Bollywood can cater to chilling storytelling, and when it comes to narrating true crime dramas, the audience is rarely left disappointed. Indian filmmakers have made gripping narratives of true crime scenes that are shocking yet thought-provoking. Here’s a closer look at Bollywood’s top five true crime dramas.
‘No One Killed Jessica ’
This crime movie is based on the real-life murder of a Delhi-based model and bartender, Jessica Lal. This film reflects real narratives and highlights the misuse of power and privilege. ‘No One Killed Jessica’ is Bollywood’s most acclaimed true crime drama that gave the audience chills down the spine. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the movie has Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan, Mayra Karn, and others in pivotal roles.
‘Talwar’
The movie is based on the 2008 double-murder case of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj. The film stars Irrfan Khan as a meticulous investigator navigating the conflicting narratives of the murder case of a 14-year old girl, along with Soha Ali Khan and Rajat Kapoor portraying the grieving parents. What sets ‘Talvar’ apart is its multi-perspective storytelling. The film does not settle on a single version of the events but presents the case through the lens of the police, the prosecution, and forensic experts.
‘Black Friday’
This crime film is based on the 1993 Bombay bombings and the investigations that followed one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in India. It is a raw, documentary-like depiction of the tragic incident. Along with the horror of the bombing, the film examined the socio-political environment. The film stars Kay Kat Menon, Pawan Malhotra, Aditya Shrivastava, and Shweta Menon. ‘Black Friday’ is considered a seminal work in Indian cinema.
‘Batla House’
This gripping Bollywood crime drama is inspired by the 2008 Batla House encounter case in Delhi. While the film does take some creative liberties, it largely remains true to the real events. The film is known for its realistic and tense storytelling, sending chills down the spine. This high-stakes drama stars John Abrahm, Mrunal Thakur, Manoj Pahwa, Rajesh Sharma, and Aparshakti Khurana.
‘Raman Raghav 2.0 ‘
This psychological thriller is inspired by the notorious serial killer named Raman Raghav. The multiple murders shocked Mumbai in the 1960s. The film stars one-of-a-kind actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Ramanna, the unpredictable serial killer, and Vicky Kaushal as a morally conflicted police officer. ‘Raman Raghav 2.0’ emphasizes atmosphere, psychology, and urban decay.
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