Poison 2 (Zee5) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer & Release date

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.

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The Sweet Taste of Vengeance: A Deep Dive into the ZEE5 Original Web Series ‘Poison 2’

In the realm of Indian digital thrillers, where revenge often forms the bedrock of the narrative, few series have managed to bottle the complex, volatile cocktail of greed, passion, and deceit quite like ZEE5’s Poison. Following the successful first season, the franchise returned with a new story, a fresh, star-studded cast, and a new director, confirming its anthological nature. The second season, simply titled Poison 2, premiered in October 2020, offering a slick, stylish, and high-octane spectacle where the central emotion—revenge—was once again the deadliest ingredient.

This article takes an in-depth look at what made Poison 2 a compelling watch for thriller enthusiasts, examining its plot, standout performances, and the signature style of its director.

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The New Game, The New Poison: An Overview

Poison 2 is an 11-episode Hindi-language action crime thriller, streaming as a ZEE5 Original series. It continues the core thematic premise of the franchise—the intricate, destructive pursuit of vengeance—but introduces a completely new narrative and set of characters.

The series is a classic example of a “masala” thriller, filled with punchy dialogues, stylish visuals, backstabbing, and shifting loyalties, all wrapped in a dramatic, dark tone that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

Key Details	Information
Title	Poison 2 (ZEE5 Original Web Series)
Genre	Action, Crime, Thriller, Revenge Drama
Streaming Platform	ZEE5
Release Date	October 16, 2020
Director	Vishal Pandya
Lead Cast	Aftab Shivdasani, Raai Laxmi, Pooja Chopra, Zain Imam, Vin Rana
No. of Episodes	11

The Digital Debut and The Marquee Cast

A significant talking point of Poison 2 was the return of Bollywood star Aftab Shivdasani, who made his much-anticipated digital debut with this series. South Indian actress Raai Laxmi also marked her digital debut, taking on a challenging and glamorous role. The makers assembled a potent ensemble cast that brought credibility and freshness to the thriller space:

• Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore / Jaiveer: The enigmatic protagonist driven by a ruthless agenda of revenge.
• Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi: A sophisticated and calculating businesswoman who is part of the ‘Josh’ team.
• Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi: Sara’s husband and one of the core members of the group being targeted.
• Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews: Sara’s brother, completing the main trio.
• Pooja Chopra as Isha Khanna: An ambitious and tough police officer investigating the unfolding chaos.
• Rahul Dev as Sikander Malik: A powerful officer connected to one of the characters.

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The Plot: A Game of ‘Josh’ and Retribution

The story of Poison 2 revolves around the glamorous yet cutthroat world of horse racing and the ownership of a high-value racecourse. The central conflict is the elaborate revenge plan hatched by the protagonist, Aditya Singh Rathore.

The Josh Team and Their Prey

At the beginning of the series, the ‘Josh’ team—comprising Sara, Harsh, and Oscar—is established as a formidable force in the horse racing circuit, often resorting to deceitful tactics like bribing jockeys or drugging horses to ensure their win. Their world is one of affluence, high-stakes betting, and a sense of untouchable power.

The auction for the lease of a racecourse for the next 99 years becomes the flashpoint for the entire season. Aditya Singh Rathore enters the scene not just as a businessman, but as a mysterious rival who manages to beat the ‘Josh’ team at their own game. He offers a partnership deal to the trio, which Sara accepts, unknowingly inviting a serpent into their Eden.

The Poison of the Past

Aditya’s meticulously planned infiltration is quickly revealed to be a campaign of retribution. His true motive stems from a past betrayal and a crime that the ‘Josh’ team committed years ago, which destroyed his life and that of his father. Aditya, who is also known as Jaiveer Khanna, was wrongly implicated in a diamond theft and imprisoned. Now, he is back, not just to reclaim what he lost, but to systematically demolish and ruin Sara, Harsh, and Oscar’s lives.

The season unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game, where Aditya uses his charm, business acumen, and criminal connections to turn the ‘Josh’ team members against each other. It’s a multi-layered plot where the lines between antagonist and protagonist blur, and loyalty is a commodity traded for self-interest. The entire series promises a journey filled with passion, deceit, rage, and a quest for redemption, ultimately leading to a climax where Aditya’s revenge is completed, leaving Sara utterly destroyed.

