Indian television and OTT platforms have witnessed a tremendous increase in content that is a mix of thrill, reality, and history. One particular niche is that of the thriller giving an historical or true crime twist. These shows are not just works of fiction, but windows to a chilling past of India, replete with forgotten crimes and unheard stories of grit, politics and justice.
Here we share the best Indian crime dramas based on true crime and historical events and what makes it so appealing.
Why True Crime and Historical Thrillers Resonate with Indian Audiences
1. Authenticity and Emotional Depth
Shows rooted in reality evoke stronger emotional connections. When audiences know that the story actually happened, the stakes feel real.
2. Educational Value
These dramas offer more than entertainment—they educate viewers about India’s sociopolitical history, legal system, and crime evolution.
3. Curiosity About Unresolved Mysteries
Many of these shows tackle unsolved or controversial cases, sparking debate and keeping the audience engaged.
Top Indian Thriller Dramas Based on True Crime and History
1. Delhi Crime (Netflix)
Based On: 2012 Delhi Gang Rape Case Director: Richie Mehta Why Watch: Delhi Crime is a harrowing, slow-burning thriller that focuses on the police investigation behind one of India’s most horrifying crimes. It doesn’t just depict violence—it scrutinizes the systemic flaws and the emotional toll on law enforcement.
Accolades:
- International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series (2020)
- Praised globally for its sensitive storytelling and strong performances.
2. Scoop (Netflix)
Based On: The book Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison by Jigna Vora Director: Hansal Mehta Why Watch: A journalist gets entangled in a high-profile murder case. Scoop is not just a crime thriller it’s a deep dive into media politics, corruption, and the fragility of truth in India.
3. Trial by Fire (Netflix)
Based On: The Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy (1997) Starring: Abhay Deol, Rajshri Deshpande Why Watch: The show chronicles the two-decade-long fight of parents who lost their children in a preventable tragedy. It’s a gut-wrenching tale of grief, resilience, and a failed justice system.
4. The Scam Series (SonyLIV)
Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story Scam 2003: The Telgi Story Based On: India’s biggest financial scams Creators: Hansal Mehta (Scam 1992), Tushar Hiranandani (Scam 2003) Why Watch: These shows dissect India’s financial world like never before. With gripping narration and a 90s Bombay backdrop, they make complex economic crimes accessible and thrilling.
5. The Verdict: State vs Nanavati (ALTBalaji/ZEE5)
Based On: The 1959 Nanavati case Starring: Manav Kaul, Elli AvrRam Why Watch: This trial changed India’s legal and journalistic landscape. The series explores the media frenzy, military honor, and courtroom drama that led to the abolition of jury trials in India.
6. The Chargesheet: Innocent or Guilty? (ZEE5)
Based On: The Syed Modi Murder Case (1988) Starring: Arunoday Singh, Tridha Choudhury Why Watch: Political power games and betrayal unfold in this slow-burn investigation thriller that sheds light on the murky waters of Indian politics and sports.
7. Aar Ya Paar (Disney+ Hotstar)
Inspired By: Tribal exploitation and environmental crime Why Watch: Though fictionalized, the show is rooted in the real struggles of indigenous tribes facing exploitation by powerful corporations and the state.
8. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld (Netflix Documentary)
Based On: Real-life encounters between police and mafia dons Why Watch: This documentary-style thriller narrates firsthand accounts from retired officers and journalists during the rise of Dawood Ibrahim and the encounter culture of the 1990s.
What Makes These Dramas Truly Impactful?
Narrative Style
Real-life crime thrillers often blend journalistic precision with emotional arcs, offering something both intellectually and viscerally engaging.
Strong Female Protagonists
From Delhi Crime’s DCP Vartika Chaturvedi to Scoop’s Jagruti Pathak, these series often highlight women navigating high-stakes environments.
Authentic Set Design & Costuming
Whether it’s 90s Bombay or a Delhi police station, these shows excel in recreating real environments down to the smallest detail.
Use of Real Footage and News Clips
Incorporating actual news footage and interviews lends authenticity and reinforces the seriousness of the subject matter.
How These Shows Reflect Modern India
These dramas aren’t just about crime or history—they reflect modern India’s evolving identity, including:
- Legal loopholes and systemic corruption
- Gender-based violence and media sensationalism
- Citizens’ struggle for justice
- The power and danger of journalism
The Future of Storytelling: AI, Data, and Audience Demand
Just as AI, data analytics, and automation are reshaping the sales and business landscape, they’re also transforming content creation and consumption. OTT platforms now use data to:
- Predict what genres will trend
- Personalize user recommendations
- Identify underrepresented real-life stories to dramatize
This data-driven approach ensures that more true crime and historical thrillers rooted in India’s past will come to light stories that might otherwise remain untold.
India’s vibrant, convoluted social political history is a hotbed of thriller dramas that have been birthed from reality. From high-stakes courtroom dramas and scams to ghastly crimes and systemic issues, these shows aren’t only for entertainment purposes they educate, they provoke, and they call for change.
With AI and data analysis increasingly shaping the content trends, needless to say, the audiences are in for even more real-inspired Indian thrillers that reveal, teach and enrich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Indian thriller dramas based on real events accurate?
Most take creative liberties for dramatization but stay true to the core facts. Shows like Delhi Crime and Trial by Fire are particularly acclaimed for their accuracy.
2. Where can I watch Indian true crime and historical thrillers?
Platforms like Netflix, SonyLIV, ZEE5, ALTBalaji, and Disney+ Hotstar host most of these shows.
3. What’s the difference between fictional thrillers and true crime thrillers?
Fictional thrillers are imagined stories, while true crime thrillers are based on real cases or historical events, often with verifiable sources.
4. Are there any Indian thriller documentaries worth watching?
Yes. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld and Indian Predator series on Netflix are gripping true crime documentaries.
5. Why are true crime dramas so popular in India?
Because they offer a mirror to society, raise awareness about critical issues, and are often more emotionally engaging due to their real-world stakes.
