Best Indian Shows on Netflix: Exploring Rich and Diverse Cultural Narratives

Presently, Netflix produces more programming than any other network and is present in 190 nations. India is one of these that offers the highest profit margins. It is therefore not surprising that the behemoth of streaming works closely with Indian content creators to maintain the flow of their native material. Beginning with original films like “Love Per Square Foot” and “Lust Stories,” the streaming behemoth is now overflowing with fantastic movies that were overlooked by regional networks in addition to its first big hit, the Indian serial “Sacred Games.”

Aranyak (2021)

The movie “Aranyak” takes place in a small Himachal Pradeshi town where the disappearance of a teenage girl unleashes a Pandora’s box of riddles and long-forgotten secrets. A small-town police officer and a large-city cop work together to overcome personal obstacles and strive for harmony. In addition to revealing some sinister details about the case’s participants, the research focuses on the mythology surrounding an antiquated beast. Here, you may watch “Aranyak.”

Bard of Blood (2019)

Espionage thrillers are fast-paced, action-packed, and painstakingly crafted books that let us pretend to be spies in our recliners. And for good reason—we simply can’t get enough of them. “Bard of Blood” on Netflix is another noteworthy addition to the genre. It centres on Emraan Hashmi’s character, Kabir Anand, a literary scholar who was excommunicated from the RAW. But RAW sends him on a covert operation to rescue four Indian spies who are kidnapped by the enemy in the parched territory of Balochistan. What happens next tests Kabir’s resolve to complete the task and forces him to confront his personal issues.

There are many espionage clichés in “Bard of Blood,” and readers who are familiar with spy novels like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and James Bond will quickly recognise all the references that “Bard of Blood” takes inspiration from. However, most viewers will remain captivated by the drama because of its allusions to actual historical events, its portrayal of geopolitical conflicts, and its overall performances. Here is a link to stream the series.

CAT (2022)

In ‘CAT,’ we follow Gurnam Singh, an undercover police informant. He had moved on from that life, but when he enlists a police officer’s assistance to save his brother, he is asked to give back in kind. This places him in the centre of a drug trafficking organisation that the police are trying to bust. Gurnam’s goals shift when he learns that the police officer he works for has a connection to his parents’ deaths, which causes him to lose initial concentration on his mission. You can watch it live right here.

Choona (2023)

“Choona” is a great choice if you enjoy heist dramas, in which the characters devise complex plans to obtain objects that appear to be beyond the means of most people. At the start of the episode, a group of people find that the only thing they have in common is that a powerful politician has devastated their life. That is all. They are helpless on their own, but when they band together, they can devise a scheme that will provide them retribution and much more. The show is available for viewing here.

Class (2023-)

“Class,” a remake of the Spanish television series “Elite,” takes place in a wealthy student-only institution in New Delhi. After their school is destroyed by fire, three working-class pupils are given the opportunity to attend classes there. The kids first struggle to fit in with a world that doesn’t appear to belong to them. But eventually, as their lives merge with those of the most popular students at school, things get more difficult for them all. You can watch the series here to have an experience of this.

Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case (2023)

Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case is a chilling and heartbreaking documentary that follows the trail of six murders that struck a family in Koodathayi, in the Kozhikode region of Kerala, India. The killings took place over a 14-year period (2002–2016) and were carried out by a lady by the name of Jolly Joseph. She used food poisoned with cyanide (curry, hence the documentary’s name) to poison her targets and closest family members, including her husband. Christo Tomy’s film “Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case,” which combines news accounts, archive footage, and a reenactment of the events, is a chilling reminder of the lengths some will go to in order to achieve their goals. Here is where you can watch it.

Delhi Crime (2019-)

The 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case rocked the Indian subcontinent’s collective conscience. The seven-part Netflix series “Delhi Crime” provides viewers with a nuanced and empathetic look at the post-incident police procedurals. In addition to leading you through the dramatic interrogation of the offenders, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi and her team of experts walk you through the investigative process’s administrative components, which include forensic examinations, research, strategizing, and other practical police procedures. “Delhi Crime” is among the best offerings of the true-crime genre and among the best of Indian television because of the seriousness with which it approaches its subject matter. The show is available for viewing here.

