Top 5 Bollywood Crime Thrillers: Bollywood has a checkered history of using real crimes, some of the most contentious and impactful in India, to create compelling films. The films in this genre do not exist merely to entertain—it helps us think about questions of justice, police investigations, and the media’s engagement with the truth. If you love watching screeching dramas on the edge of your seat that are based in facts, the top five Bollywood crime thrillers based on a true story, including where to watch them.
Inspired by: 2008 Noida double murder case
What it’s about: Directed by Meghna Gulzar, and starring Irrfan Khan, it revisits the famous Aarushi Talwar case and presents three different perspectives or viewpoints on how inevitably the truth gets lost in not just investigation but through trial by media as well.
Where to watch: On Disney+ Hotstar
Inspired by: 1993 Bombay bomb blastsWhat it’s about: A gritty crime drama directed by Anurag Kashyap, and adapted from a Hussain Zaidi narrative non-fiction. Black Friday depicts the events surrounding the attacks before and after the bombings, and dramatizes the entire case while revealing how each proved crucial to break down the crime’s developments over various directions.
Where to watch: On Netflix
Inspired by: 1999 Jessica Lal murder case
What it’s about: Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan stars in this hard-hitting and riveting film dealing with the murder of a model and the uproar that ensued in the public which led to a re-trial. The movie showcases the power of the media to influence the cause of justice.
Where to watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video
Inspired by: 1987 fake CBI raid in Mumbai
What it’s about: Akshay Kumar leads a group of conmen impersonating CBI officers and fooling rich businessmen in Mumbai. This snappy and suspenseful thriller is based on shocking actual events that left authorities bemused.
Where to watch: Available on ZEE5
Based on: 2008 Batla House encounter
What is it about: John Abraham plays the police officer in a controversial case regarding an encounter. The film covers several aspects including national security, public perception, and personal conflict.
Where to watch it: Available on Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: Top 5 Indian Cyber Crime Thrillers to Watch on OTT in 2025
These films present a perfect combination of reality and screen drama. If you like true crime or love intense thrillers, these films will give you a fascinating look at just how strange—and dramatic—reality could be compared to the scripted world of fiction.
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