“Sultan of Delhi” emerges as a deluge of gangster drama clichés, drowning in its own lack of novelty and depth. Milan Lutharia, known for his past successes like “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai,” attempts to replicate that formula in the era of OTT platforms but falls short, demonstrating a saturation of patience among audiences for stereotypical narratives.

Set against the backdrop of post-partition India, the series follows the journey of Arjun, portrayed by the versatile Tahir Raj Bhasin. Arjun, initially a victim of the riots, evolves into a street-smart mechanic recruited by the gangster Jagan. His aspirations to become the Sultan of Delhi drive the narrative forward, blending ambition with compassion, yet ultimately succumbing to his own hubris.

Tahir Raj Bhasin’s portrayal of Arjun encapsulates the complexity of his character, seamlessly transitioning between likability and ambiguity, reminiscent of his past roles in films like “Mardaani” and “Chhichhore.”

Alongside Arjun is Nilendu, affectionately known as Bangali, portrayed by Anjum Sharma. Bangali adds a layer of light-heartedness to the series, with his loyalty and bravado shining through despite his flaws. Anjum Sharma’s performance injects vibrancy into the character, balancing flamboyance with depth, reminiscent of his previous roles in “Mirzapur” and “Made in Heaven.”

Opposing Arjun is Rajendra Pratap Singh, played by Nishant Dahiya, who embodies the quintessential antagonist. RP’s descent into ruthlessness mirrors his father’s legacy, culminating in a power struggle with Arjun. Despite feeling somewhat awkward in the role, Dahiya effectively portrays RP’s transformation from a mere puppet to a formidable adversary.

Vinay Pathak’s portrayal of Jagan, the enigmatic businessman turned arms dealer, adds an intriguing dynamic to the narrative. Pathak’s nuanced performance captures the essence of Jagan’s character, although at times veering into caricature, reminiscent of his versatility seen in films like “Bheja Fry” and “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”

Anupriya Goenka embodies Shankari Devi, the seductive femme fatale entangled in the Singh family’s web. Goenka’s powerful portrayal infuses depth into Shankari, elevating her beyond a mere stereotype and adding layers to her character’s motivations.

Mouni Roy’s portrayal of Nayantara, while limited in scope, adds a touch of glamour to the series. Despite her character’s lack of depth, Roy’s performance resonates, showcasing her transition from television to film with finesse.

While “Sultan of Delhi” boasts a talented ensemble cast and a promising premise, it falls short due to its lack of research and displaced historical context. The series’ ambitious scope is hindered by its reliance on clichéd tropes, resulting in a narrative that fails to leave a lasting impact.