Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 10:45 IST
Indian cop dramas are evolving beyond simple crime stories, exploring the emotional and moral complexities of law enforcement, bringing character-driven narratives to audiences
Rasika Dugal in Delhi Crime 2
Indian cop dramas have long fascinated audiences, evolving from iconic films about duty and corruption into layered narratives about power, justice, and human frailty. Now, with the rise of streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, this genre has found new life and nuance. Long-format storytelling allows deeper exploration into not just cases, but also the inner lives and moral struggles of law enforcement, making these stories more immersive than ever before.
“Cop dramas have always had a strong pull — they’re intense, emotional, and full of moral complexity,” says Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India. “At Netflix, we’ve seen just how deeply they connect with audiences when they’re rooted in truth and told with honesty. Delhi Crime really set the tone, not just as our first International Emmy-winning series, but as a story that redefined what a hard-hitting true crime cop drama could look like from India.”
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Indeed, Delhi Crime was a game-changer, adapting a real-life case with unflinching honesty. It showed the tireless efforts of Delhi Police officers beyond mere investigation — capturing their personal costs and dilemmas. For Tanuj Chopra, showrunner and director of Delhi Crime Seasons 2 and 3, it is these emotional undercurrents that keep audiences hooked:
“There’s the thrill of following a case, but it’s also the chance to spend time with our cop characters like Vartika — not just in their police lives but their personal lives, their home lives, the spaces in between,” he says. “Streaming allows us to follow a case longer and deeper, with cold opens, parallel tracks, cliffhangers — all gestures that keep viewers tapped in.”
Similarly, Kohrra, set in Punjab, blended crime investigation with deep emotional storytelling. Sudip Sharma, showrunner and creator of Kohrra, believes that the fascination with cops stems from their role as guardians of order, “The police ensure society doesn’t slip into anarchy. Streaming gives us the opportunity to look deeper at how crime affects their personal lives, and how they navigate the effects of a job like theirs.”
Both Chopra and Sharma underline the delicate balance between authenticity and entertainment. Real policing is often slow and bureaucratic — a direct transcription would bore audiences.
“We meet with cops, read case files and news stories,” says Chopra. “But we also transpose character conflicts onto real case intel to keep things compelling.”
Sharma adds, “You have to know the rules before you break them. Research, especially on-ground, helps bring authenticity while cinematic craft ensures engagement.”
The streaming platform’s recent successes have built on this blueprint. Shows like Khakee: The Bihar Chapter captured the grassroots realities of crime fighting in Bihar — staying in India’s Top 10 for five months. Now, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has further expanded the franchise, topping the charts in India and trending across 12 countries.
According to Bami, the latest season brings a bold new dimension, “This season opens up one man’s fight against a corrupt system, set against Bengal’s era of gang wars and political intrigue. Neeraj [Pande]’s vision for Khakee is deeply rooted in authenticity — from the storytelling to casting local talent like Jeet, Prosenjit and Saswata Chatterjee.”
Jeet, who plays the sharp and composed Arjun Maitra in Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, approached his role with complete sincerity. “My approach was simple — believe in the makers, trust the directors, and stay true to the story,” he says. “I just gave it my 100% sincerity.”
He feels that the gripping narrative and powerful performances are what make the series so binge-worthy, “Most people start watching and can’t stop until they finish. That’s the show’s biggest USP.”
While portraying a cop didn’t drastically change his perspective on law enforcement, Jeet highlights the unpredictability inherent in life — a theme that Khakee portrays poignantly.
Meanwhile, Rasika Dugal, who essays the character of Neeti Singh across seasons of Delhi Crime, found her portrayal enriched through direct interaction with real-life officers.
“I shadowed a probation officer who was kind enough to allow me to observe her at work across different postings. Initially, it was to follow protocol, but it became about understanding how someone stays true to themselves while surviving the system,” Rasika shares.
Over time, audiences have grown deeply invested in these characters, she feels, “I hope that now it’s not just a police procedural for viewers, but a connection with the people they’ve known over two seasons.”
Interestingly, her role also changed her own outlook. “My first instinct sometimes would be to view things only from a police perspective, which was discomfiting — reminding me of the importance of retaining a civilian’s critical eye.”
The journey of Indian cop dramas is only getting started. The OTT platform has an action-packed year ahead with titles like Black Warrant, Dabba Cartel, and a second season of fan-favorites like Rana Naidu and Kohrra. New stories like The Royals and the much-awaited Ba**ds of Bollywood* will further explore fresh shades of crime and justice.
As Bami sums up, “The idea is to keep discovering new shades within the crime space — to tell stories that feel fresh, relevant, and deeply rooted.”
As long as creators and actors continue to delve into the moral ambiguities and personal sacrifices that come with law enforcement, Indian cop dramas will remain one of the most gripping and emotionally resonant genres in entertainment.
SOURCE : NEWS 18
