Black Widows Webseries Actress And Actor Black Widows is an Indian web series from Zee5.…
Poison 2 (Zee5) Webseries Actress And Actor
Poison 2 Web Series Cast
- Aftab Shivdasani
- Raai Lakshmi
- Pooja Chopra
- Zain Imam
- Vin Rana
- Asmita Sood
- Rahul Dev
- Taher Shabbir
(Zee5) Poison 2 Webseries Teaser
Watch the official teaser video of Laxmi rai’s Poison 2,
Poison 2 is a ZEE5 web series starring Aftab Shivdasani, Raai Lakshmi, Pooja Chopra, Vin Rana, Rahul Dev, Zain Imam, Asmita Sood, and Taher Shabbir. The story based on love and revenge is set to be released on 30 April 2020. Watch Poison 2 Web Series online on ZEE5.
The Master Manipulators: Unveiling the Sizzling Cast of ZEE5’s Revenge Thriller, ‘Poison 2’
When the ZEE5 original web series Poison 2 premiered in October 2020, it served a potent cocktail of action, crime, deceit, and high-octane revenge that immediately captivated the digital audience. The show, which is a sequel to the 2019 original, introduced a brand-new, glamorous, and seasoned ensemble cast, many of whom made their highly-anticipated digital debuts. Set against the sun-drenched, yet shadowy, backdrop of Goa, the series elevated the revenge drama genre, making the question of who is the hunter and who is the prey its central, thrilling mystery.
At the heart of this adrenaline-pumping crime thriller is a game of vengeance that centers on a powerful protagonist, his three core enemies—known as ‘Team Josh’—and a righteous police officer caught in the crossfire. This is a deep dive into the stellar actors and actresses who breathed life into the complex, often morally ambiguous, characters of Poison 2.
The Plot: A Game of Revenge at the Goa Racecourse
The narrative of Poison 2 is an intricate web of betrayal and payback, entirely separate from the plot of the first season, though maintaining the central theme that #RevengeNeverEnds. The core conflict revolves around a high-stakes deal involving the acquisition of a prestigious derby racecourse in Goa.
The story is driven by a man named Aditya Singh Rathore, who returns from the shadows to dismantle the lives of three individuals—Sara, Harsh, and Oscar—who collectively form the powerful business group known as “Team Josh”. Aditya, who was previously known as Jaiveer, was framed for a robbery by his former friends, a betrayal that led to his imprisonment and the destruction of his family. His return as Aditya is a calculated move, a cold-blooded mission to seek retribution, turning the glamorous world of horse racing, high-end parties, and luxury into his personal arena for revenge.
The series showcases a classic battle of wits, where every character operates in a shade of grey, except for one determined cop who is hell-bent on disrupting Aditya’s plans and bringing the criminals to justice.
The Leading Man: Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore
The undisputed leading man of Poison 2 is Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani, who chose this series to mark his much-awaited digital debut. After a long and successful career in Hindi cinema, this shift to the OTT space was seen as a bold and exciting move for the actor.
The Character: The Ruthless Protagonist
Aftab portrays Aditya Singh Rathore, the central figure of the revenge saga. This character is a significant departure from the typically comedic or romantic roles Aftab was famous for, in films like Hungama and the Masti franchise.
- A Man of Mystery: Aditya is introduced as one of Goa’s richest businessmen, with a profound passion for horse racing and a ruthless, unpredictable personality. The beauty of the character, as Aftab himself noted, lies in his ambiguity: the audience is left guessing whether he is ‘grey, black, or white’.
- The Master Strategist: Underneath the businessman exterior, Aditya is Jaiveer, a man who meticulously crafted his entire return to execute a perfect revenge plot against the people who destroyed his life and family. He is portrayed as a calculating player who always has full control over the ‘game’.
- Career Significance: For Aftab, Poison 2 offered the strong, layered, and complex character he had always desired, providing him the creative space to stretch his boundaries and explore the action-thriller genre, making it the ideal launch vehicle for his digital career.
The Leading Ladies: Glamour, Cunning, and Righteousness
The female cast of Poison 2 features a dynamic trio, each playing a crucial role as either a target, a manipulator, or the voice of law and order.
Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi: The Queen of Deceit
Poison 2 also marked the digital debut of actress Raai Laxmi, a prominent figure in South Indian cinema.
