1. When the Joint Secretary (North East) asks Hathiram Chaudhary to point on the map of North East where Nagaland is, even after all of my so-called civil services preparation, I too was not sure about it. Similarly, when a character remarks, “Train jati hai Nagaland?” I shared his ignorance. By highlighting our stereotypes, the series educates us.
2. The vivid portrayal of Nagaland, be it through casting, the Nagami dialogues, the tribal dance or music, is something Delhi is not familiar with. Just like I felt overjoyed to hear Haryanvi dialogues, I am sure the Nagas will be happy to see the recognition. It is like breaking the shackles of cultural imperialism.
3. I remember when Phangnon Konyak made headlines on being elected as a Rajya Sabha member in 2022. She was the first woman from Nagaland to be elected to Rajya Sabha, and only second to either House of Parliament or the state assembly. The rebellious spirit was captured in the series when DCP Meghna remarks, “I know it is tough to take orders from a woman, but better get used to it”. The women in Season 2 have compensated for the lack of female voices in the first.
4. Contrary to the common belief that the police department is corrupt, here we have an Inspector riding a Splendor (with helmet) forsaking his promotions, his job, and even his life for truth and justice. In the end, we see, that he takes only what is due to him.
5. Considering Hathiram’s traditional upbringing and Bauji’s pitaai, we thought he would be the orthodox one. There is a scene where the Chaudhary couple goes for a surprise birthday visit to their son, who is now studying engineering and staying in a college hostel. I could feel the shock in Siddarth’s eyes as he is caught with his girlfriend. (We all have at some point of time feared that). But Hathiram is cool with that. Similarly, when Hathiram finds out about Ansari’s partner, he delivers a message of such sensitivity that it makes you cry. So, who’s the real orthodox?