Rana Naidu (Netflix) – Complete Series Review

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama

Seasons: 1 (as of June 2025)

Episodes: 10

Run Time: 40–50 minutes per episode

Language: Hindi, Telugu

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Production Company: Locomotive Global

Director: Karan Anshuman, Suparn Verma

Writers: Karan Anshuman, B.V.S. Ravi

Main Cast:

Rana Daggubati as Rana Naidu

Venkatesh Daggubati as Naga Naidu

Surveen Chawla as Naina Naidu

Suchitra Pillai, Gaurav Chopra, Ashish Vidyarthi, Rajesh Jais, Adithya Menon

Season 1: Rana Naidu introduces us to Mumbai’s most feared and influential “fixer” for the rich and famous: Rana Naidu. No matter what trouble Bollywood’s top stars, politicians, and business moguls get into, Rana cleans up the mess—no questions asked. However, his picture-perfect control collapses when his estranged father, Naga Naidu (played by Venkatesh Daggubati), is released from prison after 15 years. Their bitter, unresolved past brings chaos to Rana’s carefully constructed world. Season 1 is a blend of gritty crime, family drama, and psychological tension as old wounds resurface, secrets unravel, and loyalties are tested.

Season 2: Season 2 takes the volatile father-son dynamic to the next level. As Rana tries to sever ties with the criminal underworld for the sake of his family, Naga pulls him deeper into dangerous schemes. The second season focuses on betrayals, personal demons, and the heavy cost of trying to balance family with crime. Side plots involving Rana’s wife, Naina and their children get more prominence, along with shocking betrayals that will change Rana’s life forever. The season ends on a suspenseful note, hinting at even more explosive consequences to come.

Rana Naidu is India’s answer to gritty American crime dramas like Ray Donovan—from which this show is directly adapted. This Hindi-Telugu bilingual crime thriller marks a rare and exciting collaboration between real-life uncle-nephew duo Rana and Venkatesh Daggubati. Their raw, powerful performances anchor the show and keep the tension simmering in every scene.

Rana Daggubati stuns as the brooding, emotionally scarred fixer, while Venkatesh Daggubati offers a deliciously chaotic and unpredictable turn as Naga. Their chemistry is electric and forms the emotional core of the series. The Mumbai underworld is captured with grit and gloss, creating a dark and captivating visual tone. Directors Karan Anshuman and Suparn Verma maintain an intense pace without losing focus on character development.

Family trauma, redemption, crime, and moral ambiguity are explored in depth, making the story both thrilling and emotionally rich. Some side plots, especially involving Rana’s domestic life, feel underwritten compared to the central father-son conflict. The dialogue occasionally leans into melodrama, breaking the serious tone. Pacing issues surface in Season 2, where certain episodes drag, and some subplots lack closure.

Rana Naidu is a bold, gritty addition to the Indian streaming space, blending Hollywood crime drama sensibilities with desi emotional intensity. The strong performances by Rana and Venkatesh Daggubati elevate what could have been a standard crime show into something memorable and binge-worthy. Despite minor pacing and writing flaws, the series keeps viewers hooked with its dark world, complex characters, and high-stakes drama.

Final Score: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ (7/10)

A solid watch for lovers of crime thrillers, family drama, and powerful acting performances. Recommended for fans of Ray Donovan, Sacred Games, and Mirzapur.