Ullu Originals released Rikshawala as a short‑format Hindi drama series in early 2023. It centers on a female lead whose life is altered by her encounter with a rickshaw puller. The series leverages themes of romance, drama and moral complexity—hallmarks of Ullu’s bold adult‑themed catalog. Below is a concise overview, followed by detailed sections.
Overview
Item | Details |
Title | Rikshawala (2023, Hindi web series, Ullu Originals) |
Platform | Ullu app / OTT platform |
Genre | Drama, Romance, Crime (18+ content) |
Seasons / Episodes | Season 1: 7 episodes (released in parts) |
Original Release | Part 1 on 15 January 2023 (planned) / early 2023; remaining episodes shortly thereafter |
Language | Hindi |
Lead Cast | Manvi Chugh (Nisha), Jinnie Jaaz (Shikha), Dhiraj Rai (Kundan) |
Supporting Cast | Abhinav Raja (Romli – 5 episodes), Ruks Khandagale (Shalini – 3 episodes) |
Production Company | Ullu Originals (Creator/Producer) |
Director / Writer | Not publicly named; series credited to Ullu Originals as creative unit only |
Cast & Characters
IMDb lists the following principal cast and episode presence:
- Jinnie Jaaz as Shikha – appears in all 7 episodes
- Manvi Chugh as Nisha – appears in all 7 episodes
- Dhiraj Rai as Kundan – appears in all 7 episodes
- Abhinav Raja as Romli – featured in 5 episodes
- Ruks Khandagale as Shalini – present in 3 episodes
Character / Role Insight:
- Nisha (Manvi Chugh) anchors the plot as the woman whose life collides with that of a “rikshawala.”
- Kundan (Dhiraj Rai) is portrayed as a well‑educated rickshaw puller whose complex relationship dynamics drive the drama.
- Shikha (Jinnie Jaaz) is deeply entwined with Nisha’s arc, possibly as confidante or counterpart.
- Romli and Shalini add layering through secondary subplot arcs, albeit with fewer episodes.
Production Team
Public sources name Ullu Originals as both creator and producer but do not credit individual directors, writers, cinematographers or editors by name. This reflects Ullu’s tendency to emphasize brand identity over independent screen credit. As such:
- Creator / Executive Producer: Ullu Originals
- Production: In‑house production by Ullu
- Technical Team: Not disclosed in mainstream coverage or press materials; IMDb credits exist but are not highlighted publicly.
Release Timeline & Schedule
- Planned Release: Rikshawala was originally slated for 15 January 2023 on Ullu platform. Some sources note an early‑year release, though actual launching may have occurred slightly later in January 2023.
- Marco of Episodes: The season comprises 7 episodes, but sources suggest a segmented release via “parts” — Part 1 and then further parts shortly after in early 2023 (e.g. episodes into April 2023).
- Delivery Strategy: Ullu tends to release mini‑series in weekly or segmented batches, rather than all at once—likely what Rikshawala followed.
There is no public record of a second season or further parts beyond the initial batch.
Plot & Storyline
Although there’s no published official plot synopsis available in detail, available descriptions frame Rikshawala as:
- A drama‑romance with crime/adult elements, typical of Ullu’s 18+ content model.
- The storyline follows Nisha, who unexpectedly crosses paths with Kundan—the rickshaw driver. Their lives become entangled emotionally and morally.
- Public discussion (e.g. on Facebook pages or fan posts) suggests Kundan might manipulate both female characters (Nisha and Shikha) emotionally or physically.
Character dynamics likely include intersections of innocence, seduction, power imbalance, and betrayal—consistent with Ullu’s mature drama formulas.
Themes & Visual Style
- Ullu Originals often center on urban‑underbelly, complex relationships, social taboos, and moral ambiguity.
- Rikshawala likely explores power and vulnerability, given Kundan’s deceptive or manipulative behavior toward the women around him.
- The tone is presumably intense and intimate, with cinematic style crafted for short dramatic impact in each episode.
Reception & Context
- Media coverage: Very limited. No mainstream reviews or ratings are widely documented. It remains a niche OTT release.
- Audience data: Not publicly available (views, watch‑time, ratings). On Ullu app it may have performed modestly within its category.
- Position in catalog: It aligns with similar Ullu titles that prioritize adult drama over high‑production polish or critical acclaim.
Section Breakdown & Viewing Advice
A likely breakdown of the 7 episodes:
- Episode 1–2: Introduction to Nisha and Kundan, initial encounter
- Episodes 3–4: Complexity builds—Shikha’s emergence and connection to Kundan
- Episodes 5–6: Conflict rises—Romli and Shalini subplots expand tension
- Episode 7 (finale): Emotional/power resolution — ambiguous ending or cliffhanger
Viewing suggestion: Since the show appears to be structured in Parts, start with Part 1 (first two or three episodes), then proceed through the rest in sequence to complete the arc.
Notable Unknowns & Gaps
- Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor names are not public; IMDb may list full crew but those names are not highlighted in coverage.
- Plot detail: Because official plot summaries are scarce, much of the storyline must be inferred or derived from watching.
- Audience reaction: No published ratings, reviews or social media buzz at scale.
- Future plans: There’s no confirmation of Season 2 or continuation beyond initial release.
Conclusion
Rikshawala is representative of Ullu Originals’ focused niche: short‑form, adult‑drama web series with minimal press coverage and a strong emphasis on emotional/physical tension between characters. Its seven‑episode Season 1, released in early 2023 in quick succession via Parts, features Manvi Chugh, Jinnie Jaaz, and Dhiraj Rai in central roles. While details on the creative team and deeper storyline remain limited in the public domain, the series promises intense character dynamics typical of its genre.