Actor Randeep Hooda is stepping back into the role of Inspector Avinash Mishra for season 2 of his streaming series, and has revealed how closely he collaborated with the real-life officer who inspired the character. The upcoming season, set to premiere on 15 May 2026 on JioHotstar, delves deeper into the emotional and psychological struggles of its protagonist as he navigates high-pressure investigations that blur personal and professional boundaries.

Meeting the Real Inspector

Hooda explained that his initial approach to the character lacked direction until he met Inspector Avinash Mishra in person. "When I first read the script, the character felt like a blank slate, and I was not sure which direction to take," Hooda said. "That changed when I met the real-life inspiration. Spending time with him helped me discover the character on a much deeper level — his physicality, his accent, his worldview, and the way he deals with people and situations."

On-Set Collaboration and Observation

Inspector Avinash Mishra remained actively involved throughout production, frequently visiting shooting locations in Lucknow and Mumbai. Hooda credited these interactions as crucial to refining his portrayal. "I would often talk to him and simply be in his presence, observing him closely so I could adapt my own physicality and mindset to reflect his personality," the actor noted. According to Hooda, the resemblance became so pronounced that friends and family of the real officer have remarked that in long shots, distinguishing between the two is difficult — a recognition Hooda described as a significant compliment.

Authenticity Through Real Stories

Hooda emphasised that the real inspector's lived experiences were instrumental in anchoring the character's authenticity. "Without his stories, insights and guidance, it would have been impossible to bring such depth and uniqueness to the character and the events portrayed in the series," Hooda stated. This collaborative approach extends beyond surface-level mimicry, grounding the fictional narrative in the operational realities and emotional toll of law enforcement work.

Season 2's Darker Territory

The new season intensifies the psychological stakes, with Inspector Avinash confronting scenarios that test both his integrity and personal relationships. The expanded emotional scope reflects a deliberate creative choice to move beyond procedural beats into character-driven storytelling, mirroring real investigative work's human cost.