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Performance Analysis: The Layered Anti-Hero

The success of a revenge thriller hinges on the conviction of the antagonist-protagonist, and for Poison 2, that role was shouldered by Aftab Shivdasani.

• Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore: Having predominantly played lighthearted or romantic roles in his film career, Aftab’s digital debut as the grey-shaded, revenge-seeking Aditya was a refreshing change and a highlight of the series. Critics noted that he convincingly portrayed a character with multiple facets: a passionate race lover, a shrewd businessman, and a ruthless avenger. Aftab himself described the character’s appeal as the mystery and suspense surrounding him, an unpredictable man who always has “full control over the game.” His performance grounds the chaotic plot and lends a gravitas that the narrative required.
• Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi: Raai Laxmi was lauded for her fantastic performance as the stylish and complex Sara. Her on-screen chemistry with Aftab Shivdasani was highlighted as a major positive, adding a steamy, engaging layer to the high-stakes drama. She brings a sense of modern, unyielding ambition to her role as one of Aditya’s primary targets.
• The Supporting Cast: The performances of the supporting cast, including Zain Imam (Harsh) and Vin Rana (Oscar) as the other members of the ‘Josh’ team, and Rahul Dev (Sikander Malik), were also noted as impactful and comfortable within the show’s dramatic tone.

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The Director’s Signature: Vishal Pandya’s Thriller Expertise

The decision to bring Vishal Pandya on board as the director for Poison 2 was a key creative move that defined the series’ overall aesthetic and feel. Pandya is well-known for directing successful Bollywood erotic thrillers like Hate Story 2, Hate Story 3, and Hate Story 4.

His experience in crafting high-budget, stylish thrillers is evident in Poison 2:

• Stylized Visuals: The series is often described as a “stylized drama” with “better drama and visuals” compared to its predecessor. The cinematography by Ravi Walia received a special mention for brilliantly shooting stunning visuals, creating a slick and expensive look that elevates the web series format.
• Masala Thriller Tone: Pandya’s direction infuses the show with a ’90s-style Bollywood punch, utilizing themes of lust, deceit, and backstabbing that are hallmarks of the Abbas-Mustan style of filmmaking. This choice gave the series a commercial, binge-worthy appeal.
• Pace and Intrigue: Despite some reviews noting predictable twists, Pandya’s crisp direction and storytelling were generally praised for maintaining a good pace, successfully keeping the audience intrigued and hooked through all 11 episodes.

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The ‘Poison’ Franchise: A Thematic Link

While Poison 2 introduced a new cast and story, it firmly established the franchise’s identity as an anthology series united by the central theme of Revenge.

• Poison Season 1 (2019): Directed by Jatin Wagle and starring Arbaaz Khan, Tanuj Virwani, and Riya Sen, the first season revolved around Ranveer (Tanuj Virwani), a man released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, who travels to Goa to exact revenge on those who wronged him, bringing his life into conflict with a powerful don (Arbaaz Khan) and an ambitious DSP.
• Thematic Consistency: Both seasons explore how the desire for retribution acts as a destructive poison, forcing characters to engage in morally ambiguous and criminal acts. The common thread is the intense, dark emotion that drives the plot.

Poison 2 successfully took this core concept and translated it to a new, glitzier canvas of horse racing and corporate warfare, thereby solidifying the Poison brand as a destination for high-stakes, revenge-fueled thrillers on ZEE5.

Final Verdict: Is it Binge-Worthy?

Poison 2 is a strong recommendation for viewers who enjoy commercial-style, high-drama, and sleek revenge thrillers. The series doesn’t aim for gritty realism but embraces its dramatic, over-the-top nature, making for an engaging and fast-paced binge.

With Aftab Shivdasani delivering a career-redefining performance as the mysterious anti-hero and Vishal Pandya injecting his signature style of a glamorous, twist-heavy narrative, the series delivers on its promise of an adrenaline-filled watch. If you love a thriller where “loyalty changes just like that,” and every character has a hidden agenda, the venomous world of Poison 2 is definitely worth exploring.

