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10 gripping crime shows you can stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and more
Get set to embark on a journey full of suspense, violence and even comedy, with these gut-wrenching crime shows easily available to watch on the small screen
Crime, as a genre, has developed way beyond just gory details and gruesome murders. Popular Hollywood movies like Joker (2019), along with many other indie and mainstream works, have been ingeniously integrating portrayals of personal conflict, satire and comic relief for more inclusive plot lines. Closer to home, the trend has picked pace through Vir Das's crime comedy, Hasmukh; and medical crime thriller Kark Rogue.
But with a range of brilliantly-produced content out there, resting to be explored, picking something that you'd like can be quite overwhelming. In case you're ready and looking to catch up on some gripping crime stories, we list out the most easily-available and thought-provoking ones ahead.
Mirzapur
With the second season dropping soon, it's the perfect time to get in on the tale of Akhandanand Tripathi (played by Pankaj Tripathi) and his reigning mafia empire. Set in Uttar Pradesh, the highly-acclaimed six-episode series is about Tripathi's crime family that rules over the entire city of Mirzapur. While the audiences witness all the action and twisted subplots that take place, Tripathi's own son—a power-hungry egomaniac—is found to be obsessed with inheriting his his reputation. Things go south when he gets into a conflict with a vengeful pair of brothers, and a tale marked by violence, envy, rivalry and abundant illegal activities follows. The show also stars Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey, Divyendu Sharma and Rasika Duggal.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Asur
Led by Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti, Asur's plot focuses on two CBI officials as they find themselves in a twisted game of catch-me-if-you-can with a psychotic murderer in Varanasi. Complete with gut-wrenching serial killings, and a race against time to save innocent lives, it's one of those web series that are difficult to watch if you have a weak stomach. However, beneath the gore, is a complex storyline which presents an interesting concoction of suspense, science and mythology.
Streaming on Voot Select
Paatal Lok
An unremarkable police officer, Hathi Ram faces his biggest challenge yet, when he comes face-to-face with a case way above his pay grade. While he gets in on it, and probes for the truth, he manages to unveil some dark secrets that shock him to the core. At crossroads with his inner demons as well as those from the realm of injustice, his character is soon observed as merely a pawn in this play. Releasing on May 15, Paatal Lok marks Anushka Sharma's first OTT series production.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video from May 15
Hasmukh
A timid comedian finds his mojo and starts making it big in the stand-up industry. However, the secret behind his soaring confidence is the adrenalin rush he gets from murdering people. As twisted as that sounds, Hasmukh Sudiya (played by Vir Das) has no option but to kill to stay relevant. While he does taste success, his actions eventually come back to bite him. The show is a crime and black comedy series, and will tickle your funny bone occasionally.
Streaming on Netflix
Jamtara
If you've picked up a phone call from an unknown number and divulged information which you probably shouldn't have, these fraudulent calls are bigger threats than they seem. This series highlights the truth quite efficiently. Set in Jamtara, Jharkhand, a group of boys make their living by running a successful phishing network. As news of their actions spreads, the local politician takes them under his wing in hopes of profit. Internal conflicts arise and with the police breathing down their necks, it doesn't take long for things to go sideways.
Streaming on Netflix
Hostages
An official remake of an Israeli series with the same name, Hostages is an intense crime-thriller that will keep you on the edge of the seat. Tisca Chopra plays Dr Mira Anand whose family is taken hostage a night before she has to perform surgery on the chief minister. Instructed to kill her patient to save her loved ones, she has an impossible choice to make and very little time to do so. The show also features Ronit Roy, Parvin Dabas, Aashim Gulati and Mohan Kapoor.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
Smoke
Get ready to witness the darker side of Goa, which most people don't take into consideration before planning a holiday. The party capital of India is the hub for organised crime in this web series which boasts of a heavyweight cast including Tom Alter, Jim Sarbh, Kalki Koechlin, Mandira Bedi, Gulshan Devaiah and more. The situation is tense as rival mafia gangs are at war with each other and murder and drugs are just the tip of the iceberg.
Streaming on Eros Now
Kark Rogue
Adapted from Indranil Sanyal’s novel, Karkat Kranti, this medical crime thriller follows a forensic surgeon's shocking discovery of illegal cancer drug trials. A cancer survivor herself, Dr Beas Banerjee notices identical anomalies in autopsies of some patients who supposedly committed suicide. Her investigations reveal that innocent people suffering from an already deadly disease are being murdered as part of a bigger conspiracy. Kark Rogue dives into severely dark corners of Kolkata and reveals some truly disturbing details.
Streaming on ZEE5
Breathe
Depicting a father's desperation to save his son's life, Breathe will challenge your moral compass and provoke you to change sides. Denzil Mascarenhas learns that his son has five months to live unless he undergoes a lung transplant. Unfortunately, he is fourth in the organ recipient list. A helpless Mascarenhas makes a questionable move, and attracts police attention for his actions. You will spot plenty of grey area in the story and not one outrightly negative character. The show features R Madhavan and Amit Sadh among others.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Apharan
What begins as a straightforward plan for money extortion, soon turns into a high profile conspiracy with inspector Rudra Srivastava at its centre. He is approached by a woman who convinces him to kidnap her daughter from a wedding, in order to blackmail her husband for money. After successfully picking her up, Srivastava goes to collect the ransom but finds the daughter dead when he returns. Things get complicated further when he is made in-charge of the kidnapping and supposed murder case. Set in the 70s, Apharan nails the vibe of the era and also has a great mix of comedy, drama and suspense.
Streaming on ALTBalaji
Also read:
13 underrated hidden gems to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