Feels Like Ishq (2021)

Every episode of the anthology series “Feels Like Ishq” focuses on a different love story, illustrating the difficulties and complexities of contemporary relationship. This show will make you feel happy and nostalgic and provide you with something to relate to if you’re searching for something endearing. In one narrative, a bridesmaid and a wedding planner search for the bride who has fled; in another, a lone traveller leases a place and falls in love; and in a third, a closeted individual tries to confide in their coworker. You are welcome to view the series here.

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Ghoul (2018)

The majority of Indian horror films and television series are far from the best in the genre, burdened by low-budget productions, flimsy plots, and a mindless copying of Western culture. Nevertheless, thanks to television series like “Ghoul,” which are based on regional mythology and tradition, Indian horror is currently beginning to gain traction. “Ghoul,” starring Radhika Apte, is set in a nation severely split by concepts of sectarian conflict. A military detention centre is the destination for anyone who dared to oppose the government or its propaganda. After that, the dystopian premise of the show gradually veers towards the horror genre as Ali Saeed, the leader of a sect, enters the detention facility and begins haunting every interrogator who works there. While he’s doing that, newly hired cop Nida Rahim must work quickly to decipher Ali Saeed’s messages and discover the truth about the malevolent force that inhabits him. Here is a link to watch the series.

Guns & Gulaabs (2023)

“Guns & Gulaabs,” which is set in the little village of Gulaabganj, tells the tale of four people whose lives are entwined as they get caught up in the largest opium sale the area has ever seen. One thread tells the tale of Tipu, who, like his father, wants nothing to do with crime, but finds himself unwittingly drawn into it in an attempt to win the girl of his dreams. In an attempt to get his father’s approval, Jugnu wants to show him that he is equally skilled at being a criminal godfather, but he finds it difficult to do so while also accepting his gender and sexual identity. Narcotics officer Arjun Varma is motivated to root out criminal networks but is troubled by a prior transgression. Amidst all of this is Atmaram, the assassin who seems to live forever and is employed by a rival gang. Here’s where you can watch “Guns & Gulaabs.”

House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (2021)

“House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths” is a must-watch if true crime is more your style. This documentary series, which consists of three episodes, delves at the circumstances behind the unexplained death of a family whose eleven members were discovered dead within their home. The Burari family’s story, one of the most unsettling cases in the nation, was examined from every perspective in an attempt to determine why the family members made such a horrible choice. Even after delving into their family history in order to provide context for the narrative, the questions still persist in the docuseries. ‘House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths’ is available for viewing here.

Indian Matchmaking (2020-)

This show, as its title implies, follows well-known Indian matchmaker Sima Taparia as she attempts to bring families together and tie the wedding. The series tackles the ups and downs of matchmaking, the parallels and contrasts between the bride and groom, and their separate families, but these knots are not so simple to tie. In this beautiful show, which actually has the look of a traditional Indian wedding, we hear from Taparia herself as well as the family members. ‘Indian Matchmaking’ is available to stream here.

Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer (2022)

Every episode of the true crime series “Indian Predator” tells a distinct story. The creepiest of them all is probably “The Diary of a Serial Killer.” The death of a journalist and the murderer’s capture mark the start of it. When the killer’s diary is discovered, it becomes apparent that the journalist was not his only victim, even though at first it appears like the case is closed. What follows is a terrifying story that will stick with you for a long time. The show is available for viewing here.

Jamtara-Sabka Number Ayega (2020-)

“Jamtara,” which is based on a true event, centres on two con artists who operate a successful phishing business: Sunny Mondal (Sparsh Shrivastava) and Rocky (Anshumaan Pushkar). One day, Sunny hopes to wed Gudiya Singh, a local English teacher, while Rocky, his cousin, hopes to enter politics through his connections to dishonest local politician Brajesh Bhan (Amit Sial). Brajaesh extends an offer to the young lads after discovering the money they are making from their schemes. However, Sunny recoils in realisation that the politician is up to no good, damaging his connection with Bobby in the process. As the charismatic pair experiences profound catharsis, Dolly Sahu, a recently graduated IAS official, embarks on a mission to root out their illicit dealings.

