Some bollywood films offer a disturbing look into the minds of some of India’s most terrifying criminals
True crime has always fascinated audiences, and Bollywood has not shied away from exploring some of the country’s darkest real-life crimes.
These films, while dramatised for the screen, offer a disturbing look into the minds of some of India’s most terrifying criminals. They also highlight the social and psychological factors behind such shocking crimes.
Here are a few chilling Bollywood films that draw inspiration from real-life serial killers in India.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Inspired by: Raman Raghav (The Psycho Killer of Mumbai)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this psychological thriller is loosely based on the notorious Raman Raghav, who terrorised Mumbai in the 1960s. Known for bludgeoning his victims to death, Raghav targetted slum dwellers and was known for his brutal and random killings.
The film presents a fictionalised modern-day take, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vicky Kaushal delivering haunting performances. The movie can watched on online streaming platform Zee5.
The Stoneman Murders (2009)
Inspired by: Stoneman killings of the 1980s
This crime thriller delves into the mysterious killings that occurred in Mumbai, where homeless people were murdered in their sleep by an unidentified attacker who used a heavy stone. The case remains unsolved to this day.
The film blends fact and fiction as it follows a suspended police officer trying to crack the case. The movie is available on online streaming platforms Amazon Prime Video and JioHotstar.
Posham Pa (2019)
Inspired by: Case of Anjana and her daughters Seema and Renuka
This psychological thriller is based on the horrific true story of a mother and her two daughters who kidnapped and murdered several children in the 1990s, in Maharashtra.
The film focusses on the emotional and psychological trauma behind the crimes and can be watched on Zee5. It features powerful performances that highlight the disturbing nature of the real events.
Main Aur Charles (2015)
Inspired by: Charles Sobhraj (The Bikini Killer)
Starring Randeep Hooda, this film tells the story of Charles Sobhraj, a charming and manipulative serial killer who preyed on Western tourists across Asia in the 1970s.
Known for his smooth talk and ability to escape prison multiple times, Sobhraj became one of the most infamous criminals of the 20th century. The film captures his charisma and cunning through a cat-and-mouse narrative with the police. The film featuring Randeep Hooda in the lead role can be watched on JioHotstar.
Sector 36 (2024)
Inspired by: Nithari serial killings (2005–2006)
Available on Netflix, Sector 36 is reportedly inspired by the gruesome Nithari killings in Noida, near Delhi, where several children were abducted, abused and murdered. The case shocked the nation due to the involvement of a wealthy businessman and his domestic help.
The film is a gripping crime thriller that brings attention to the horror of these real events.