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Do you believe movies based on real-life crimes are always gripping? Bollywood isn’t just about dance and drama; it’s also given us iconic crime thrillers like Haider, Satya, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Madras Cafe. So, why not delve into some chilling murder mysteries inspired by real-life unsolved cases, with fascinating backstories of criminal masterminds? Let’s dive in!
1. Bandit Queen (1994)
Phoolan Devi, famously known as the Bandit Queen, is remembered for seeking revenge against those who mistreated her because of her lower caste. A film based on her life faced censorship due to its explicit content. In the 1996 case of Bobby Art International v. Om Pal Singh Hoon & Ors, the Supreme Court overturned the Delhi High Court’s decision. The SC ruled that the scenes showing nudity and immorality were crucial for telling her true story, and the producer’s right to freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) couldn’t be restricted simply because it challenged society’s moral norms.
2. Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010)
The movie, based on the life of Dawood Ibrahim, depicts his rise to become the ‘Don’ of Bombay, showcasing the growth of crime and smuggling in the city, now known as Mumbai. Dawood Ibrahim, an Indian mafia gangster, was labeled a global terrorist by India and the US in 2003. He is suspected of playing a key role in the 1993 Bombay bombings, for which Yakub Memon was later executed. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also filed charges against Dawood Ibrahim, his close associate Chhota Shakeel, and three other members of the ‘D Company,’ a criminal syndicate he founded in the 1970s.
3. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Inspired by a real event, No One Killed Jessica (2011) tells the story of Jessica Lall, a model who was tragically murdered. On April 29, 1999, Manu Sharma, the son of a former Indian National Congress leader, shot Jessica Lall after she refused to serve him alcohol at the Tamarind Court restaurant, owned by socialite Bina Ramani. The Supreme Court upheld Manu Sharma’s conviction, but he was released early when Lt Governor Anil Baijal approved his remission. Under Section 433A of the CrPC, a convict who has served 14 years can apply for remission (early release or reduced sentence) if they have not committed a serious crime while on parole.
4. Rustom (2016)
For those who haven’t watched Rustom, the movie is based on the 1959 trial of Naval Commander K. M. Nanavati, who shot and killed his wife’s lover. After the shooting, Nanavati surrendered to the police and was tried for murder. Although the jury initially acquitted Nanavati, the judge overturned their decision and found him guilty. This case is often cited as the reason India abolished jury trials, as the jury’s failure to convict Nanavati highlighted flaws in the system (K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra, 1962).
5. Talwar (2015)
Who hasn’t heard of the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case, also known as the 2008 Noida double murder case? This unresolved mystery continues to baffle India. The movie Talwar is based on the double murder of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj, highlighting the internal conflicts within investigation agencies and the failure of both the police and the CBI to handle evidence properly. In November 2013, Aarushi’s parents were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, though the verdict was based on weak evidence. The Talwars appealed the decision, and in 2017 the Allahabad High Court acquitted them.
6. Raman Raghav (2016)
In the swinging Sixties, Bombay was famous for its glamorous nightclubs and jazz music, but it also harboured a darker side. During this period, the city was shaken with fear as Raman Raghav carried out a series of random murders, earning him the chilling nickname “Jack the Ripper of India.” Over three terrifying years, Raghav’s crimes remained a psychological enigma. Due to his mental illness, he was spared the death penalty and instead sentenced to life imprisonment. He later passed away in 1995 while still under prison custody in a hospital.
7. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
The town depicted in Anurag Kashyap’s two-part film Gangs of Wasseypur is as violent in real life as shown in the movie, with its coal mines serving as battlegrounds for brutal mafia families. While the film captures the real-life gang wars in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, there are several differences from actual events. One notable difference is the portrayal of Faizal Khan, based on Faheem Khan, whose fate in the film’s climax differs from what happened.
8. The Attacks of 26/11 (2013)
The Mumbai terror attack on November 26, 2008, was one of the most shocking events in India’s history, carried out by 10 gunmen believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. This powerful movie portrays the unforgettable night when the attacks took place. In response to these attacks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established to investigate and address terror-related cases in the country specifically.
9. Madras Cafe (2013)
Madras Café is a political spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan war, depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The film follows Major Vikram Singh (played by John Abraham), an Indian Army officer working with the Research and Analysis Wing. Among the assassins, A G Perarivalan and S Nalini sought release under a 2018 resolution by the Tamil Nadu government. The government argued that they had served their time, as the Supreme Court had commuted their death sentences to life imprisonment. All seven convicts had been in jail for 31 years since their arrest in 1991.
10. Shahid (2013)
The movie about Shahid Azmi is a biographical film detailing his life as an advocate known for defending people accused of terrorism. Arrested during the 1992 Bombay riots, Shahid was brutally tortured by the police and forced to confess to a crime he didn’t commit. Inspired by a fellow inmate, he pursued a college education after his release and moved to Mumbai to study law. The film depicts Shahid’s dedication to helping innocent people, highlighting his tragic end when he was killed in his office while representing clients he believed were wrongly accused of terror crimes.
Conclusion
Bollywood has brought to life several gripping films based on real-life crimes, captivating audiences with their intense narratives and powerful portrayals. These movies offer an insight into some of India’s most infamous criminal cases, delving into the complexities of justice, morality, and the human condition. From the dramatic saga of Gangs of Wasseypur to the chilling retelling of No One Killed Jessica, these films do more than entertain; they spark deep reflection and discussions on crime and its societal effects. Whether focusing on historical events or modern-day investigations, Bollywood’s exploration of real-life crimes remains a powerful tool for understanding the darker sides of human nature.