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Despite having a true crime foundation, “Jamtara” never aims to be a thriller that is semi-documentary in style. Rather, it places a great deal of emphasis on the growth of its two central characters. Even if “Jamtara” has a few rushed and awkward moments, it succeeds when it adheres to the well-known crime drama formulas. Here is a link to watch the series.

Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022)

“Khakee: The Bihar Chapter,” which is set in the state of Bihar, tells the tale of a police officer’s mission to apprehend a notorious criminal organisation. The protagonist of the show is IPS officer Amit Lodha, who is inspired on real-life events and characters. Chandan Mahto plays the head of the Ashok Mahto Gang. The difficult road of the police officer fighting corruption to bring down the gang is depicted for the spectator. The show can be viewed here.

Kohrra (2023)

Two police detectives must unravel the mystery surrounding a murder in this criminal thriller, which is set in a small Punjabi village. Days before his wedding, NRI Paul Dhillon is discovered dead, and the police investigate his friends and family to try and piece together what might have transpired on the day of his murder. As the secrets of the family, particularly Paul’s, become public, the police officers are compelled to consider their own choices and lifestyles. Here is a link to stream the series.

Kota Factory (2019-)

In India, Kota, Rajasthan, is home to a large number of coaching facilities where students congregate to be ready for the Joint Entrance Exams for engineering, which they need to pass in order to get into an IIT. In “Kota Factory,” we follow the tale of a group of students who are determined to realise their ambition while juggling personal issues that either hinder or encourage them to keep going forward in the face of overwhelming challenges. The show is available to stream online.

Little Things (2016-2021)

With just five episodes when “Little Things” originally debuted on YouTube, it became an immediate hit. The low-budget series was so successful that it debuted on Netflix in 2020 and quickly gained popularity. The show centres on the daily highs and lows of Dhruv Vats (Dhruv Sehgal) and Kavya Kulkarni (Mithila Palkar), a live-in millennial couple. Despite having a very straightforward plot, the show’s fascinatingly real examination of relationships and love takes you through a wide range of emotions. As a viewer, you feel the strong bond between the two protagonists, and the lighthearted yet humorous tone never lets up. Here is where you can watch it.

Rana Naidu (2023)

The narrative of “Rana Naidu,” the Indian version of “Ray Donovan,” centres on a man who is reputed to be an expert fixer. His responsibility is to tidy up the mess his customers have made, make sure nothing finds its way back to them, and spare them from having to pay for what they have done. His personal life is in ruins, even though he may be skilled at restoring things for other people. His father, who is seeking retribution after serving 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, returns, further complicating matters. Watch “Rana Naidu” online at this link.

Ray (2021)

One of the most renowned Indian directors, Satyajit Ray has had a lasting impact on the motion picture business. By presenting the audience with a fresh perspective, “Ray” honours the tales and characters he created. Four stories make up the show’s anthology, all of which centre on troubled and/or struggling protagonists. A man who uses prosthetics to change himself, an actor whose life is changed after meeting a godlike figure, a memory-impaired entrepreneur, and two strangers who meet on a train and discover an odd link between them are all featured. You may view “Ray” right here.

Sacred Games (2018-2019)

“Sacred Games” continues to maintain its status as the best Indian television production, even though it was the first Indian Netflix original. However, in comparison to season 1, one may argue that season 2 was a little disappointing. “Sacred Games” revolves around the lives of two main characters: criminal mastermind Ganesh Gaintonde and Inspector Sartaj Singh, whose narratives are entwined by a menace that hangs over Mumbai as a whole. Sartaj Singh fights against time to preserve his city after realising that he is the only one who can stop it.

The second season begins where the first left off, with Sartaj embarking on a brand-new adventure amid the shadowy corners of his city. While the series’ atmospheric location and compelling writing are enough to keep you interested, its criticism of religion and social issues underneath make it a landmark for Indian television. The show can be viewed here.

