Indian web series have transformed storytelling by bringing real-life events to the screen with gripping narratives, powerful performances, and intense drama. Whether it’s crime, politics, business, or social issues, many web series have taken inspiration from true stories and turned them into engaging content. If you enjoy watching fact-based thrillers, biographies, or real-life crime investigations, then this list is for you.
Here’s a look at some of the best Indian web series based on true stories, spanning crime, history, and human drama.
1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020)
- Platform: SonyLIV
- Starring: Pratik Gandhi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Hemant Kher
- Based on: The 1992 Indian stock market scam led by Harshad Mehta
This critically acclaimed series follows the rise and fall of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who manipulated the stock market and orchestrated one of India’s biggest financial frauds. Based on journalist Sucheta Dalal’s book The Scam, the series perfectly captures the high-stakes world of finance and the consequences of greed.
Why Watch?
- Brilliant storytelling and immersive cinematography.
- Pratik Gandhi’s career-defining performance as Harshad Mehta.
- The famous “Risk hai toh ishq hai” dialogue that became a pop-culture sensation.
2. Delhi Crime (2019 – Present)
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang
- Based on: The 2012 Delhi gang-rape case
Winner of the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, Delhi Crime is a hard-hitting crime drama that follows the Delhi Police’s investigation into the Nirbhaya case. The show provides an intense and emotional look at how law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to bring justice in one of India’s most horrifying crimes.
Why Watch?
- Shefali Shah’s outstanding performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi.
- A gripping and realistic portrayal of police investigations.
- A well-researched narrative that stays true to the facts while showing the emotional toll of the case.
3. Rocket Boys (2022 – Present)
- Platform: SonyLIV
- Starring: Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, Regina Cassandra
- Based on: The lives of Dr. Homi Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Rocket Boys is an inspirational biographical drama that explores the lives of Dr. Homi Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear program, and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary behind ISRO. The series beautifully narrates India’s early advancements in science, space research, and atomic energy while showcasing the struggles and dedication of these two pioneers.
Why Watch?
- A powerful tribute to India’s scientific achievements.
- Strong performances by Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh.
- A beautifully shot period drama that transports you to post-independence India.
4. The Railway Men (2023)
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Babil Khan, Divyenndu
- Based on: The 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The Railway Men tells the heart-wrenching and heroic story of railway workers who risked their lives to save thousands of people during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. The series highlights the bravery of unsung heroes who helped evacuate people when a deadly gas leak engulfed the city.
Why Watch?
- A rare and well-researched depiction of a real-life disaster.
- Intense performances by a stellar cast.
- An emotional and impactful story that honors real-life heroes.
5. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega (2020 – Present)
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: Amit Sial, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sparsh Shrivastava
- Based on: Real-life phishing scams in Jamtara, Jharkhand
Inspired by true incidents, Jamtara follows a group of small-town boys who run a highly successful phishing scam, tricking people into revealing their bank details over phone calls. Things take a dark turn when politicians, law enforcement, and rival gangs enter the picture.
Why Watch?
- A realistic look at India’s cybercrime underbelly.
- Strong performances and gritty storytelling.
- Highlights the loopholes in the system that allow online fraud to thrive.
6. Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld (2023)
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: Real-life footage and interviews
- Based on: The rise and fall of the Mumbai underworld
This gripping docu-series explores the bloody conflict between Mumbai Police and the underworld, particularly the encounters with Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company in the 1990s. The show features real police officers, gangsters, and crime journalists who narrate how law enforcement took down the most feared criminals.
Why Watch?
- A real-life crime thriller filled with firsthand accounts.
- Explores the dark underbelly of Mumbai’s underworld.
- Gives an insider perspective on how encounter specialists operated.
7. Aspirants (2021)
- Platform: YouTube (TVF)
- Starring: Naveen Kasturia, Abhilash Thapliyal, Shivankit Parihar
- Based on: Real experiences of UPSC aspirants in Delhi
Though not based on a single true event, Aspirants is deeply inspired by real-life experiences of UPSC students preparing in Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar, known as the UPSC hub. The series showcases the struggles, friendships, and sacrifices of those who dream of becoming IAS officers.
Why Watch?
- A relatable and inspiring story for students and dreamers.
- Great chemistry between the lead actors.
- A mix of humor, drama, and emotions that makes it binge-worthy.
Closing Thoughts
India’s web series landscape has evolved dramatically, and these fact-based stories prove that truth is often more gripping than fiction. Whether it’s the financial fraud of Scam 1992, the scientific brilliance of Rocket Boys, or the underworld conflicts of Mumbai Mafia, these series showcase real stories in the most entertaining way.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know!
