When it comes to crime, truth really is stranger than fiction—and Indian cinema knows it. From Madras Cafe's high-stakes espionage to Main Aur Charles's twisted game of cat-and-mouse with a charming (real-life) serial killer, these films bring true crime tales to the big screen with drama, suspense, and just enough fiction to keep us guessing. Here are 15 Indian movies that turned notorious real-life crimes into unforgettable storytelling.
15 Indian Movies Inspired by True Crime in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and More
Bhakshak (2024)
Where to Watch: Netflix
A determined journalist uncovers shocking abuse in a girls' shelter, inspired by the harrowing Muzaffarpur shelter case.
Sarbjit (2016)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The story of Sarbjit, an innocent man who crosses the Indo-Pak border by mistake, and his sister’s relentless fight for justice—based on true events.
Sector 36 (2024)
Where to Watch: Netflix
An ambitious cop investigates children disappearing in a slum. Loosely inspired by the infamous 2006 Noida serial murders, it’s a gritty cinematic twist on reality.
Shahid (2012)
Where to Watch: Prime Video (Rent)
Based on Shahid Azmi’s journey from militant to lawyer, fighting for those falsely accused of terrorism—his life and tragic end shine a light on justice in a divided society.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Where to Watch: JioCinema
Inspired by the coal mafia in Dhanbad, this two-part saga of feuding families brings a complex portrait of crime and politics in rural India.
Madras Cafe (2013)
Where to Watch: Netflix, JioCinema
An Indian intelligence officer uncovers a plot to assassinate a former prime minister, set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war. A fictional spin on historical intrigue. During an interview with BBC, Director Shoojit Sircar was quoted, “The film is a work of fiction, but it is based on research into real events, it has a resemblance to actual political events, dealing with civil war and the ideology of a rebel group.”
Main Aur Charles (2015)
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
A dramatic portrayal of Charles Sobhraj, the infamous killer who charmed his victims and escaped prison, ensuing not only a Hindi movie but a complete Netflix documentary
Pada (2022)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Inspired by a 1996 protest in Kerala, four men take a collector hostage to challenge a law they believe exploits indigenous rights.
Posham Pa (2019)
Where to Watch: Zee5
Loosely based on shocking real-life murders in the hands of serial killers Anjana, and her two daughters Seema Gavit and Renuka Shinde who kidnapped more than 40 children and murdered around 12 children on 19 November 1996.
Naa Bangaaru Talli (2013)
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Inspired by a true story, this film captures the horrors of human trafficking when a father’s illicit activities bring tragedy upon his own daughter.
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
A young woman sold into prostitution rises to power in Mumbai’s underworld, inspired by a chapter in S. Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens of Mumbai.
Rakta Charitra (2010)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube
A dramatised retelling of political rivalries and factional violence in Andhra Pradesh, inspired by the lives of Paritala Ravi and Maddelacheruvu Suri.
Jai Bhim (2021)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
This hard-hitting courtroom drama follows an activist lawyer fighting for justice when a tribal man goes missing in police custody. Inspired by real events from 1993, the story draws on the life and work of Justice K. Chandru
Bombay (1995)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar
Set against the backdrop of the Bombay riots of 1992-93, this story of a Hindu-Muslim couple captures the chaos after the Babri Masjid demolition.
Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017)
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar, Prime Video
Inspired by Operation Bawaria, this crime-action thriller follows a police officer’s pursuit of a ruthless gang terrorizing the highways.
