Mithya is an Indian Hindi-language, psychological thriller drama web series streaming on ZEE5.[2] It is directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment and Vipin Agnihotri Films.[3] The series was released on 18 February 2022[4] and stars Huma Qureshi, Avantika Dassani, Parambrata Chatterjee, Rajit Kapur and Samir Soni in pivotal roles.[5] The series is adapted from the British television show Cheat![6] Avantika Dassani made her acting debut with this series.[7] The drama was exclusively shot in St. Paul's School, Darjeeling.[8] Following the conclusion of the first season, a second season, titled Mithya: The Darker Chapter, was announced in October 2024 and premiered on 1 November 2024. Actor Naveen Kasturia joined the cast in a pivotal role.[9][10]

Mithya
Promotional Poster
Genre
  • Psychological thriller
  • Drama
Created byGabby Hull
Based onCheat
by Gaby Hull
Written byPurva Naresh
Directed bySeason 1:
Rohan Sippy
Season 2:
Kapil Sharma[1]
Starring
Music by
  • Ripul Sharma
Country of originIndia
Original languageHindi
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes12 (list of episodes)
Production
Producers
CinematographySirsha Ray
Production companies
Original release
Release18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)

Plot

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Season 1

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Set against the picturesque backdrop of Darjeeling, this is a dark and twisted tale of truth and deception laced with numerous secrets and lies. It all starts when Juhi Adhikari, a righteous Hindi Literature professor, accuses her student, Rhea Rajguru of plagiarism in her Literature essay.

Rhea, who is the daughter of one of the top college benefactors doesn’t take this well and sets out on a journey of vengeance and violence, destroying everything in her path. What happens when an obsessed and impulsive Rhea turns Juhi’s world upside down is what follows the rest of the story.[11]

Season 2

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Rhea, played by Avantika Dassani, continues her quest for revenge. Discovering that Anand Tyagi is her father, she sets out to win his approval.

When Rhea finally meets Anand, she attempts to prove she's not as bad as he might think. She explains that she wasn’t actually kidnapping Yash, Juhi’s son, but was instead trying to rescue him from danger.

Cast

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Season 2

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Release

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ZEE5 announced the launch of a trailer on 8 February 2022 and the series was released on 18 February 2022.[12] The second season was released on ZEE5 on 1 November 2024.[9]

Series overview

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SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1618 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
261 November 2024 (2024-11-01)

Episode list

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Season 1 (2022)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Maine Dekhi Hai Uski Mrityu"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Juhi, Rhea's Hindi literature professor, has suspicions about Rhea cheating on her term essay and ultimately decides to fail her. In a twist, Rhea cunningly persuades Arun, the hostel security guard, to reveal Juhi's address for her own purposes.
22"Nishaane Pe Sirf Main Thi"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Juhi and Neil's relationship starts to unravel, creating tension between them. Meanwhile, Juhi and Rhea's rivalry escalates and becomes widely known after Juhi intentionally embarrasses Rhea during class. In an unexpected turn, Rhea decides to visit Juhi's house, where she encounters Neil.
33"Sach Ke Kai Pehlu"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Juhi's suspicions about Rhea intensify when she discovers that her wedding ring is missing. To her shock, she sees Rhea wearing the very ring she thought lost. Fueled by anger, Juhi confronts Rhea aggressively at the Founder’s Day party. This explosive incident leads to a significant confrontation between Juhi and Neil, resulting in a major argument between the two.
44"Sach Ki Tarah Log Bhi Complex Hote Hain"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Juhi experiences profound emotional turmoil and turns to her parents for support during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Anand drops by to see Rhea, who takes advantage of the situation. While Juhi is preoccupied at her parents' anniversary party, Rhea slyly seduces Neil, further complicating the already strained relationships.
55"Hum Sab Mein Ek Cheat Hota Hai"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Neil reveals to Juhi a picture he found in his pocket, prompting her to confront Anand about its origins. During this confrontation, Anand admits the truth about Rhea, unveiling secrets that leave Juhi reeling. Meanwhile, Rhea takes the opportunity to share her past with Neil, deepening their connection. When Juhi returns home, she is met with a shocking sight that forces her to confront the turmoil in her life head-on.
66"Tum Phool Si, Main Kaante Si"Rohan SippyPurva Naresh18 February 2022 (2022-02-18)
Sunanda becomes convinced that there’s more to Rhea’s story and decides to investigate further into her life. In a tense confrontation, Anand successfully gets Rhea to confess to her wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Rhea, desperate to make amends, attempts to reach out to Juhi. However, her efforts are met with disappointment as Juhi rejects her, leaving Rhea’s hopes for reconciliation in tatters.

Season 2 (2024)

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No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
71"Chehre Pe Chehra"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Amit Chaudhary accuses Juhi of plagiarism, and Juhi suspects Rhea is the one behind it. At the same time, Rhea’s hopes of inheriting the Rajguru estate are threatened. Meanwhile, Anand is on the verge of discovering a startling truth.
82"We Are Family"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Amit sends Juhi a legal notice through Anand. When Anand tries to meet with Amit to settle the issue, his efforts only make things worse. Meanwhile, Rhea uncovers details about Juhi's past with Vishal.
93"The Darkest Hour"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Juhi discovers that Anand confessed to Amit about the plagiarism. To shield him, she publicly takes the blame. Overcome with guilt, Anand apologizes to both Juhi and Rhea before making a drastic decision.
104"I Will Never Stop"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Juhi investigates the truth behind the plagiarism allegations, while Rhea looks for Yash's biological father. When Yash goes missing, Juhi becomes suspicious of Rhea and brings the police to the Rajguru estate.
115"Jo Karna Tha, Mujhe Karna Tha"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Arun's obsession puts Yash in danger, prompting Rhea and Amit to confront him. After hearing about Yash's death, Juhi is admitted to a mental health facility. Meanwhile, Amit grows increasingly wary of Rhea's ambitions.
126"Tum Aur Main Alag Nahi"Kapil SharmaPurva Naresh, Nishank Verma, Nisarg Mehta, Aparna Nadig1 November 2024 (2024-11-01)
Amit informs Juhi that Yash is alive and with Rhea. Juhi then deceives Rhea into searching for Yash at the Rajguru estate. In a final confrontation, Juhi manages to turn the tables on Rhea.