- A Southern Star’s Debut: Raai Laxmi is celebrated for her extensive work across the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada film industries, having starred in popular films like Mankatha and Karka Kasadara. Her Hindi film debut was with Julie 2 in 2017.
- The Character: Sara Matthews Oberoi: Raai Laxmi steps into the role of Sara, one of the three members of “Team Josh” and the owner of the coveted racecourse. Sara is depicted as a cunning, successful woman on Aditya’s revenge list. Aditya attempts to lure her into a false romantic entanglement to get close to his enemies, setting the stage for a sizzling, yet dangerous, chemistry. She is one of the characters who initially betrays Jaiveer (Aditya), and her downfall becomes a key component of the overall retribution.
Pooja Chopra as Isha Khanna: The White Knight
Former beauty queen and actress Pooja Chopra plays a pivotal role, standing in stark contrast to the morally compromised characters around her.
- The Beauty with a Purpose: Pooja Chopra is well-known for winning the title of Femina Miss India World 2009. More notably, she was the first Indian to win the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ title at the Miss World 2009 pageant. Her acting career includes her breakthrough role in the film Commando: A One Man Army.
- The Character: Isha Khanna: Isha is the police officer who is investigating the convoluted web of crime. According to Pooja Chopra, her character is the only one in the entire series who is “complete white,” sticking firmly to her principles and values amidst the morally black and grey characters of the show. She is the relentless force of law, determined to stop Aditya’s revenge plot, even as he systematically takes down her targets.
The Enemies: Team Josh and Supporting Roles
Aditya’s revenge plot is directed at ‘Team Josh,’ the three individuals who betrayed him, alongside an extensive cast of formidable supporting characters.
Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews
The handsome television heartthrob, Vin Rana, also made his foray into the OTT space with Poison 2.
- A Television Fan Favorite: Vin Rana is a prominent face on Indian television, known for popular shows like Mahabharat (as Nakula) and replacing Arjit Taneja as Purab Khanna in the long-running show Kumkum Bhagya.
- The Character: Oscar Matthews: Vin Rana’s role as Oscar is crucial, as he is one of the three principal antagonists. Oscar is characterized as a witty, charming, and highly intelligent individual, often utilizing his tech-savvy skills for hacking and other dubious activities. A notable aspect of the character that set him apart was his sexuality; Vin Rana confirmed the character of Oscar was portrayed as a bisexual male, which added a distinctive layer of complexity to the show’s dynamic. He is initially one of Aditya’s key enemies, but his fate is sealed by his own deceit and the master plan of the protagonist.
Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi (Harsh)
Another familiar face from the small screen, Zain Imam, joined the ensemble cast, making his digital debut alongside Aftab and Raai Laxmi.
- The TV Star: Zain Imam gained widespread popularity through successful television serials such as Tashan-E-Ishq and Naamkarann.
- The Character: Harshvardhan Oberoi: Harsh is the third member of ‘Team Josh’ and is portrayed as a “badass guy”. He is deeply in love with Sara and is intensely loyal to his friends, valuing their bond over money, which complicates his moral standing as he is also one of the people responsible for Jaiveer’s initial downfall. His romantic involvement with Sara and his direct confrontation with Aditya form a significant part of the series’ core drama.
The Supporting Architects of the Thrill
The high-stakes revenge drama is further bolstered by a strong supporting cast:
- Rahul Dev as Sikander Malik: The veteran actor plays the role of Sikander Malik, another pivotal character whose connections and power complicate the game for all parties involved.
- Asmita Sood as Hina Malik: Asmita Sood plays Hina (also known as Tina in some references), who aids Aditya in his intricate revenge scheme, serving as his indispensable accomplice.
- Returning Characters: To maintain a connection to the franchise, actors like Sakshi Pradhan (as Rani), Gaurav Sharma (as Pawan), and Taher Shabbir (as Tony Secuira) reprised their characters from the first season, showcasing the recurring underworld elements and linking the two seasons thematically.