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AISEO-Friendly FAQs

Q1: What is ‘Poison 2’ and where can I watch it? A: Poison 2 is a 2020 ZEE5 Original Hindi-language action crime thriller web series. It is an 11-episode season that premiered exclusively on the ZEE5 streaming platform.

Q2: Who are the main cast members of the ‘Poison 2’ web series? A: The main cast of Poison 2 includes Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani, who made his digital debut as the protagonist Aditya Singh Rathore, Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi (also her digital debut), Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi, Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews, and Pooja Chopra as police officer Isha Khanna.

Q3: Is ‘Poison 2’ connected to the first season, ‘Poison’? A: No, Poison 2 is not a direct continuation of the first season’s plot. The Poison franchise operates on an anthology format. Both seasons share the core genre (action crime thriller) and the central theme of revenge and deceit, but Season 2 features a completely new cast and a distinct storyline, revolving around the high-stakes world of a horse racecourse.

Q4: What is the plot of ‘Poison 2’ about? A: The plot follows Aditya Singh Rathore, a mysterious and cunning businessman and former jockey who enters the lives of the wealthy and powerful ‘Josh’ team (Sara, Harsh, and Oscar). Aditya’s true motive is an elaborate and calculated plan to seek revenge for a crime they committed in the past that led to his imprisonment. The series is a complex game of betrayal, passion, and retribution in the glamorous setting of a racecourse.

Q5: Who directed ‘Poison 2’ and what is their directorial style? A: Poison 2 was directed by Vishal Pandya, who is well-known for directing the Bollywood thriller franchise Hate Story. His style for Poison 2 is characterized by a sleek, stylish, high-drama aesthetic, with a focus on dramatic twists, passionate scenes, and a fast-paced narrative, giving it a ‘masala thriller’ feel.

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Revenge is a Dish Best Served on ZEE5: Deconstructing the Thrilling World of Poison 2

The Indian streaming landscape has become a hotbed for gripping, high-stakes thrillers, and few series exemplify this better than the ZEE5 original, Poison. After the success of its first season, the franchise returned with a completely new narrative and cast for Poison 2, delivering an intoxicating cocktail of revenge, betrayal, and high-octane drama. More than just a sequel, Poison 2 stands as a standalone crime thriller that marked a significant digital debut for several prominent actors and solidified its place as a binge-worthy revenge saga.

The series, which premiered on ZEE5 on October 16, 2020, trades in the established narrative threads for a fresh tale of vengeance set against the opulent, often dangerous, backdrop of Goa’s elite. It is an unapologetic foray into the dark side of ambition, where money, power, and long-held grudges fuel a deadly game of cat and mouse.

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The Plot: A Game of ‘Josh’ and the Quest for the Racecourse

Poison 2 is built around the fundamental truth that for some, revenge is a pure, sweet satisfaction that requires a carefully orchestrated plan. The central conflict revolves around the ‘Josh’ group, a trio of ruthless business partners—Sara, Harsh, and Oscar—who are determined to acquire a coveted derby racecourse, no matter the cost. Their world of unshakeable wealth and calculated success is swiftly and shockingly demolished by the arrival of a mysterious, sophisticated enemy: Aditya Singh Rathore.

The Core Conflict

The story kicks off with Aditya Rathore, played by Aftab Shivdasani, who makes his entry by sabotaging the ‘Josh’ group’s unbeatable winning streak at a horse racing competition, throwing their financial and emotional stability into chaos. Aditya’s actions are not random; they are the first calculated moves in a long-plotted revenge scheme.

The synopsis reveals that Aditya is actually Jaiveer, a man whose life and family were destroyed five years prior when he and his father were implicated in a massive diamond robbery and subsequently jailed. Although the car carrying the father and son reportedly explodes, and the diamonds vanish, Jaiveer—now Aditya Rathore—has returned from the shadows. His single-minded mission is to exact retribution from the three individuals he holds responsible for his ruin: Sara Matthews Oberoi, Harshvardhan Oberoi, and Oscar Matthews.

The trio’s desperation to secure the racecourse deal makes them vulnerable, and Aditya masterfully uses their ambition against them. The series then becomes a fast-paced, non-linear narrative, constantly shifting loyalties and motives as Aditya infiltrates their inner circle.

