Like many Ullu Originals, Rikshawala walked a tightrope between art and exploitation. Critics praised its ambition but noted:
Audience reactions were polarized. Some hailed it as a "dark masterpiece about the urban male id," while others dismissed it as "poverty porn wrapped in soft-core aesthetics."
Rikshawala uses the rickshaw as a metaphor for the intersection of two worlds that rarely mix. The series asks uncomfortable questions: Can love (or lust) truly transcend economic barriers? Or is it merely a fetishization of the "rough" working class by the bored elite?
Rikshawala is a mixed bag. It tries desperately to be the Ardh (another Ullu success) of 2023 but lacks the emotional subtlety. It is beautifully shot, competently acted, but narratively uneven. The rickshaw goes fast in the first gear, sputters in the second, and crashes in the third.
For fans of the genre, it is a one-time watch. For critics, it is a case study in how Indian adult web series continue to mistake quantity of skin for quality of storytelling.
Search Tags: Rikshawala full episode, Rikshawala Ullu web series 2023, Priya Gamre Ullu originals, Ayush Tandon new web series, Desi adult thriller OTT. Rikshawala -2023- Ullu Original
Streaming On: Ullu App (Subscription required, 18+ only).
Have you watched Rikshawala? Let us know in the comments below if the twist at the end justifies the ride.
Rikshawala is an Ullu Original web series that premiered on April 11, 2023. The story centers on Kundan, a well-educated young man working as a rickshaw driver, whose life changes after he prevents a woman named Nisha from committing suicide. Series Details Release Date: April 11, 2023. Genre: Drama. Platform: Ullu App.
Episodes: The first season consists of 8 episodes released in parts throughout April 2023. Lead Cast
The series features several popular faces from the Indian digital space: Dhiraj Kumar Rai as Kundan. Manvi Chugh as Nisha. Jinnie Jaaz as Shikha. Ruks Khandagale as Shalini. Plot Overview Like many Ullu Originals, Rikshawala walked a tightrope
The narrative follows the developing friendship between Kundan and Nisha. Kundan offers to help educate Nisha's niece to get closer to her, but the situation becomes complicated when Nisha's sister-in-law, Shikha, enters the picture. As the story progresses, Kundan's motives shift, leading to a darker turn involving blackmail and physical manipulation as he clashes with Shikha's own plans for the family property.
Details on the full cast and episode breakdown can be found on IMDb and TMDB. Rikshawala (TV Series 2023– )
April 11, 2023 (India) India. Official sites. Rikshawala - Part 1. Rikshawala - Part 2. Language. Hindi. Rikshawala (TV Series 2023– )
Rikshawala (2023) is an Ullu Original web series that blends drama and romance with the platform's signature bold themes. Released in April 2023 across multiple parts, the series follows Kundan, a well-educated young man working as a rickshaw driver. Series Overview
: The story centers on Kundan, who saves a woman named Nisha from a suicide attempt. Their initial encounter develops into a deep friendship as Kundan offers to help educate Nisha’s niece. : The series features popular Ullu regulars, including Jinnie Jaaz (as Shikha), Manvi Chugh (as Nisha), and Dhiraj Kumar Rai (as Kundan). : Premiered on April 11, 2023 , with subsequent parts released throughout the month. Review & Highlights Unusual Premise : Unlike many Ullu titles that focus solely on fantasy, Rikshawala Audience reactions were polarized
attempts to ground its story in a social context—the educated youth forced into blue-collar work. Performance
: Fans of the genre generally appreciate the chemistry between the lead actors. Jinnie Jaaz Manvi Chugh
are major draws for the platform's core audience, and their presence ensures high viewership. Production Quality
: As a 2023 original, it maintains the standard visual quality of the
, which is known for high-definition streaming and accessible regional language options. Audience Sentiment
: While it follows the typical erotic-drama formula, viewers noted the more structured storyline in the early episodes compared to older series. Check ULLU Ratings & Customer Reviews ULLU has an overall rating of 4.0 based on 44 reviews. WorthEPenny About Us - ULLU