If Choona works, it is largely due to its casting. Jimmy Shergill is the anchor of the show. With a restrained performance that screams volumes through silence, Shergill proves once again why he is one of the most underrated actors in the industry. He doesn't need to scream to be heard; his eyes do the heavy lifting.
Vikram Kochhar as Bishnu, the simpleton caught in a complicated web, provides the perfect comic timing. The rest of the ensemble, including Arshad Warsi (in a special appearance/symbolic role) and the various supporting cast members, add layers of authenticity to the "Desi" heist vibe. However, the scene-stealer is undoubtedly the antagonist. The portrayal of the politician captures the bluster, ego, and superstition that often define the corridors of power in Indian heartlands.
Yes—with a small asterisk.
If you need strict logical coherence and hyper-realistic heist mechanics (like Andhadhun or Special Ops), Choona might frustrate you. The plot relies heavily on coincidences and the sheer stupidity of the antagonist. choona 2023 web series exclusive
However, if you want to laugh, enjoy sharp social commentary on caste and power dynamics without a lecture, and watch a group of losers turn into accidental heroes, Choona is a must-watch.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A smart, silly, and satisfying binge.
In an exclusive look behind the curtain, creator Pushpendra Nath Misra revealed that Choona was born out of a desire to subvert the "serious heist" genre. "We wanted a heist where the most dangerous weapon is a horoscope, not a gun," Misra stated in a press interview. If Choona works, it is largely due to its casting
The production design is a character in itself. The show avoids the typical neon-lit, dark alleys of crime capers. Instead, it bathes in the dusty, colorful, and chaotic backdrops of small-town India. The vivid costumes—ranging from garish polyester suits to political kurtas—add a layer of satirical comedy that feels authentic, not forced.
We have seen Jimmy play the serious patriarch and the romantic hero. But as Shukla Ji, he is having the time of his life. He plays a larger-than-life villain who believes the stars control his destiny. Watching his paranoia grow as the “prophecies” start coming true is pure gold.
It is a political satire, a heist thriller, a slapstick comedy, and a spiritual parody all rolled into six tightly packed episodes. You never know whether to laugh or bite your nails during the climactic raid. He doesn't need to scream to be heard;
Choona is not your typical adrenaline-pumping heist flick. It is a smart, satirical take on the Indian political landscape and the power of belief. It asks the question: Can you really rob a man who believes he controls his destiny?
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)