There are a lot of Best Crime Thrillers that are Based on True Stories. With a rise in criminal thrillers based on real-life events, Indian cinema has seen a remarkable development in recent years. These films not only enthral viewers with their compelling stories, but they also provide insight into real-life incidents that have horrified the country.
In this article, we examine the top ten Indian true-crime thrillers that were published after 2020. These films are a must-see for aficionados of the genre because they expertly juggle suspense, drama, and social critique.
10 Best Crime Thrillers Based on True Stories
1. “The Big Bull” (2021)
- Director: Kookie Gulati
- Based on: The life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta
“The Big Bull” is a financial crime drama that takes its cues from the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who masterminded one of India’s biggest stock market frauds. The film’s examination of greed and ambition, as well as Abhishek Bachchan’s excellent portrayal as Hemant Shah, a character partially based on Mehta, make it a captivating watch.
2. “The Power” (2021)
- Director: Mahesh Manjrekar
- Based on: Mumbai underworld and crime
“The Power” is a grim crime drama that explores the underworld in Mumbai. The film, which is led by a distinguished cast that includes Vidyut Jammwal and Shruti Haasan, tells a story of power battles, criminal families, and the search for justice.
3. “Sherni” (2021)
- Director: Amit Masurkar
- Based on: Man-animal conflict and bureaucracy
“Sherni” is a thought-provoking movie that examines the clash between people and wildlife in rural India, despite not being a standard criminal thriller. Vidya Balan’s portrayal of a forest warden juggling bureaucracy and conservation difficulties is intriguing and socially pertinent, and it was inspired by actual occurrences.
4. “Raat Akeli Hai” (2020)
- Director: Honey Trehan
- Based on: A murder mystery in a wealthy family
It is a suspenseful murder mystery that takes place within a wealthy family’s estate. A small-town police officer played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui is tasked with figuring out who killed a family patriarch the night before his wedding. The movie masterfully combines societal commentary, family drama, and suspense.
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5. “Serious Men” (2020)
- Director: Sudhir Mishra
- Based on: A father’s aspirations for his son
“Serious Men” is a satirical drama that is not a standard criminal thriller and centres on a father’s desire to improve his son’s future. The Manu Joseph novel served as the basis for the film, which examines class, privilege, and aspirational issues against the backdrop of Mumbai’s underworld.
6. “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” (2020)
- Director: Hansal Mehta
- Based on: The life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta
The stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who orchestrated a significant financial fraud in the 1990s, is the subject of this critically praised web series, which charts his ascent and decline. Widespread praise was accorded to Pratik Gandhi’s portrayal of Mehta, and the series is praised for accurately capturing what transpired.
7. “Nail Polish” (2021)
- Director: Bugs Bhargava Krishna
- Based on: A courtroom drama surrounding a murder
The central murder case in the courtroom thriller “Nail Polish” is a well-known one. The film looks at issues like memory, justice, and the hazy distinction between the truth and lies. The movie puts audiences on the edge of their seats and stars Arjun Rampal.
8. “Ajeeb Daastaans” (2021)
- Directors: Various
- Based on an anthology of four unique stories
Four different stories in the anthology film “Ajeeb Daastaans” each explore themes of love, betrayal, and social expectations. Although not all of the parts are crime thrillers, many deal with difficult human connections and emotions, which makes for an interesting viewing.
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9. “Collar Bomb” (2021)
- Director: Dnyanesh Zoting
- Based on: A thriller involving a bomb threat
A police officer is compelled to commit crimes in the gripping thriller “Collar Bomb” in order to save the lives of innocent people. As the seconds count down to a fatal explosion, the movie keeps spectators guessing.
10. “A Thursday” (2022)
- Director: Behzad Khambata
- Based on: A school hostage situation
The events of the novel “A Thursday” take place in the context of a hostage situation at a school. The story is given depth by Yami Gautam’s portrayal of a teacher who holds pupils captive for a plausible purpose, which makes the film intense to watch.
