Ali Fazal's 'Raakh' on Prime Video: A Crime Thriller Rooted in the Infamous 1970s Ranga-Billa Case

New Delhi, June 12, 2026. Bringing a dark chapter of India's criminal history to the screen, the web series 'Raakh', starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, is streaming on Prime Video from June 12, 2026. This crime thriller is inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa case of the 1970s, which shook the entire nation. Made in a gritty, hard-edged realist style, the series probes a police investigation set in Delhi and vividly captures the atmosphere of that era.

What the Story Is About

'Raakh' revolves around a police officer who sets out to solve the mystery of the disappearance of two youngsters in late-1970s India. The case gradually peels back the layers of a crime that deeply affected the sensibilities of society at the time. The series not only depicts the horror of the crime but also vividly portrays the policing system of the era, the social atmosphere and the human emotions caught up in it. It transports viewers to an age when the methods of criminal investigation were very different from those of today.

A Powerful Cast

The series stars Ali Fazal in the lead role, playing a determined and dogged police officer with depth. Alongside him, the cast features Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma and Vivaan Sharma in important roles. The return of Sonali Bendre has been welcomed by both audiences and critics, as she appears in a strong character after a long time away from the screen. Ali Fazal, who has also worked in international projects, displays the maturity of his craft in this role.

What the Critics Say

Early reviews have given 'Raakh' a mixed but largely positive response. Critics have praised the series for its gritty, realist presentation and its emotional depth. One prominent review described the series as a 'decent but emotionally resonant Delhi crime drama'. While some critics found its storytelling style conventional, most pointed to its gritty presentation and the performances of its cast as its greatest strengths. One review awarded the series a rating of 3.25 out of five.

The Pull of True Events

The appeal of content based on real criminal events continues to grow among Indian audiences. 'Raakh' is part of this trend, dramatising real incidents to acquaint viewers with pages of history that have faded over time. The Ranga-Billa case remains one of the most talked-about cases in Indian criminal history, and watching it unfold on screen will be a distinct experience for audiences. Such stories often compel society to reflect on the human and social circumstances that lie behind crime.

The Age of OTT Crime Thrillers

Over the past few years, the crime thriller genre has gained tremendous popularity on Indian OTT platforms. Viewers are now drawn to stories that feel close to reality and that explore human complexities in depth. 'Raakh' adds a new name to this lineage and demonstrates that a well-researched and sensitively made crime series still has the power to keep audiences gripped from start to finish. Shows like 'Delhi Crime' and 'Paatal Lok' have already set high standards for the genre.

Recreating an Era

A major strength of 'Raakh' is its period detail. Bringing 1970s India to the screen is a challenging task in itself, requiring an accurate depiction of the costumes, sets, vehicles and social atmosphere of the time. The makers have paid special attention to this aspect, lending the series a sense of authenticity. It is not merely a crime story but a glimpse of an entire era, taking viewers into the lanes of Delhi as they were back then, with care given to even small details.

The Responsibility of Real-Life Adaptations

Adapting a real criminal case for the screen carries its own responsibilities, and 'Raakh' enters territory that demands sensitivity. Filmmakers working with true events must balance dramatic storytelling against the dignity of those affected and the facts of the case. The best work in this space uses real incidents not for shock value but to examine the social conditions, institutional failures and human frailties behind them. Early responses suggest 'Raakh' leans towards that more thoughtful approach, using the Ranga-Billa case as a lens on an era rather than as mere sensational material for entertainment.

What's Next

It will now be interesting to see how 'Raakh' performs on Prime Video's streaming charts and how audiences receive its story and presentation. With the pairing of Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, a strong narrative and the backdrop of a historic crime, the series has the potential to become one of the most talked-about OTT releases of the week. If the audience response is strong, the series could add another solid name to the Indian crime drama genre.