Bollywood Spy Thrillers Inspired by Real Terror Operations: A Deep Dive
In recent years, Bollywood has captivated audiences with a gripping genre of spy thrillers that are inspired by real terror operations. These films drop operatives into deep cover, push them to live under fake identities, and send them after clues that never quite fit perfectly. The pressure escalates from hijacked planes to tight safe houses and closed-room negotiations, where a single wrong move can be fatal. Love complicates matters, raising the stakes even higher, and even when the mission is accomplished, the emotional and psychological costs linger.
Dhurandhar (2025): A Covert Gamble in Karachi
Dhurandhar follows IB officer Ajay Sanyal's covert operation in the aftermath of the Kandahar and Parliament attacks. The film sends agent Hamza Ali Mazari into Lyari to infiltrate Rehman Dakait's gang, manipulate Karachi politics, and expose ISI-backed terror plots. With themes of love, betrayal, and street wars, the story culminates in Hamza's reveal as Indian operative Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who is poised to hunt down the mastermind. Starring Ranveer Singh, Tabu, and Vijay Varma, this 156-minute thriller is available for streaming on Netflix.
Mission Majnu (2023): Racing Against Time in Pakistan
Mission Majnu tracks RAW operative Amandeep Singh, who goes undercover as Tariq Hussain in Pakistan. His mission is to expose Kahuta's nuclear program while protecting his blind wife, Nasreen. As politics shift and allies fall, Aman makes the ultimate sacrifice to save both his wife and the mission, leaving the truth in a final letter. Featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna, this 129-minute film is also streaming on Netflix.
Bell Bottom (2021): Outsmarting Terrorists in a Hijacking Crisis
Bell Bottom revisits a 1984 hijacking through the eyes of Anshul Malhotra, a RAW analyst driven by personal loss. He outsmarts terrorists and the ISI by rewriting protocol mid-crisis, gambling on nerve, memory, and misdirection from Lahore to Dubai to bring every hostage home alive. Starring Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, and Vaani Kapoor, this 123-minute thriller is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Naam Shabana (2017): The Making of a Fierce RAW Recruit
Naam Shabana traces the transformation of Shabana Khan, a recruit shaped by abuse, loss, and choice. Under the guidance of RAW handlers Ranvir Singh and Ajay Singh, she turns grief into precision, from a revenge killing in Goa to a surgical strike on arms dealer Mikhail. Starring Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, and Manoj Bajpayee, this 147-minute film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Madras Cafe (2013): Navigating Sri Lanka's Civil War Aftermath
Madras Cafe follows RAW officer Vikram Singh through the aftermath of Sri Lanka's civil war, where covert games, leaks, and rival factions spiral toward an assassination he races to prevent but ultimately fails to stop. The film blends reportage grit with moral weight, ending in quiet reckoning and loss. Starring John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, and Raashii Khanna, this 130-minute thriller is available on Netflix.
These Bollywood spy thrillers not only provide edge-of-the-seat entertainment but also offer a glimpse into the real-world complexities of intelligence operations. With their compelling narratives and star-studded casts, they have found a dedicated fanbase online, making them must-watch films for enthusiasts of the genre.
