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Prime Videos Raakh Draws 22.43 Million Viewers in Opening Weekend, Boosting Indias Crime Thriller Trend
Prime Video’s new crime‑thriller series Raakh premiered on 12 June 2026 and attracted 22.43 million unique viewers during its opening weekend, according to platform data released by the streaming service. The eight‑episode show, headlined by actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, has already sparked discussion among fans of the crime‑drama genre.
Raakh is a dramatized retelling of the infamous Ranga‑Billa case, a 1978 kidnapping and murder that shocked New Delhi. The series follows the abduction of two siblings and the subsequent investigation that led to the arrest of the perpetrators. The story is told from the perspective of a determined police officer who launches a nationwide search, exposing the brutality and human evil that underpinned the case.
The production was created by Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket and Prosit Roy. In addition to Fazal and Bendre, the cast includes Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi and others in supporting roles. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of investigative work and its emotionally powerful exploration of grief and justice.
Critical reception has been largely positive. Reviewers have highlighted the series’ balance of suspense with a victim‑focused lens, noting that it offers a “haunting look at evil that refuses to let its victims be forgotten.” The show’s impact is evident in the volume of viewership it has generated in its first week.
The success of Raakh comes amid a broader trend of Indian crime thrillers gaining traction on streaming platforms. Several other shows have become popular among audiences seeking hard‑boiled narratives:
Delhi Crime (Netflix) – An international Emmy‑winning series that follows Delhi Police investigations of high‑profile crimes, including the 2012 gang‑rape case. The show is noted for its realistic storytelling and strong performances. Paatal Lok (Prime Video) – A gritty series that explores crime, politics and society through the eyes of a police officer assigned to a high‑stakes investigation. The show has been acclaimed for its layered characters and gripping narrative. Kohrra (Netflix) – Set in rural Punjab, the series begins with the murder of an NRI groom and follows the investigation that uncovers family secrets and social pressures. Asur (JioHotstar) – A blend of mythology and forensic science, the series follows investigators tracking a serial killer who believes he is connected to ancient mythological forces. Black Warrant (Netflix) – Based on the book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer, the prison drama follows a young jailer navigating corruption and violence within one of India’s most notorious prisons. Special Ops (JioHotstar) – An espionage thriller centered on an R&AW officer’s long pursuit of a terrorist mastermind. The series is known for its suspense and action.
These shows illustrate the appetite for crime‑drama content that combines investigative rigor with social commentary. Streaming services have responded by commissioning new projects and expanding their libraries of crime‑thriller series.
Looking ahead, Raakh will continue to be available on Prime Video for the foreseeable future, and the platform has not announced any immediate plans for a second season. Meanwhile, other series such as Delhi Crime and Paatal Lok have already secured additional seasons, and Special Ops is slated to release a new season in late 2026. The continued popularity of these shows suggests that Indian audiences will remain engaged with crime‑drama narratives that reflect real‑world investigations and societal issues.
The current landscape shows a steady stream of crime‑thriller content across major OTT platforms, with Raakh standing out for its high viewership and critical acclaim. As platforms invest in original crime dramas, viewers can expect more series that blend investigative storytelling with nuanced character studies.
Raakh is a dramatized retelling of the infamous Ranga‑Billa case, a 1978 kidnapping and murder that shocked New Delhi. The series follows the abduction of two siblings and the subsequent investigation that led to the arrest of the perpetrators. The story is told from the perspective of a determined police officer who launches a nationwide search, exposing the brutality and human evil that underpinned the case.
The production was created by Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket and Prosit Roy. In addition to Fazal and Bendre, the cast includes Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi and others in supporting roles. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of investigative work and its emotionally powerful exploration of grief and justice.
Critical reception has been largely positive. Reviewers have highlighted the series’ balance of suspense with a victim‑focused lens, noting that it offers a “haunting look at evil that refuses to let its victims be forgotten.” The show’s impact is evident in the volume of viewership it has generated in its first week.
The success of Raakh comes amid a broader trend of Indian crime thrillers gaining traction on streaming platforms. Several other shows have become popular among audiences seeking hard‑boiled narratives:
Delhi Crime (Netflix) – An international Emmy‑winning series that follows Delhi Police investigations of high‑profile crimes, including the 2012 gang‑rape case. The show is noted for its realistic storytelling and strong performances. Paatal Lok (Prime Video) – A gritty series that explores crime, politics and society through the eyes of a police officer assigned to a high‑stakes investigation. The show has been acclaimed for its layered characters and gripping narrative. Kohrra (Netflix) – Set in rural Punjab, the series begins with the murder of an NRI groom and follows the investigation that uncovers family secrets and social pressures. Asur (JioHotstar) – A blend of mythology and forensic science, the series follows investigators tracking a serial killer who believes he is connected to ancient mythological forces. Black Warrant (Netflix) – Based on the book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer, the prison drama follows a young jailer navigating corruption and violence within one of India’s most notorious prisons. Special Ops (JioHotstar) – An espionage thriller centered on an R&AW officer’s long pursuit of a terrorist mastermind. The series is known for its suspense and action.
These shows illustrate the appetite for crime‑drama content that combines investigative rigor with social commentary. Streaming services have responded by commissioning new projects and expanding their libraries of crime‑thriller series.
Looking ahead, Raakh will continue to be available on Prime Video for the foreseeable future, and the platform has not announced any immediate plans for a second season. Meanwhile, other series such as Delhi Crime and Paatal Lok have already secured additional seasons, and Special Ops is slated to release a new season in late 2026. The continued popularity of these shows suggests that Indian audiences will remain engaged with crime‑drama narratives that reflect real‑world investigations and societal issues.
The current landscape shows a steady stream of crime‑thriller content across major OTT platforms, with Raakh standing out for its high viewership and critical acclaim. As platforms invest in original crime dramas, viewers can expect more series that blend investigative storytelling with nuanced character studies.
