong, he makes very bad movies like Tadap and Once Upon a time in Mumbai again.

Unfortunately, this falls into the wrong category. One of the worst web series ever made along with Inspector Avinash.

The lead actor Tahir Raj Bhasin doesn't have the gravitas required to pull off this role.

The secondary lead Bangali also doesn't perform well. The chemistry between these 2 leads is lacking. It is tough to think even of a single actor who has played his role well. Even vinay pathak hams and is totally miscast in this role.

Somehow every scene looks and plays out like a spoof. I am very disappointed by this web series :(

Performance is really good

[kumaripriya-48932 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

The director of "Sultan of Delhi has left an indelible mark on the series, showcasing an exceptional ability to combine historical aesthetics with the gritty world of gangsters. Their meticulous attention to detail, skillful handling of character dynamics, and ability to navigate an intricate plot demonstrate their directorial prowess. By tackling moral ambiguity and breathing life into characters relationships, the director has elevated the series beyond the conventional crime drama "Sultan of Delhi' is a testament to their vision and talent, and it stands as a must watch for those who appreciate the fusion of history and crime fiction in a morally complex setting. The director's work is a masterstroke in crafting a gritty gangster saga that lingers in the minds of the audience long after the final credits roll.

Terrible casting

[shaizyk · 1/10 · 17 October 2023]

One of the boring and annoying series of all time. The worst script I have ever seen in this genre. One of the most glaring issues with this web series is the shallowness of its characters. While character development is crucial for any engaging story, "Disastrous Drama" seems to have missed the memo entirely. The protagonists are nothing more than one-dimensional caricatures of clichéd stereotypes. The hero is the brooding bad boy with no discernible motivation, the heroine is the "girl next door" with no agency of her own, and the supporting cast might as well be cardboard cutouts. The lack of depth and complexity in the characters makes it nearly impossible to invest emotionally in their journeys.

Very excited

[Abdullahsk589779 · 10/10 · 4 November 2023]

I have not read the book and also the trailer seemed too violent for me but something in Sultan of Delhi stays with you well after you have stopped watching it. I saw the series at one go, sacrificed a full night but its like an unputdownable book. Very easy to watch with a very high what next factor. Kudos to the producers for exceptional attention to detail in costumes, set design, and cinematography. The recreation of the 1960s era and the depiction of people leading prosperous, enjoyable lives provide a refreshing contrast to the typical gangster dramas set in Mumbai, known for their excessive violence and profanity. Mouni Roy delivers an impressive performance, and her dance sequence is undoubtedly a standout moment, even if one might wish for a more substantial role for her. Sultan of Delhi offers a compelling and unique viewing experience....one we haven't seen on Indian OTT platforms before....

worst story ever

[devjangidt · 1/10 · 23 December 2023]

Story does not make sense. Everything goes well then suddenly a scene comes that spoils the mood of viewer. Watch it if you have a lot of time to waste or if you are a person with no mood. Everyone thinks that arjun is a hero then suddenly they make him villain. The main reason of it to be worst is that he killed bengali and make fantasy with his wife. It is not cool. You. At first they made his a good character and like a hero of the film but at last they made him monster and kill him. It was the worst seen ever and worst storyline. At last they make the story out of the storyline. Bengali was everyone fav character, he should not be killed.

A flop from a talented Director

[highbandtakes · 3/10 · 14 October 2023]

Milan lutharia is known for directing action films with creative mind and big setups.. Which is totally absent in sultan of Delhi.

Slow paced screenplay, poor performances, predictable dialogues have made this web series a lousy creation.

Nice big sets and a lavish representation of pre Independence era keeps you hooked for sometime but story moves with slow pace which is quite boring in the very first episode, The actors look good in their costume and get ups but fail to impress with their typical performances, story moves in such a slow pace that one can predict the next scene very easily.

Wish Milan Lutahria's Direction could have made it worth watch.