Reception

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Critical reviews

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Season 1

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The series opened to mixed to positive reviews. Archika Khurana of The Times of India[13] has given 3/5 stars stating that Huma Qureshi and Avantika Dassani's intense performances make this psychodrama an addictive thriller. All the actors made justice with their characters in terms of performance. The Darjeeling's picturesque grandeur, with overcast rains, weather, and the greenery of the Himalayan foothills, added beauty to the screenplay. The background score is effective.

Devarsi Ghosh of Hindustan Times stated that the web series should have been a tight little naughty 90-minute murder mystery. Instead of a stretched 180-minute which is the nearly same length as the British series Cheat. Series direction was in a state of nervous excitement, and anything with emotional gravity will drag Sippy down. It is watchable because of the actors' performances.[14]

Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express stated that Huma Qureshi and Avantika Dassani thriller locks in long-term guilt, and a burning desire for revenge makes it great companions for a story like this one. The tale of fatal attractions leaves us poised on an uneasy cliff-hanger and interested for another season.[15]

Season 2

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Yatamanyu Narain of News 18 rated it three out of five stars noting that "As a psychological thriller, the series excels in depicting the darker impulses of its characters, painting the bonds of family and ambition in shadowed hues."[16]

Kunal Kothari of iwmbuzz also gave three out of five and wrote that "It delivers on its promise of mystery and intrigue, offering a solid continuation of the original story with a fresh twist on familiar themes. While some of the plot’s shocking moments may not have the intended effect, and the pacing could use tightening, the suspenseful plot, the beauty and mystery of Darjeeling, and the powerful performances make it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological thrillers."[17]

Rahul Desai of Hollywood Reporter India stated that "Mithya: The Darker Chapter is a grand celebration of mediocrity, a lost marble that masquerades as a fiery planet barrelling through the cinematic solar system in defiance of gravity and logic."[18]

References

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  1. ^ "Mithya The Darker Chapter Review: Huma Qureshi Shines In An Ambitious But Uneven Thriller". News18.
  2. ^ Dixit, Saumya (1 February 2022). "Huma Qureshi calls herself 'muhfat' as she talks about her character in Mithya". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  3. ^ "'Mithya' trailer out: Avantika Dassani-Huma Qureshi promise chilling dark drama". Dnaindia.com. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  4. ^ Sharma, Hemant (2 February 2022). "New Series Mithya : मिथ्या में हुमा कुरैशी को टक्कर दे रही हैं भाग्यश्री की बेटी अवंतिका दसानी, देखें धमाकेदार ट्रेलर". Tv9hindi.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  5. ^ Saini, Narendra (2 February 2022). "हिंदी प्रोफेसर और स्टुडेंट के बीच 'तथ्य, सत्य और कथ्य' की जंग है 'मिथ्या', ट्रेलर हुआ रिलीज". NDTVIndia. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  6. ^ "'मिथ्या' से भाग्यश्री की बेटी अवंतिका दासानी का ओटीटी डेब्यू, हुमा कुरैशी का मिला साथ". Hindustan (in Hindi). Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  7. ^ Nagaraj, Sindhu (9 February 2022). "Avantika Dassani: 'Mithya' is the story of two women and their personal lives". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  8. ^ [St. Paul's School, Darjeeling St. Paul's School, Darjeeling]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ a b "Mithya Season 2 trailer: Huma Qureshi-Avantika Dassani in 'darker' mystery". India Today. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  10. ^ Wadhwa, Aman. "Mithya season 2 trailer: Huma Qureshi, Avantika Dassani want to take revenge against each other in Kapil Sharma show". DNA India. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Mithya review: Huma Qureshi, Avantika Dassani craft a suspenseful thriller". Firstpost. 18 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  12. ^ Kanabar, Nirali (8 February 2022). "Hrithik Roshan gives a shoutout to Huma Qureshi's Mithya, says the trailer looks amazing". India Today. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  13. ^ Khurana, Archika, "Mithya Season 1 Review: Huma Qureshi and Avantika Dassani's intense performances make this psychodrama an addictive thriller", The Times of India, retrieved 21 February 2022
  14. ^ Ghosh, Devarsi (18 February 2022). "Mithya review: Huma Qureshi-led web series should have been a ninety-minute thriller". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  15. ^ Gupta, Shubhra (18 February 2022). "Mithya review: Huma Qureshi, Avantika Dassani thriller is a tale of fatal attractions". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Mithya The Darker Chapter Review: Huma Qureshi Shines In An Ambitious But Uneven Thriller". News18. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  17. ^ Kothari, Kunal (31 October 2024). "'Mithya - The Darker Chapter' Review: A Gripping Story of Deception and Shifting Loyalties". IWMBuzz. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  18. ^ "'Mithya: The Darker Chapter' Review: How much Mithya is too much Mithya?". The Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
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