The Visionary Behind the Lens
The fast-paced, stylish execution of Poison 2 is credited to director Vishal Pandya. Known for his work on Bollywood thrillers like the Hate Story franchise, Pandya brought his signature high-octane, glamorous style to the digital screen. His collaboration with the lead actor, Aftab Shivdasani, was a familiar and comfortable one, as Pandya had worked as an assistant director on several films Aftab starred in early in his career. The director’s expertise in weaving together elements of lust, betrayal, high-fashion, and intense action sequences solidified Poison 2 as a stylish and engaging revenge thriller that was perfectly tailored for the OTT platform.
The show stands as a prime example of the digital medium attracting established film and television stars to explore darker, more complex, and boundary-pushing characters—a true win for the Indian web series landscape.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
Q1: Who are the main actors and actresses in the ZEE5 web series ‘Poison 2’?
A: The main cast of the ZEE5 web series Poison 2 features a new ensemble for the second season. The lead actors are Aftab Shivdasani and Raai Laxmi, both of whom made their digital debuts with the show. They are supported by a prominent cast including Pooja Chopra, Zain Imam, and Vin Rana.
Q2: What are the main characters’ names in ‘Poison 2’ and what are their roles?
A: The main characters and their roles are centered around a revenge plot:
- Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore (the protagonist seeking revenge/Jaiveer).
- Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi (one of the primary targets, a cunning businesswoman).
- Pooja Chopra as Isha Khanna (a righteous police officer/cop).
- Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi (Harsh) (one of the three main antagonists, part of ‘Team Josh’).
- Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews (one of the three main antagonists, a tech-savvy bisexual character).
Q3: Did Aftab Shivdasani and Raai Laxmi make their digital debut with ‘Poison 2’?
A: Yes, both Aftab Shivdasani and Raai Laxmi made their respective digital debuts on the OTT platform with the ZEE5 web series Poison 2. Aftab, known for his work in Bollywood, was attracted to the gray shades and complexity of his character, Aditya Singh Rathore. Raai Laxmi is a popular actress known primarily for her roles in South Indian cinema.
Q4: What is the plot or theme of the web series ‘Poison 2’?
A: Poison 2 is an action crime thriller web series with the central theme being revenge (campaigned with the tagline #RevengeNeverEnds). The plot focuses on Aditya Singh Rathore, a man who returns with a new identity to take elaborate retribution on a trio of former friends, known as ‘Team Josh’ (Sara, Harsh, and Oscar), who framed him for a robbery that ruined his life. The high-stakes game of deceit is set around gaining control of a derby racecourse in Goa.
Q5: Who directed the ZEE5 web series ‘Poison 2’?
A: The ZEE5 web series Poison 2 was directed by Vishal Pandya. He is well-known for directing successful Bollywood thrillers, including several installments of the Hate Story franchise.
The Vengeful Heart of Goa: Unpacking the Star-Studded Cast of ZEE5’s Thriller, ‘Poison 2’
The landscape of Indian entertainment has been irrevocably changed by the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, offering filmmakers and actors a canvas for darker, more complex, and often more adult storytelling. One such production that captured the attention of thriller enthusiasts was the ZEE5 Original web series, Poison 2.
A sequel that introduced an entirely new story and a fresh, formidable cast, Poison 2 premiered in 2020 and quickly established itself as a fast-paced, high-stakes drama centered on the intoxicating blend of revenge, greed, passion, and betrayal. The series, directed by Vishal Pandya, featured a stellar ensemble cast that seamlessly blended seasoned Bollywood veterans with popular television stars and a leading name from South Indian cinema, many of whom made their significant digital debuts with this project.
This article delves into the lead actresses and actors who brought this gripping tale of vengeance to life, examining their roles, their backgrounds, and the impact they had on this thrilling ZEE5 series.
The Architect of Vengeance: Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore
One of the most significant headlines surrounding Poison 2 was the digital debut of Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani, marking his first venture into the web series space after more than two decades in the film industry. Taking on the protagonist’s role, Shivdasani’s character was the engine driving the entire narrative of the season.
Character Profile: Aditya Singh Rathore / Jaiveer
Aftab Shivdasani portrays Aditya Singh Rathore, a man consumed by a thirst for vengeance. The series reveals him to be Jaiveer, a person whose life and family were ruined five years prior after being framed for a major diamond theft by his closest friends.
- The Mission: Aditya returns with a new identity, a meticulously crafted plan, and immense financial backing to systematically dismantle the lives of the three people who betrayed him: Sara, Harsh, and Oscar, collectively known as ‘Team Josh’.