Key Narrative Elements:

• The Racecourse Bid: The ultimate prize that drives Sara Oberoi’s cutthroat ambition, often at the expense of her relationships.
• Betrayal and Deceit: The ‘Josh’ group members are themselves masters of deceit, with their own internal jealousies and betrayals, which Aditya exploits. The lines of loyalty between husband/wife, brother/sister, and partners are constantly blurred.
• The Cop’s Pursuit: Intertwined with the revenge plot is the investigation led by police officer Isha Khanna (Pooja Chopra), who is determined to uncover the truth behind Aditya’s dark facade.
• Connecting the Universe: The series serves as a sequel to Poison (2019), and though the main cast is new, characters like Rani, Pawan, and Nandu reappear, linking the two narratives in the wider Poison universe.

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Star Power and Digital Debuts: The Poison 2 Cast

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Poison 2 was its impressive ensemble cast, which brought together seasoned Bollywood actors and popular faces from Indian television. The show served as the digital debut for both its leading male and female stars, a trend that was gaining significant traction in the OTT space.

Actor	Character	Role Significance
Aftab Shivdasani	Aditya Singh Rathore / Jaiveer	The protagonist and mastermind of the elaborate revenge plan; his first digital series.
Raai Laxmi	Sara Matthews Oberoi	The ambitious, cutthroat owner of the ‘Josh’ group; her first digital series.
Vin Rana	Oscar Matthews	Sara’s brother and one of the targets of Aditya’s revenge.
Zain Imam	Harshvardhan Oberoi	Sara’s husband and partner in the ‘Josh’ group.
Pooja Chopra	Isha Khanna	The dedicated police officer investigating the mounting crime and Aditya’s suspicious activities.
Rahul Dev	Sikander Malik	A supporting but menacing role that adds to the series’ high-stakes tension.

Aftab Shivdasani’s OTT Foray

For Aftab Shivdasani, Poison 2 was touted as an ideal comeback vehicle, providing him with a ‘larger-than-life’ character that allowed him to portray various shades of grey. His character, Aditya Rathore, is not a traditional hero but a morally ambiguous figure consumed by his mission. His nuanced performance as a chilling antagonist who believes that #RevengeNeverEnds was central to the series’ success.

Raai Laxmi: A Breath of Fresh Air

Co-star Raai Laxmi, primarily known for her work in South Indian cinema, made her digital debut in a role that required her to be ambitious, sincere, and ruthless. As Sara Oberoi, the owner of the ‘Josh’ group, she anchors the narrative as the powerful figure targeted by Aditya, showcasing a captivating chemistry with both Shivdasani and Zain Imam.

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Production and Technical Landscape

The production of Poison 2 aimed to deliver a glossy, commercial-potboiler feel, heavy on action, drama, and emotion.

• Director: The series was directed by Vishal Pandya, known for his work in Hindi cinema thrillers, which is evident in the show’s polished look and emphasis on high-stakes drama and action sequences.
• Screenwriting: The story was written by Rehan Khan, with additional screenplay by Heena Kohli Khan and Ali Balsania. The writing focused on giving each character their own subplot, which eventually converges into a dramatic climax.
• Structure and Pacing: Poison 2 is an 11-episode short series, with each episode running for approximately 35 minutes. This streamlined structure was appreciated by critics for contributing to a quick and fast pace, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with continuous twists and turns—a departure from the tendency of some older series to prolong the narrative.
• Themes and Aesthetics: The show fully embraced the ‘eccentric theme’ of crime thrillers, focusing on the opulent lifestyle of the rich—expensive cars, designer clothes, and grand locations—which provided a visually appealing setting for the dark, criminal undertones. The drama is replete with intense moments, bold and ‘sizzling hot scenes,’ and a pervasive atmosphere of lust and deceit.

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Critical Reception and Viewer Verdict

Upon its release, Poison 2 garnered a mix of positive and critical responses, typical of a high-octane genre piece.

