Blab Entertainment
Raakh Premieres June 12, Casting Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav as Ranga and Billa
On June 12, Prime Video will bring the 1978 Ranga‑Billa case back to the screen with the crime‑thriller series Raakh. The show revisits the shocking kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, dramatizing the investigation that led to the conviction and execution of the two perpetrators.
Raakh stars Akash Makhija as Ranga (Kuljeet Singh) and Ramandeep Yadav as Billa (Jasbir Singh). The series is directed and executive produced by Prosit Roy, written and co‑directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket, and produced by Endemol Shine India in partnership with BhaDiPa. The ensemble also features Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Bedi, Aamir Bashir, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
The 1978 case, officially known as the Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case, shocked New Delhi when the 16‑year‑old Geeta and her 14‑year‑old brother vanished on August 26 while heading to a radio programme. Witnesses reported that the children were forced into a stolen Fiat and later found dead. Forensic evidence, including a fingerprint left at a hospital, led to the arrest of Ranga and Billa on September 8. Both men were convicted, sentenced to death, and executed in 1982.
Makhija, who last appeared in Prime Video’s Gram Chikitsalay as Gobind, brings experience from television series such as Sargam Ki Sadhe Satii, Har Mard Ka Dard, and the recent Gram Chikitsalay. He married his childhood sweetheart Roshni Budhiraja earlier this year. Yadav, a Chandigarh native, has built a career across films and web series, including Manmarziyaan, Campus Diaries, CAT, and Gadar 2. In addition to acting, Yadav has played cricket for the Chandigarh district team in Haryana Cricket Association tournaments.
The series’ dialogue writer is Ayush Trivedi, and the production team has emphasized a realistic portrayal of the investigation and the societal impact of the crime. Raakh aims to provide a deeper look at the procedural aspects of the case and the psychological profiles of the perpetrators.
The decision to dramatise the Ranga‑Billa case follows a history of Indian media revisiting the incident. The story has been adapted for television in episodes of Crime Patrol Dial 100 (2018) and Bhanwar, and it was also the basis for the 2025 Netflix series Black Warrant. By expanding on those earlier portrayals, Raakh seeks to fill gaps in the public record and offer a more nuanced narrative.
With its premiere scheduled for June 12, Raakh is positioned to attract viewers interested in true‑crime narratives and historical dramatizations. The series’ release on Prime Video places it among the platform’s expanding slate of original content that tackles complex social issues. Industry observers note that the inclusion of well‑known actors like Makhija and Yadav may broaden the show’s appeal beyond niche true‑crime audiences.
As of now, no additional release dates or festival screenings have been announced. Endemol Shine India and BhaDiPa have not disclosed viewership projections, and the series’ performance will be monitored in the context of Prime Video’s broader original programming strategy.
In summary, Raakh brings the infamous 1978 Ranga‑Billa case to contemporary audiences through a cast that blends established television talent with actors known for their work in recent web series. The series’ June 12 premiere marks the next chapter in the ongoing media exploration of one of India’s most chilling criminal cases.
Raakh stars Akash Makhija as Ranga (Kuljeet Singh) and Ramandeep Yadav as Billa (Jasbir Singh). The series is directed and executive produced by Prosit Roy, written and co‑directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket, and produced by Endemol Shine India in partnership with BhaDiPa. The ensemble also features Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Bedi, Aamir Bashir, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
The 1978 case, officially known as the Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case, shocked New Delhi when the 16‑year‑old Geeta and her 14‑year‑old brother vanished on August 26 while heading to a radio programme. Witnesses reported that the children were forced into a stolen Fiat and later found dead. Forensic evidence, including a fingerprint left at a hospital, led to the arrest of Ranga and Billa on September 8. Both men were convicted, sentenced to death, and executed in 1982.
Makhija, who last appeared in Prime Video’s Gram Chikitsalay as Gobind, brings experience from television series such as Sargam Ki Sadhe Satii, Har Mard Ka Dard, and the recent Gram Chikitsalay. He married his childhood sweetheart Roshni Budhiraja earlier this year. Yadav, a Chandigarh native, has built a career across films and web series, including Manmarziyaan, Campus Diaries, CAT, and Gadar 2. In addition to acting, Yadav has played cricket for the Chandigarh district team in Haryana Cricket Association tournaments.
The series’ dialogue writer is Ayush Trivedi, and the production team has emphasized a realistic portrayal of the investigation and the societal impact of the crime. Raakh aims to provide a deeper look at the procedural aspects of the case and the psychological profiles of the perpetrators.
The decision to dramatise the Ranga‑Billa case follows a history of Indian media revisiting the incident. The story has been adapted for television in episodes of Crime Patrol Dial 100 (2018) and Bhanwar, and it was also the basis for the 2025 Netflix series Black Warrant. By expanding on those earlier portrayals, Raakh seeks to fill gaps in the public record and offer a more nuanced narrative.
With its premiere scheduled for June 12, Raakh is positioned to attract viewers interested in true‑crime narratives and historical dramatizations. The series’ release on Prime Video places it among the platform’s expanding slate of original content that tackles complex social issues. Industry observers note that the inclusion of well‑known actors like Makhija and Yadav may broaden the show’s appeal beyond niche true‑crime audiences.
As of now, no additional release dates or festival screenings have been announced. Endemol Shine India and BhaDiPa have not disclosed viewership projections, and the series’ performance will be monitored in the context of Prime Video’s broader original programming strategy.
In summary, Raakh brings the infamous 1978 Ranga‑Billa case to contemporary audiences through a cast that blends established television talent with actors known for their work in recent web series. The series’ June 12 premiere marks the next chapter in the ongoing media exploration of one of India’s most chilling criminal cases.