- The Nuance: The actor described his character as having a “very grey” shade—a “badman” who, in the context of the story’s twisted morality, is also positioned as the hero. This ambiguity allowed Shivdasani to explore a complex, intense, and dark role, something he had been keen to do.
- The Performance: For Shivdasani, who had built a career on romantic comedies and light-hearted roles, Poison 2 offered a departure, allowing him to shoulder an intense action-crime thriller as the primary antagonist/protagonist.
Aftab Shivdasani’s Career Transition
Having been active in the film industry since his debut as an adult in Mast (1999), Aftab’s shift to the digital medium was a celebrated move. He noted that the experience of working on a series was different from films, and he embraced the opportunity to play an edgy, central character in the web space. His performance in Poison 2 was seen by many as a powerful “comeback vehicle,” demonstrating his capability to handle complex and non-conventional roles.
The Cunning Queen: Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi
The female lead and the principal target of Aditya’s revenge plot is played by the multi-lingual star, Raai Laxmi, who also made her official digital debut with the series.
Character Profile: Sara Matthews Oberoi
Raai Laxmi plays Sara Matthews Oberoi, one of the three members of ‘Team Josh’ and a powerful figure in the Goa high society.
- The Role: Sara is a shrewd, cutthroat, and highly ambitious woman who co-owns the ‘Josh’ group, a business entity deeply involved in the high-stakes world of racecourse betting. Her ultimate goal is to win the lease to a prestigious racecourse in an upcoming auction, and her ambition often overrides her personal and emotional loyalties, even to her husband.
- The Persona: She is portrayed as a “cunning woman” who will stop at nothing to get her way, adding layers of glamour and ruthlessness to the revenge thriller. Her character arc involves navigating her professional ambition, her complicated relationship with her husband Harsh, and the mysterious threat posed by Aditya.
- The Chemistry: Her on-screen dynamics, especially the sizzling chemistry with co-star Aftab Shivdasani, was highlighted as a strong point of the series.
Raai Laxmi’s South Indian Cinema Legacy
Raai Laxmi brought a wealth of experience from the South Indian film industry, where she has been a prominent star for over 15 years, featuring in over 50 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.
- Regional Dominance: Known for her work in films like Karka Kasadara (her debut), Dhaam Dhoom, Mankatha, and Irumbu Kuthirai, she is a well-established name in the Southern circuits.
- Bollywood Entry: While she had a previous Hindi film debut with Julie 2, her lead role in a major ZEE5 web series like Poison 2 was seen as a strategic move to reach a wider, pan-Indian audience through the booming OTT space.
The Pillars of ‘Team Josh’ and the Upright Cop
Beyond the two main leads, the core of the drama was fleshed out by two major supporting actors and one key actress who played a pivotal role as the investigating officer.
Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi
Popular television actor Zain Imam made his much-anticipated digital debut with Poison 2, moving from the familiar space of daily soaps to the high-intensity world of web thrillers.
- The Role: Zain Imam plays Harshvardhan Oberoi, Sara’s husband and a co-member of ‘Team Josh’. In the context of the plot, he is one of the key targets of Aditya’s revenge. His character is initially portrayed as supportive of his wife but is also described as a “completely badass guy” who, ironically in the narrative, values friendship highly.
- TV Stardom: Imam was already a household name due to his popular roles in television shows like Tashan-e-Ishq (which was on Zee TV) and later, Never Kiss Your Best Friend: Lockdown Special, also a ZEE5 original.
- Digital Experience: He expressed excitement about the web space, noting that the digital medium offered greater freedom in portraying a character compared to the restrictions of TV.
Pooja Chopra as Isha Khanna
Former Miss India and actress Pooja Chopra, known for her strong roles in films, marked her official web series debut in a critical role.
- The Role: Pooja portrays Isha Khanna, a no-nonsense police officer who is investigating the convoluted web of crime, revenge, and deceit that Aditya has spun. Her character is the moral anchor of the show, described as the only upright individual in a world of manipulation and dark agendas.
- The Background: Pooja Chopra won the title of Femina Miss India World 2009 and gained international recognition by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ title at the Miss World 2009 pageant.
