Netflix has continued to bring varied stories to its global audience from day one. The platform in India has been instrumental in redefining the thriller genre, curating stories that are both culturally relevant and universally entertaining. This article explores the growth of Indian thrillers on Netflix, and how we went from the groundbreaking Sacred Games to the widely celebrated Scoop.
Sacred Games: The Trailblazer
Released in 2018, Sacred Games marked Netflix’s first original series from India. Adapted from Vikram Chandra’s novel, the series intertwines the lives of Sartaj Singh, a troubled Mumbai police officer, and Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious gangster. The narrative delves deep into Mumbai’s underworld, political corruption, and existential dilemmas.(Saif Ali Khan Online, Wikipedia)
The program was an absolute hit, earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes when it first aired. Intelligent screenwriting, complex characters (played by the talented and wonderful Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui), and a cinematic vision paved the way for what felt like a new benchmark for an Indian web series. It also demonstrated that India can be capable of creating content that can travel worldwide and led to more locally produced thrillers for international platforms. (Business Insider, Wikipedia)
Delhi Crime: Realism Meets Storytelling
Building on the momentum, Delhi Crime premiered in 2019, offering a harrowing depiction of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. Directed by Richie Mehta, the series focuses on the police investigation led by DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, portrayed by Shefali Shah. The show’s commitment to realism, combined with sensitive storytelling, garnered critical acclaim.(Wikipedia)
In 2020, Delhi Crime made history by winning the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, a first for an Indian series. This accolade underscored the global recognition of Indian narratives and the growing appetite for authentic, hard-hitting stories. (Wikipedia)
Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega: Exploring Cybercrime
Last year, it was Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega, which let viewers peep into a world of phishing in small-town Jharkhand. Directed by Soumendra Padhi, the series follows young scamsters who prey on the digital ignorance of people. By placing cybercrime at its core, Jamtara broadened the thematic scope of Indian thrillers, underscoring the genre’s ability to be circumscribed by contemporary concerns. (Wikipedia)
Khakee: The Bihar Chapter: Law Enforcement and Crime
Khakee: The Bihar ChapterReleased in 2022 This movie has a stellar story which revolves around the cat-and-mouse story between a no-nonsense police officer and a feared gangster in Bihar. Based on a storyline by Neeraj Pandey, the series focuses on the challenges that law enforcement faces in areas rampant with crime and deceit. Its successful reception has prompted a second season, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, proving the series’ success with fans and their demand for region-specific crime dramas. (Wikipedia)
Scoop: Journalism Under Siege
In 2023, Scoop presented a riveting tale inspired by real events. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the series chronicles the life of Jagruti Pathak, a crime journalist entangled in the investigation of a fellow reporter’s murder. As she becomes a prime suspect, the narrative delves into the murky intersections of media, law enforcement, and the underworld.(Wikipedia)
Scoop received widespread acclaim, securing multiple nominations and winning Best Drama Series at the 2023 Filmfare OTT Awards. Karishma Tanna’s portrayal of Jagruti was particularly lauded, cementing the series’ place in the pantheon of Indian thrillers. (Wikipedia)
Thematic Evolution: From Crime to Conscience
The evolution of Indian thrillers on Netflix seems to have come a full circle: from crime-driven stories to tales that question social systems and its moral contradictions. If Sacred Games explored the mind of gangsters and the supernatural, its follow-up series such as Delhi Crime and Scoop were about systemic failures, institutional failings and the individual’s pursuit of justice.
This evolution reflects a maturation of the genre, where thrillers serve not just to entertain but also to provoke thought and discourse on pressing societal concerns.
From the game-changing Sacred Games to the tour-de-force Scoop, Netflix has led the charge in reinventing Indian thrillers. These produced series not only entertained but also dared the viewers to look at the uncomfortable facts that they had chosen to, or have been forced to, ignore about society, government and right and wrong. With the genre working up so well, one can expect more storylines that mix thrill with commentary that so far only seem to enhance the Indian OTT landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What was Netflix India’s first original thriller series? Sacred Games, released in 2018, holds the distinction of being Netflix India’s first original thriller series.
Q2: Are the events in Scoop based on real incidents? Yes, Scoop draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of journalist Jigna Vora, who was accused in the murder case of fellow journalist Jyotirmoy Dey.(Wikipedia)
Q3: Which Indian thriller series won an International Emmy Award? Delhi Crime achieved this feat by winning the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020.(Wikipedia)
Q4: Are there any upcoming sequels to popular Indian thriller series on Netflix? Yes, following the success of Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, a sequel titled Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has been announced.(Wikipedia)
Q5: How have Indian thrillers on Netflix evolved over time? Initially centered on crime and underworld narratives, Indian thrillers on Netflix have progressively incorporated themes addressing societal issues, systemic failures, and moral dilemmas, reflecting a broader and more nuanced storytelling approach.