Aashram

Aashram centers on Baba Nirala, a charismatic spiritual leader who runs a large aashram while concealing a web of criminal operations. He cultivates trust through public charity and ritual, drawing both the needy and the influential, while his inner circle is involved in sexual violence, murder, drugs, vote-bank politics and coercive attacks on men's dignity. A few survivors, a skeptical journalist and Inspector Ujagar Singh start piecing together testimony and evidence, testing loyalties and risking backlash. The series moves between the polished public face of devotion and the investigative pressure that threatens to expose how religious authority can mask systemic abuse.

Created and produced by Prakash Jha, Aashram debuted in 2020 and stars Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala. The show marked a notable filmmaker's move into serialized streaming drama, assembling a cast that includes Chandan Roy Sanyal, Darshan Kumaar, Aaditi Pohankar and Tridha Choudhury.

The series generated widespread conversation about self-styled godmen and the overlap of religion, politics and crime. It sparked debates on social media and in mainstream outlets over representation of sensitive issues, and Bobby Deol's performance became a frequent subject of commentary, boosting public interest in the show.

Critical and viewer responses were mixed, reflected in a modest average rating of 5.1/10 from available votes. Reviewers and audiences praised certain performances and the show's gritty intent, while some criticized uneven pacing and sensational elements. Recurring themes include the abuse of authority, institutional corruption, manipulation of faith and the struggles of victims seeking justice.

Aashram did not sweep major national or international awards, but it attracted attention through controversy and strong audience engagement, helping to raise the profiles of its lead actors and to justify additional seasons. Its impact has been measured more in public debate and continued viewership than in trophy recognition.