Super

[tikikhan95 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

I have always been a fan of Milan Luthria's films he has shown a keen affinity for settings, creating distinctive environments that seamlessly blend with his densely woven plots and the charismatic, rustic characters that inhabit them. From his debut film KachcheDhaage set in Rajasthanto the cult classics like Taxi No 9211 and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. All his work is set against a significant backdrop...this time it is post partition Delhi...I have always been a fan of Milan Luthria's films he has shown a keen affinity for settings, creating distinctive environments that seamlessly blend with his densely woven plots and the charismatic, rustic characters that inhabit them. From his debut film KachcheDhaage set in Rajasthanto the cult classics like Taxi No 9211 and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. All his work is set against a significant backdrop...this time it is post partition Delhi...

Overrated

[deesaai · 3/10 · 23 December 2023]

Started seeing based on review , but the initial fight scene with Heavy guns and to a place which is in deserts with not a single piece of active life , I don't know why they wanted to deliver guns there, shows the dumbness of director.

Acting wise yes they have done good job but the direction screen play and some old school Dabaang 1 copy paste kinda action and dialogues doesn't work now. I personally do not like the choice of leading actor as gangster, I don't think it suits his personality.

Music is all right , they tried to show some intimate scene and hotness , so as to add all the criteria to make this a happening series but FAILED.

Excellent web series

[Rajsk45600 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

The series is set in the year 1962 and is characterized by its elegance, swagger, style, and the signature Milan Luthria one-liners and captivating dialogues. At the core of the show is Tahir Raj Bhasin, who, despite his youthful appearance, manages to embody the heroism demanded by his character, Arjun, thanks to his powerful on-screen presence and sincerity, which perfectly complements the pulp of the material. Then, there's the ever-entertaining Vinay Pathak, whether he's being funny, frustrated, or downright despicable. AnupriyaGoenka steps into a new territory, deviating from her usual portrayals of righteous characters in projects like War, Padmaavat, Asur, and Criminal Justice. Here, she brings forth a refreshing display of allure and sensuality, without letting the show's punchlines compromise her sincerity. The series encapsulates all the elements we associate with Luthria's work - avarice, attitude, and bravado, but, being on an OTT platform, he tantalizes the audience with a touch of erotica too.

Totally anti-climax. Poor screenplay, average direction

[mickysachin · 5/10 · 28 October 2023]

Totally anti-climax. The series starts on a promising note, however it fails to deliver as per expectations. The last two episodes, especially should be blamed. Tahir Raj Bhasin and Anjum Sharma are the only two actors to watch for, rest all deliver ordinary performance. Nowadays, when the viewers are spoiled for choices on OTT platforms, star factor is what compels one to pick one series out of the many available. Watched it for Tahir Bhasin, having seen his prowess in Mardaani and Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein. But, was disappointed in the end (not blaming the actor for it). However, an actor can do only as much as the plot of the story allows him/her to do so.

Very good

[Tukask38338838 · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

This series shines with its well-paced storytelling and complex character development. It avoids categorizing characters as clear heroes or villains, offering nuanced portrayals. However, the series shifts between timelines and generations, depicting the protagonist's life journey, which can be somewhat disorienting. The show partially captures the 1960s aesthetics, with the conventional TMDs- taali maar dialogues. Tahir Raj Bhasin's transformation as Arjun Bhatia is remarkable, while AnjummShharma embodies the essence of a loyal friend. Vinay Pathak's Jagan Seth strikes a perfect balance between empathy and cruelty. Nishant Dahiya impresses as the antagonist, and AnupriyaGoenka's Shankari Devi steals the spotlight. Mouni Roy exudes glamour, and MehreenPirzada and Harleen Sethi add simplicity to the love interests. In conclusion, Sultan of Delhi skillfully adapts Amab Ray's book, offering an engaging series that captures the drama of Delhi's history. While it has elements of pulp and pop culture, it does justice to the source material, making it a compelling choice for historical crime drama enthusiasts.

Pathetic End, stupid execution

[ashishkaw · 1/10 · 15 October 2023]

Predictable story line, cast not matching with roles.

End was so much irritating and last episode can be fast forwarded as it was totally predictable, no cleaver plots, just old school drama with pathetic acting, Sultan was overhyped and not a satisfying approach of the character.

Stupid approach of showing two friends fighting and Rajender killing her mistress was such a nonsense act.

Jagan getting influenced was a poor execution and storyline, too much old way of showing overall story, revenge and stupid songs, never thought songs could also now be part of web series.

Overall Waste of time.