Prime Video’s newest crime drama Raakh takes audiences back to a chilling chapter of Indian history through a powerful fictional lens. Anchored by towering performances from Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, and Aamir Bashir, the series weaves together grief, justice, and the long shadow of bureaucracy into a viewing experience that is gritty, atmospheric, and emotionally devastating in the best way possible.
Raakh is a beautifully crafted period crime drama that revisits the infamous Ranga-Billa case through the fictionalised Arora double murder. Set in late-1970s Delhi, the series shines thanks to its meticulous recreation of the era, a gripping investigative track, and an ensemble cast that delivers career-best work across the board. Ali Fazal anchors the show with quiet intensity as SI Jayaprakash Jatav, while Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir bring heartbreaking depth as parents shattered by loss. Raakh is a haunting, unmissable watch that lingers long after the credits roll, earning a well-deserved 5/5 stars.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| SI Jayaprakash Jatav | Ali Fazal |
| Mrs. Arora (Mother) | Sonali Bendre |
| Lt Col Ashok Arora (Father) | Aamir Bashir |
| Senior Police Officer | Dibyendu Bhattacharya |
| Jatav’s Father | Rakesh Bedi |
| Journalist Nisar | Anshul Chauhan |
| Babu | Akash Makhija |
| Rajjo | Ramandeep Yadav |
| Director | Prosit Roy |
| Creators/Writers/Co-Directors | Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket |
| Dialogues | Ayush Trivedi |
| Production | Endemol Shine India, in association with BhaDiPa |
| Platform | Prime Video |
| Release Date | June 12, 2026 |
Plot Summary
Set in Delhi of the late 1970s, Raakh reimagines the shocking real-life Ranga-Billa case through the fictionalised story of the Arora siblings. The series wastes no time establishing their innocence and the warmth of their family before tragedy strikes, ensuring their loss feels deeply personal rather than just another headline. As the investigation unfolds, SI Jayaprakash Jatav leads a nationwide manhunt that pulls back the curtain on bureaucratic egos, early forensic science, and the dark underbelly of crime. Parallel flashbacks trace how two ordinary criminals spiralled into monstrous acts, while the Arora family is left to navigate a grief that has no real closure—only the faint hope of justice.
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Performances
Ali Fazal delivers one of the finest performances of his career as SI Jayaprakash Jatav. Stepping away from the larger-than-life energy of his Mirzapur persona, Fazal embraces restraint and authenticity, nailing the Delhi accent and physicality with effortless ease. His commanding screen presence anchors the entire series with quiet strength.
Sonali Bendre is simply outstanding as the grieving mother. Her portrayal of a woman caught between memory and acceptance is one of the most moving aspects of the show, and she handles every emotional beat with remarkable honesty and grace.
Aamir Bashir is the true surprise package of Raakh. As Lt Col Ashok Arora, he beautifully captures the impossible balancing act of a grieving father trying to hold himself together for the world. His desperate search for answers about his daughter is portrayed with heartbreaking sincerity, making this one of his career’s standout turns.\
Dibyendu Bhattacharya brings tremendous depth to his role as the senior officer guiding Jatav. He elevates what could have been a routine “boss” character into someone layered with intelligence, frustration, and empathy, proving once again why he is one of the industry’s most reliable performers.
Rakesh Bedi is an absolute delight as Jatav’s father. He brings warmth, humour, and gentle humanity to the show, offering much-needed moments of light amid the darkness, and his presence is a comforting highlight throughout.
Anshul Chauhan shines as journalist Nisar, bringing intelligence, sincerity, and emotional awareness to a role that could easily have fallen into cliché. Her styling and screen presence add wonderful authenticity to the period setting.
Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav are phenomenal as Babu and Rajjo. Their gradual transformation from petty criminals to perpetrators of horror is portrayed with chilling conviction, and both actors deserve immense praise for committing so fearlessly to such challenging roles.
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Technical Analysis
Direction: Prosit Roy, along with co-directors Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket, crafts a confident, focused narrative that never relies on artificial twists or manufactured doubt, instead trusting the emotional weight of the story itself.
Cinematography: The recreation of late-1970s Delhi is outstanding—Premier Padmini cars, period costumes, smoky bars, and dimly lit streets all combine to create a world that feels lived-in rather than staged. Lingering shots and expressive close-ups add tremendous atmosphere.
Writing: The screenplay by Nandakumar and Saket, with dialogues by Ayush Trivedi, balances investigative procedure with deep emotional resonance, using episode titles and small period details to add symbolic richness throughout.
Editing: Each episode is structured with sharp cliffhangers that keep the momentum high despite the case being widely known, ensuring the show never loses its grip on the audience.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Powerhouse performances from the entire ensemble cast
- Stunning, immersive recreation of 1970s Delhi
- Emotionally resonant writing that humanises victims and perpetrators alike
- Confident direction with a clear narrative voice
- A devastating, unforgettable finale
Areas that add to the experience:
- The heavy emotional tone means viewers should be prepared for an intense watch
- Some creative liberties from the real case may surprise those familiar with the original story, though they ultimately deepen the impact
Final Verdict:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Raakh is a triumph—an atmospheric, emotionally rich crime drama elevated by extraordinary performances across the board. From Ali Fazal’s career-best restraint to Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir’s gut-wrenching portrayals of grieving parents, every actor brings their absolute best to this haunting story. Combined with immersive period detail and confident storytelling, Raakh earns a perfect 5/5 stars and stands as a must-watch addition to Prime Video’s lineup.
What is the age rating for Raakh?
Raakh carries an 18+ rating due to its mature themes involving violence and crime.
Is Raakh suitable for children?
No, given its intense subject matter and mature themes, Raakh is intended strictly for adult viewers.
Is Raakh based on a true story?
Yes, Raakh is a fictionalised adaptation inspired by the infamous 1978 Ranga-Billa case, one of India’s most notorious criminal incidents.
