Must-Watch twisted police procedurals to binge before ‘Do Patti’ drops on Netflix

Indian OTT platforms are becoming the go-to spot for twisted police procedurals where investigation meets drama and the localness of the Indian police department in all its rigor—complete with low-paying jobs and innovative local abuses that’ll make you chuckle with relatability. Do Patti is just the latest brain-bender! With a stellar cast, this Netflix thriller throws Kajol into the mix as a cop who’s neck-deep in a mystery we can’t even begin to unravel. Add to that the stunning Kriti Sanon, playing not one but two roles—yes, twins, because double the confusion means double the fun—and things spiral fast. And let’s not forget Shaheer Sheikh, who’s caught in this whirlwind of chaos. If dark, twisty plots and morally gray characters are your jam, then buckle up for Do Patti, where no one’s playing by the rules! And before the pre-festival holidays kick in and the nail-biting show drops on the 25th October, we’ve got a binge-worthy list of similarly twisted shows that’ll keep you glued to your screen during the holiday season!

Manvat Murders

Manvat Murders on SonyLiv takes you back to the grim days of 1972, where seven women were gruesomely killed in the sleepy town of Manvat, sending shockwaves through the community. Enter Ramakant Kulkarni, played by Ashutosh Gowariker, who might be the most unexpected CID officer ever!, to untangle a case that’s darker than a moonless night. With secrets buried deeper than Manvat’s rumoured treasure troves and a seriously eerie soundtrack, this Marathi thriller doesn’t hold back on gore or suspense. Add in stellar performances from Sonali Kulkarni and Sai Tamhankar, and you’ve got a gritty whodunit that’s as twisted as it is binge-worthy!

Brinda

Brinda isn’t your typical cop show—it’s where the lines between justice and chaos blur in all the best ways! Trisha Krishnan plays the tough-as-nails SI Brinda Krishna, who’s not just solving crimes, but unraveling a tangled web of societal taboos and creepy customs. The plot keeps you guessing, especially when Anand Sami shows up as a twisted serial killer. With Ravindra Vijay and Aamani adding layers to the mystery, the show serves up small-town suspense, eerie vibes, and jaw-dropping twists at every corner. Prepare for a ride where even the law doesn’t play by the rules. With eight episodes ready to binge, Brinda is your next must-watch on Sony LIV!

Murder In Mahim

Murders in Mahim isn’t just another whodunit—it’s a deep dive into Mumbai’s gritty underbelly, where secrets and lies lurk around every corner. When a brutal murder shakes Mahim station, Peter Fernandes played by Ashutosh Rana is sucked into the investigation, but here’s the kicker—his own son might be involved. Cue the sleepless nights and a whirlwind of tension as Vijay Raaz’s no-nonsense cop digs deeper, while Shivani Raghuvanshi’s mysterious character keeps everyone guessing. With twisted motives and shocking reveals, this JioCinema thriller keeps you hooked, delivering a mystery where no one’s innocent, and the truth might just be the biggest shocker.

Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout

Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout kicks off with a bang—literally—throwing ACP Avinash Verma played by OTT-favourite Manoj Bajpayee and his Special Crime Unit into a chaotic mess after a bloody shootout at Mumbai’s infamous Night Owl Bar. What looks like a simple bar brawl quickly spirals into a tangled web of corruption, secrets, and betrayal. Prachi Desai shines as the no-nonsense cop Sanjana, while Sahil Vaid adds some unpredictable spice to the mix. With every twist, the case gets wilder, and trust me, you won’t see the end coming! Streaming now on ZEE5, this one’s an absolute must-watch!

Gyaarah Gyaarah

Gyaarah Gyaarah is like your favourite time-travel thriller sprinkled with a dash of mysticism and wrapped in a detective drama! Set in Uttarakhand, it follows Yug, a 2016 cop, who stumbles upon an old walkie-talkie that lets him chat with Shaurya, a dude from the '90s, but only for a minute at 11:11 pm—spooky, right? With Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra, and Dhairya Karwa leading the charge, this ZEE5 original doesn’t just solve crimes; it transcends time itself. Together, they crack cases across decades, chasing clues that blur the line between past, present, and “what just happened?!” Think of it as a crime-fighting duo with time on their side... literally!

Delhi Crime

Premiering at the prestigious Sundance Festival, Delhi Crime on Netflix is a hard-hitting portrayal of the Nirbhaya case—a brutal crime that shook the world and ignited global conversations about women’s safety in India. The series follows DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, brilliantly portrayed by Shefali Shah, as she leads the investigation into the horrifying rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi's Munirka neighborhood. The gripping first season dives into the aftermath of the 2012 gang rape, while the second season shifts focus to the chilling Chaddi Baniyan Gang. With stellar performances by Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang, Delhi Crime not only recounts a pivotal investigation but also sheds light on the systemic changes that followed, including the introduction of stricter laws, ensuring that victims' voices resonate louder in India’s evolving legal landscape.

Paatal Lok

Paatal Lok plunges you into a grimy world of crime and corruption, where every revelation feels like a gut punch. Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of Hathi Ram, a cop desperate for redemption, is the emotional core—he’s vulnerable, tough, and deeply relatable. Neeraj Kabi shines as a morally compromised journalist, adding layers to the show’s intrigue, while Abhishek Banerjee steals the spotlight as the hauntingly silent “Hathoda Tyagi”, whose quiet menace lingers long after the scene ends. The cast comes together like puzzle pieces in a noir-inspired game of survival, making it one of the most riveting thrillers in recent times. Lastly, if you’re a dog lover, this show will tug at your heartstrings, and if you’re not, Paatal Lok might just turn you into one by the time the credits roll! Catch this wholesome, gut-wrenching show on Amazon Prime Video.

-Written by Apurva Dutta

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