India’s film industry is a treasure trove of stories that captivate audiences with drama, suspense, and cultural depth. Among its vast offerings, the crime genre has carved a special place. From the gritty streets of Mumbai to the mysterious alleys of Chennai, Indian crime films explore corruption, justice, and the human psyche.
Over the decades, crime movies in India have evolved dramatically. They range from noir-inspired thrillers to intense psychological dramas. These films often feature complex movie characters and daring narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. In this article, we present the 36 best Indian crime films of all time — a mix of classics and contemporary masterpieces.
1. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this two-part epic redefined Indian crime cinema. Set in Dhanbad, it chronicles the coal mafia’s rise and fall. The film blends history with personal revenge, showcasing how crime passes through generations.
With raw language, real settings, and unforgettable performances, it remains a milestone in crime movie plots that depict power, politics, and vengeance in India.
2. Satya (1998)
Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya is a gritty portrayal of Mumbai’s underworld. It follows a man named Satya who gets pulled into gang wars. The storytelling is brutal and realistic, with a strong focus on character development.
It brought a fresh wave of realism to Bollywood and laid the foundation for later crime thrillers like Company and D. The film’s rawness and attention to detail make it an essential watch.
3. Talvar (2015)
Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar is directed by Meghna Gulzar and written by Vishal Bhardwaj. It presents different versions of the crime, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
The Rashomon-style narrative and powerful performances by Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma make this a standout courtroom and investigative drama.
4. Drishyam (2015)
This remake of a Malayalam film stars Ajay Devgn as a simple man who protects his family after a crime. What follows is a mind-bending cover-up filled with emotional weight and strategic thinking.
It is one of the best examples of suspense in Indian cinema, exploring how ordinary people can go to extraordinary lengths for their loved ones.
5. Black Friday (2004)
Another gem by Anurag Kashyap, Black Friday is based on the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts. The film is a deep dive into the investigation, the conspiracies, and the socio-political context.
Blending documentary style with fiction, it offers a chilling account of one of India’s darkest chapters. It’s a must-watch for those interested in serious crime movie reviews.
6. Special 26 (2013)
Directed by Neeraj Pandey, this film is inspired by real events. A group of conmen conducts fake CBI raids to loot corrupt businessmen. The film balances crime, intelligence, and humor perfectly.
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most restrained performances in this slick heist thriller.
7. Kaun? (1999)
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and written by Anurag Kashyap, Kaun? is a psychological crime thriller with minimal characters. The tension builds in a single house where a woman suspects someone is trying to break in.
The plot twist is genuinely shocking, and Urmila Matondkar’s performance adds layers of suspense and paranoia.
8. Andhadhun (2018)
Sriram Raghavan’s black comedy thriller stars Ayushmann Khurrana as a blind pianist entangled in a murder mystery. The film keeps twisting until the very end, mixing dark humor with intense drama.
A clever script and top-notch direction make it one of the smartest crime films in recent memory.
9. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Based on a true story, this film traces the journey of an athlete turned dacoit. Played brilliantly by Irrfan Khan, Paan Singh’s story explores how the system failed a national hero, pushing him into crime.
It’s a heartbreaking yet thrilling look at how society shapes criminals.
10. Haider (2014)
This adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set in Kashmir, is both poetic and political. Vishal Bhardwaj crafts a tale of betrayal, revenge, and moral ambiguity.
Shahid Kapoor’s performance, along with the film’s haunting visuals, makes Haider a deeply moving crime drama.
11. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a modern-day serial killer inspired by the infamous Raman Raghav. The film dives into psychological darkness and questions the thin line between cop and criminal.
Anurag Kashyap delivers another disturbing yet brilliant take on the criminal psyche.
12. Ugly (2013)
A kidnapping story that spirals into revelations about broken relationships, corruption, and ego. The film explores how everyone becomes a suspect in the face of tragedy.
Ugly is emotionally intense and morally ambiguous, marking another gritty outing by Anurag Kashyap.
13. Company (2002)
This sequel to Satya focuses on the rise and fall of a gangster duo. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, it explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.
The movie dives deep into organized crime and the Mumbai mafia’s inner workings.
14. A Wednesday! (2008)
A mysterious man calls the police with a bomb threat, leading to an intense back-and-forth. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, this film highlights the frustration of common citizens in a corrupt system.
It’s a tight, thought-provoking thriller with a powerful message.
15. Badlapur (2015)
Varun Dhawan plays a man consumed by revenge after his family is murdered. Over the years, his thirst for justice blurs the lines between victim and villain.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Badlapur is emotionally raw and morally complex.
More Must-Watch Indian Crime Films
16. Delhi Crime (2019)
A gripping web series based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape. Realistic, respectful, and haunting in its approach.
17. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
A neo-noir gem that merges mystery with small-town secrets, starring Abhay Deol.
18. Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
A noir-inspired tale of betrayal and greed. Stylish and smart with a fantastic twist.
19. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Based on a true story, it highlights media’s role in fighting justice for a murdered model.
20. Tumbbad (2018)
Though primarily a horror-fantasy, its dark tone and greed-driven plot echo crime elements deeply.
21. Shahid (2012)
The real-life story of lawyer Shahid Azmi, who fought for wrongfully accused terror suspects.
22. Madaari (2016)
A father takes on the system after losing his son in an infrastructure accident.
23. Raazi (2018)
A spy thriller blending patriotism and deception, with a riveting Alia Bhatt performance.
24. Jai Gangaajal (2016)
A female IPS officer takes on political corruption in rural India.
25. Bluffmaster! (2005)
A stylish film about con artists, redemption, and unexpected turns.
26. Ghanchakkar (2013)
A quirky crime-comedy involving memory loss and a missing loot.
27. Baazaar (2018)
Set in the stock market world, this film explores greed, crime, and ambition.
28. Ab Tak Chhappan (2004)
Based on real-life encounter specialists, Nana Patekar delivers a memorable performance.
29. D (2005)
A look at the rise of a gangster modeled after Dawood Ibrahim.
30. Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)
A dramatized account of a real police-gangster encounter in Mumbai.
31. Shootout at Wadala (2013)
Explores the early gang wars of Mumbai and features strong action scenes.
32. Sarkar (2005)
Loosely inspired by The Godfather, this film examines power, morality, and crime in Indian politics.
33. Kaabil (2017)
A blind man takes revenge for the assault on his wife in this emotional thriller.
34. Ek Hasina Thi (2004)
Urmila Matondkar transforms from a victim to a vengeful force in this riveting film.
35. Talaash (2012)
A psychological crime thriller with supernatural undertones, starring Aamir Khan.
36. Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008)
Explores the aftermath of the 2006 Mumbai train blasts through interconnected stories.
Final Thoughts
Indian crime films continue to evolve, offering powerful narratives and unforgettable characters. Whether inspired by real events or fictional tales, these movies shed light on society, law, and justice in nuanced ways.
From noir-style classics to intense crime thrillers, India’s contributions to the crime genre are rich and varied. If you’re a fan of movie genres that provoke thought and thrill, these 36 titles should be at the top of your watchlist.