Scoop (2023)

The journalism industry is fiercely competitive. If you want to be the first to know about breaking news that could change your career, you have to be a pro. How far will a journalist go to earn themselves that position? If it meant killing someone, would they do it? In “Scoop,” we follow the tale of veteran crime reporter Jagruti Pathak, who is suspected of killing another journalist by leveraging her connections in the criminal underground. Although many details are heavily fictionalised for dramatic effect, the show is based on the memoir of Jigna Vora, a real-life journalist. The show is available for viewing here.

She (2020-)

“She,” a film by Imtiaz Ali, takes you on the cathartic journey of Bhumi, a female cop who is compelled to act as a prostitute in order to further her criminal investigations. However, what begins as an uncomfortable undercover operation quickly turns into the cop’s powerful sexual epiphany. ‘She’ is a bit of a mixed bag, burdened by its formulaic style and earnest but dubious hidden meanings. Nevertheless, it is propelled by its outstanding results, and as a result of its potential, it is included on this list. You may view “She” right here.

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Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015)

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote multiple short stories, which served as the inspiration for Anurag Basu’s “Stories by Rabindranath Tagore,” a hidden gem. The anthology series fully immerses with its strong female protagonists, suggesting comparisons between modern times and Bengal prior to division in the 20th century. The show’s portrayal of progressive women might not be significant to viewers in the present era. However, it is important to remember that these tales were written more than 150 years ago, in an era when India was far more conservative and Tagore’s writings were revolutionary. Not to add, Radhika Apte plays the lead role in the first episode of the show, and she exudes outstanding charm and style as always. You are welcome to view the series here.

The Railway Men (2023)

One of Netflix’s greatest miniseries is “The Railway Men,” a fictitious tale based on actual events. The four-part television series tells the inspirational tale of a group of Indian Railways employees who risked their lives to save as many lives as they could on the night of December 2-3, 1984, when Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, was witnessing the deadly leak of the toxic gas methyl isocyanate (MIC) at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. Between 3,500 and over 8,000 people are thought to have died as a result of the gas exposure, but many more were severely injured, primarily losing their sight. These impairments were both temporary and permanent. The incident became known as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and is regarded as the biggest industrial catastrophe in history. The cast of “The Railway Men,” which was written and directed by Aayush Gupta and features Kay Kay Menon, R. Madhavan, Babil Khan, and Divyenndu Sharma, is assembled. Here is a link to watch the series.

The Romantics (2023)

One of the most important directors in Bollywood history is Yash Chopra. His most well-known works are romantic comedies, which have influenced numerous subsequent romantic comedies throughout the years. We examine his remarkable career and his influence on the film industry in “The Romantics.” This docuseries, which you can view online, is a must-watch if you enjoy Bollywood romance films.

Trial by Fire (2023)

“Trial by Fire” tells the tale of a couple who, after learning that their children and the other 57 people who perished in a fire at Uphaar Cinema in 1997 would still be alive if it weren’t for other people’s carelessness, turn against the system. It recounts Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy’s decades-long legal struggle against the wealthy and powerful as well as the incompetent government officials, and is based on their book. One of the reasons this is a must-watch Indian TV drama is because of the startling tale that raises many concerns regarding public safety. You are welcome to view the series here.

Typewriter (2019)

“Typewriter,” which is set in Goa, follows three carefree kids who later bring a fourth member into the fold as they create their own Ghost Club and even go on a harmless expedition to look into a reported ghostly activity in the area. They have no idea that their search will ultimately bring their town’s dark secrets to light. To begin with, “Typewriter”‘s painstaking set designs perfectly capture a charming mood. It’s also not surprising that the show’s mise en scene works so well with its underlying gloomy themes, given how Sujoy Ghosh achieved something similar with “Kahani.” Overall, “Typewriter” has a charming quality that appeals to a wide age range, but don’t let its paranormal-centric premise deceive you—it’s more of an engaging mystery thriller than a scary movie. You can see it here if you haven’t seen it before.

Ayushi S

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