- Film Work: Her film career includes prominent roles in action-packed movies such as Commando: A One Man Army (opposite Vidyut Jammwal) and Aiyaary. She noted that her character Isha Khanna resonated with her personal determination and principles.
Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews
Another prominent figure from the world of Indian television, Vin Rana made his digital debut as the third member of the powerful ‘Team Josh’.
- The Role: Rana plays Oscar Matthews, Sara’s brother and a central conspirator in the past crime against Aditya. His character adds a layer of complexity as one of Aditya’s arch-enemies and is noted for being a bisexual character, further diversifying the show’s narrative. He is pivotal to the team’s scheme to gain control of the racecourse.
Ensemble Cast: The Supporting Players in the Game of Revenge
The success of a fast-paced thriller often lies in the strength of its supporting cast, and Poison 2 featured several known faces who provided depth and continuity.
- Rahul Dev as Sikander Malik: A powerful cameo by the veteran actor, whose character, Sikander Malik, contributes to the high-stakes criminal underworld of the series.
- Asmita Sood as Hina Malik: Sood plays Hina Malik, an accomplice who assists Aditya/Jaiveer in his elaborate scheme for revenge, adding another player to the game of manipulation.
- Sakshi Pradhan as Rani: Pradhan reprises her role as Rani from the first season, a crucial character who provides a narrative link between Poison 1 and Poison 2. Her character is known for switching loyalties based on her own profit.
- Taher Shabbir and Gaurav Sharma: They fill out the ensemble with characters (Tony Secuira and Pawan) who are integral to the twists and turns of the plot involving the horse racing world and criminal activities.
Conclusion: A Fresh Dose of Thriller for the OTT Generation
Poison 2 was deliberately designed to be a standalone story of revenge, greed, and passion, making it an accessible and binge-worthy thriller for new audiences. The director, Vishal Pandya, brought his signature style of a commercial potboiler—packed with action, drama, and intense emotional conflict—to the digital platform.
The casting strategy of blending an established Bollywood star (Aftab Shivdasani), a prominent South Indian film heroine (Raai Laxmi), and popular television faces (Zain Imam, Vin Rana) ensured a wide appeal across multiple fan bases, establishing Poison 2 as a noteworthy entry in the Indian web series genre. The series successfully proved that when the theme is as compelling as #RevengeNeverEnds, a powerful and mixed ensemble cast can truly bring a new “poison” to the digital screen.
AISEO Friendly FAQs about ‘Poison 2’ Web Series Cast
Q1: Who are the main actresses and actors in the ZEE5 web series ‘Poison 2’?
The main actors in the ZEE5 web series Poison 2 are Aftab Shivdasani (as Aditya Singh Rathore/Jaiveer) and Raai Laxmi (as Sara Matthews Oberoi). The ensemble cast also features prominent names like Pooja Chopra (as Isha Khanna), Zain Imam (as Harshvardhan Oberoi), and Vin Rana (as Oscar Matthews).
Q2: What was the role of Aftab Shivdasani in ‘Poison 2’ and was it his debut?
Aftab Shivdasani played the lead protagonist, Aditya Singh Rathore, a man seeking elaborate revenge against his former friends who betrayed him. The series marked his official digital debut in the web series space after 21 years of working in Bollywood films. His character was noted for its intense, grey shades.
Q3: Which actress played Sara in ‘Poison 2’ and what is her film background?
The character of the ambitious and cunning Sara Matthews Oberoi in Poison 2 was played by actress Raai Laxmi. Poison 2 was her digital debut, and she is a highly established star in South Indian cinema, having worked in over 50 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.
Q4: Was Pooja Chopra the former Miss India in ‘Poison 2’? What was her character?
Yes, actress Pooja Chopra, who won the Femina Miss India World 2009 title, was part of the Poison 2 cast. She played the role of Isha Khanna, a principled police officer investigating the mysterious events and the protagonist’s past.
Q5: Did Zain Imam and Vin Rana make their digital debut in ‘Poison 2’?
Yes, both popular television actors, Zain Imam (as Harshvardhan Oberoi) and Vin Rana (as Oscar Matthews), made their digital debut with the Poison 2 web series on ZEE5. They play two of the three key members of the ‘Team Josh,’ who are the targets of the main character’s revenge plot.
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