If you love edge-of-your-seat drama, 2025 had some absolute gems that left us gasping with every twist. This year’s crime thrillers raised the bar with smart plots, complex characters, and intense storytelling that refused to slow down. Whether it’s a haunted cop, a digital terror threat, or a murder hidden under a tiffin box, these shows proved that Indian thrillers are playing in the big leagues. Here are 10 crime thrillers from this year that had us hooked from the first episode to the last.
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1. Paatal Lok Season 2 (Prime Video)
Hathiram Chaudhary returns to the field in the intense second season of Paatal Lok. As new political conspiracies unfold and crimes get more twisted, he’s once again pulled into the murky underworld of power, privilege, and justice. With fresh faces, gripping subplots, and powerful commentary on modern-day India, the new season deepens the narrative and stakes while keeping the edge-of-seat suspense intact.
2. Saare Jahan Se Accha (Netflix)
This is a fast-paced thriller set in the 1970s. It tells the story of Indian spy Vishnu Shankar, who goes undercover to stop Pakistan’s ISI agent and block a secret nuclear plan. With time running out, the story shows a tense battle of clever moves where the safety of both countries depends on his mission.
3. Criminal Justice: A Family Matter (JioHotstar)
In the latest chapter of Criminal Justice, lawyer Madhav Mishra takes on a heartbreaking case involving a young boy accused of murdering his father. As the courtroom drama unfolds, hidden motives and family secrets emerge. With emotional tension and powerful social messaging, this season continues the franchise’s tradition of blending suspense with sensitive themes.
4. Inspector Zende (Netflix)
Serial killer Carl Bhojraj breaks out of prison, forcing Inspector Zende to chase him down in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Inspired by the real-life story of Charles Sobhraj, this thrilling series stars Manoj Bajpayee and Jim Sarbh in powerful roles.
5. Deva (Netflix)
Shahid Kapoor plays Deva, a sharp-witted cop chasing a mastermind hacker threatening India’s digital backbone. But as the case intensifies, Deva finds himself questioning his own principles and past. Stylish, fast-paced, and packed with action, this crime thriller explores justice, betrayal, and personal redemption in the cyber age.
6. Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs (JioHotstar)
A mysterious village. A haunted mansion. And a royal bloodline hiding deadly secrets. Kull weaves mythology, murder, and politics into a suspense-filled thriller as a young historian uncovers the chilling past of the Raisinggh family. As dark rituals and revenge surface, the truth becomes more dangerous than anyone imagined.
7. Mandala Murders (Netflix)
CIB detective Rea Thomas and suspended cop Vikram Singh investigate ritualistic murders in the fictional town of Charandaspur, Uttar Pradesh-murders tied to a cult aiming to resurrect a mythical entity using human remains arranged in a mandala pattern. As the investigation deepens through 1950s flashbacks and political intrigue, the detectives confront personal connections and face a tense showdown to stop the cult’s dark ritual.
8. Special Ops 2 (JioHotstar)
RAW agent Himmat Singh returns with a new mission that mixes traditional espionage with cyber warfare. This time, it’s a race to stop a digital attack on India’s financial systems. With double agents, high-tech threats, and international settings, the sequel builds on the original with sharper storytelling and bigger action.
9. Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins (Netflix)
The movie follows Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), a legendary jewel thief tasked with stealing the priceless “Red Sun” diamond to save his framed father and brother. The mission takes him from Budapest to Mumbai, where he joins forces with gangster Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat). As Rehan plans a daring mid-air heist aboard a commercial flight, he uncovers betrayal, romance with Farah, and a web of deception. With clever twists and bold set pieces, the movie ends with Rehan victorious-but hints at more heists to come.
10. Dabba Cartel (Netflix)
A group of housewives running a tiffin business become unlikely players in a massive drug smuggling racket. As the cops close in and alliances fall apart, these women must decide how far they’re willing to go. Dabba Cartel is a wild mix of crime, drama, and unexpected female empowerment in the most chaotic setting.
So, which ones have you watched so far!