Let’s be honest, nothing hits harder than a gripping true story web series. Yes, we mean the web series based on real-life incidents. When you know that the drama, thrill, and action you’re witnessing now, has actually happened in someone’s real life, that just takes the entertainment quotient to a whole new level! So, if you’re like me, and love watching true-crime series, I’ve got some good recommendations for you. However, if you’re a biography enthusiast who enjoys historical moments, I’ve got you covered as well. Here’s a list of 10 must-watch web series inspired by true stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
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Auto Shankar
Ever heard of a serial killer who ruled the underworld in the 80s? Yes, that is Auto Shankar! Experience the spine-chilling tale of Gowri Shankar, a notorious criminal from Tamil Nadu in the ZEE5 web series titled Auto Shankar. This thrilling series captures his rise to power, his disturbing crimes, and everything else that led to his downfall. If you like raw, gritty, and terrifyingly real, true crime series, this one is a must-watch for you!
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Koose Munisamy Veerappan
Remember Veerappan, India’s most feared bandit? That’s who becomes the center of the ZEE5 docu-series, Koose Munisamy Veerappan. Brace yourself for a deep dive into his life in a series that uncovers several untold stories surrounding the infamous bandit. It revolves around his reign of terror, his clashes with the police, and how he managed to stay safe despite several manhunts. The docu-series also features some incredibly rare, unseen real-life footage of Veerappan with the bandit also narrating certain parts of the series.
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Delhi Crime
If you haven’t watched Delhi Crime yet, what are you even doing? It is one of the most heartwrenching real-life web series you can watch online. Based on the horrific 2012 Nirbhaya case, this award-winning series will leave you numb. It follows the relentless investigation led by the Delhi Police after Nirbhaya’s case came to the front. It is raw, emotional, and an absolute must-watch.
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The Kashmir Files: Unreported
If The Kashmir Files movie shook you, then this documentary-style web series is going to leave you speechless. And trust me, I’m not exaggerating. The Kashmir Files: Unreported is truly jarring. It goes even deeper than the film, leaving you face-to-face with the real-life horrors faced by Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990s insurgency. The series also includes never-seen-before footage, making it a hauntingly real experience.
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Rangbaaz
Want to see some of the top true stories about India’s most feared gangsters? Then Rangbaaz would be the ideal pick for you. This series narrates the story of various notorious criminals in each season. Rangbaaz season 1 follows the life of Gorakhpur’s most wanted criminal, Shri Prakash Shukla. In season 2, dubbed as Rangbaaz Phir Se, you get to witness a story inspired by the life of Anandpal Singh, a notorious gangster from Rajasthan. Then came season 3 aka Rangbaaz: Darr Ki Rajneeti, which is supposedly based on the real-life of a gangster turned politician, Mohammad Shahabuddin. With a mix of action, politics, and crime, this one will keep you glued to your screen.
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Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story
Ever wondered how a stockbroker single-handedly shook India’s entire financial system? Scam 1992 narrates the thrilling tale of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who pulled off one of the biggest financial scams in India. The storytelling and Pratik Gandhi’s performance, combined with that unforgettable theme music, make this an absolute classic.
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State of Siege: 26/11
26/11 is a date that almost none of us wants to even remember. But it’s also equally important to acknowledge the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and appreciate the bravery of the ones who brought us out of it. That’s why every Indian must watch State of Siege: 26/11 on ZEE5. This intense web series tells the inside story of the NSG commandos who bravely fought that day to save several lives. If you love military dramas, this one’s an absolute must-watch.
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Operation Parindey
A high-stakes prison break, an intense manhunt, and a battle of wits, that’s what Operation Parindey is all about. It is a fast-paced thriller based on the true events of the Nabha jailbreak. The series follows the gripping escape of six prisoners and Special Task Force officer Abhinav Mathur’s relentless chase to capture them. Short, sharp, and packed with action, this is undoubtedly a binge-worthy series on ZEE5!
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Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega
Digital frauds have been on the rise for a while now. Based on some real cybercrime incidents, Jamtara is the story of small-town boys running a phishing scam. However, things get out of their hands when their scam gets ousted in a news report. It’s thrilling, dramatic, and an eye-opener. After watching this one, you’ll surely think twice before picking up an unknown call!
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Kaafir
If you want to watch something emotional, thought-provoking, and deeply moving, Kaafir is the best choice for you. Inspired by the real-life story of Shehnaz Parveen, this series narrates the story of a Pakistani woman who ends up on the wrong side of the border. She ends up imprisoned under the suspicion of being a militant. Featuring heartfelt performances by Dia Mirza and Mohit Raina, this series shows how political tensions impact innocent lives.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love crime, politics, history, or emotional dramas, this list has something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, pick your favorite, and start streaming NOW!