The High Points:

• Fast-Paced Thriller: Many reviews highlighted the quick pacing and the continuous introduction of twists as the series’ greatest strength, making it an ideal binge-watch.
• Intriguing and Addictive: The suspense and the ‘grey shade’ of every character, which constantly makes the viewer shift loyalties between Aditya and Sara, were praised for keeping the audience hooked.
• Aftab Shivdasani’s Performance: The actor’s digital debut was widely noted as successful, with his portrayal of the vengeful anti-hero receiving significant positive attention.
• High Production Value: The series was commended for its commercial potboiler feel, effectively combining action, emotion, and drama.

The Areas of Criticism:

• Melodrama and Writing: Some reviewers felt the narrative was predictable in parts and suffered from ‘convoluted characterisation’ and ‘painful melodrama,’ with dialogues occasionally reeking of ‘double entendre.’
• Technical Flaws: Criticism was aimed at a perceived ‘B-grade quality’ in the making by some, with issues such as jerky edits and a score that was sometimes ‘over the top.’
• Casting Issues: While the leads were lauded, some felt that the character of the police officer, played by Pooja Chopra, was a miscast, and other supporting roles were underutilized.

Despite the mixed reviews concerning the execution, the consensus remained that the core plot—a story of betrayal, hatred, and revenge that explores how “Badla jitna purana ho jata hai, utna hi zahreela ho jata hai” (The older the revenge, the more poisonous it becomes)—made it a compelling and memorable watch for fans of the genre.

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Conclusion: A Sequel That Stung

Poison 2 successfully delivered on its promise of a dark, racy, and twisted action-crime thriller. By introducing a new core story of ultimate revenge driven by the shadowy Aditya Rathore and setting it against the ambitious ‘Josh’ group, the series managed to draw viewers in with its relentless pace and constant scheming. It remains a benchmark for the revenge-thriller genre in the Indian OTT space, largely due to its commitment to high-stakes drama and the captivating digital debut performances of its leading stars. The series proved that in the world of the wealthy and powerful, trust is a fatal flaw, and for some, the quest for retribution is a ‘poison’ that truly never ends.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about Poison 2 (Zee5) Webseries)

Q1: What is the plot of the web series Poison 2?

A: Poison 2 is an action crime thriller about a meticulous and elaborate revenge plot. The story centers on Aditya Singh Rathore, who returns after five years to exact revenge on the ‘Josh’ group—Sara, Harsh, and Oscar—who he holds responsible for framing him and his father in a diamond heist. The main drama unfolds as Aditya systematically dismantles their empire and their ultimate goal of securing a profitable derby racecourse.

Q2: Who are the main actors in the Poison 2 cast?

A: The main cast of Poison 2 includes:

• Aftab Shivdasani as Aditya Singh Rathore (protagonist/anti-hero)
• Raai Laxmi as Sara Matthews Oberoi (co-owner of the ‘Josh’ group)
• Pooja Chopra as Isha Khanna (the investigating police officer)
• Vin Rana as Oscar Matthews
• Zain Imam as Harshvardhan Oberoi

Q3: Is Poison 2 a sequel to Poison Season 1?

A: Yes, Poison 2 is a sequel to the first season of Poison (2019). However, it features a completely new main cast and a fresh primary storyline focused on Aditya’s revenge against the ‘Josh’ group. Some characters from the first season, like Rani, Pawan, and Nandu, reappear in the sequel, creating a connective thread in the franchise universe.

Q4: Was Poison 2 the digital debut for any of the main actors?

A: Yes, Poison 2 marked the digital debut on any OTT platform for both the lead actors, Aftab Shivdasani and Raai Laxmi. Aftab Shivdasani’s role as the vengeful Aditya Rathore was particularly highlighted as a significant comeback vehicle.

Q5: Who directed the web series Poison 2?

A: The web series Poison 2 was directed by Vishal Pandya, who is known for helming action-thriller films.

Q6: How many episodes does Poison 2 have?

A: The Poison 2 web series consists of 11 episodes. Its fast-paced, shorter episode count was designed for a quick and engaging binge-watching experience.

Q7: What are the main themes of Poison 2?

A: The series is a crime thriller that delves into intense themes such as revenge, betrayal, lust, deceit, and redemption. The central message is encapsulated in the show’s tagline and core conflict: Revenge Never Ends.