Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events: Gritty True Stories to Watch on OTT
Indian OTT platforms are bringing real Indian stories to life—raw, emotional, and hard-hitting. Whether it’s financial fraud, underworld crime, terror attacks, or environmental crusades, these Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events don’t just entertain—they reveal the truth behind the headlines.
Here’s a list of the top Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events, along with IMDb ratings, platform links, and why you shouldn’t miss them.
Best Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events (With IMDb Ratings)
1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story
Platform: SonyLIV
Director: Hansal Mehta
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Genre: Biography, Crime
Plot: Based on journalist Sucheta Dalal’s book, it uncovers the 1992 stock market scam by Harshad Mehta.
Pratik Gandhi’s iconic performance
Outstanding direction and background score
India’s highest-rated web series on IMDb
2. Delhi Crime
Platform: Netflix
Director: Richie Mehta
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Genre: Crime, Drama
Plot: Follows the investigation of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case.
- Shefali Shah’s Emmy-winning portrayal
- Realistic and emotional storytelling
- International acclaim for Indian content
3. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega
Platform: Netflix
Director: Soumendra Padhi
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Plot: Based on real phishing scams in Jharkhand, it explores cyber fraud in small-town India.
- Gritty, rural backdrop
- Youth-driven cast
- Relevance in today’s digital age
4. Rangbaaz
Platform: ZEE5
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: Action, Crime
Plot: Based on UP gangster Shri Prakash Shukla and others, it dives into the world of crime and politics.
- Riveting gangster drama
- Solid performances by Saqib Saleem & Vineet Kumar Singh
- Real criminal stories with political ties
5. Koose Munisamy Veerappan
Platform: ZEE5
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Documentary, True Crime
Plot: Chronicles the rise and fall of Veerappan, India’s most infamous bandit.
- Real-life footage & testimonies
- Chilling insight into India’s forest mafia
- Narrated like a Netflix-style docuseries
6. Poacher
Platform: Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Environmental Crime, Drama
Plot: Inspired by a massive 2015 ivory poaching bust in Kerala.
Green crime drama with a conscience
Backed by Alia Bhatt & Richie Mehta
Eye-opening take on illegal wildlife trade
7. State of Siege: 26/11
Platform: ZEE5
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: Retelling of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks from the NSG’s point of view.
- Action-packed and emotionally intense
- Real accounts from India’s defense forces
- Well-paced and respectful tribute
8. The Railway Men
Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Historical, Drama
Plot: Based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, it honors unsung railway workers who saved lives.
- Powerful ensemble cast
- Real heroes in a forgotten tragedy
- Emotionally moving and visually strong
9. Black Warrant
Platform: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Prison Drama
Plot: Inspired by Tihar Jail officer Sunil Gupta’s memoir.
- Dark, honest portrayal of prison life
- Commentary on India’s justice system
- Gripping narrative from the inside
10. Scoop
Platform: Netflix
Director: Hansal Mehta
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: True Crime, Journalism
Plot: Based on Jigna Vora’s memoir, this crime drama follows a journalist accused of being involved in a murder.
- Karishma Tanna’s award-winning performance
- Commentary on media trials
- Blurs lines between truth and perception
Honorable Mentions
- Auto Shankar (ZEE5) – Based on a serial killer in Chennai – ⭐ IMDb: 7.1
- Sacred Games (Netflix) – Fictional but inspired by Mumbai’s real underworld – ⭐ IMDb: 8.5
- IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (ZEE5) – Based on the 1999 plane hijack – ⭐ IMDb: 7.2
- Naxalbari (ZEE5) – Set against the Naxalite uprising – ⭐ IMDb: 7.3
Why These Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events Matter
Real-life Indian web series go beyond fiction. They offer a mirror to our society, shining a light on:
- Corruption and fraud (Scam 1992)
- Systemic injustice (Delhi Crime)
- Forgotten heroes (The Railway Men)
- Wildlife and environmental crimes (Poacher)
- Misuse of power (Scoop)
They’re not just shows—they’re lessons in resilience, flaws, courage, and truth.
Conclusion: Real India, Real Stories, Real Impact
OTT platforms have opened the door to stories that once hid in headlines, courtrooms, and history books. These Indian Web Series Based on Real-Life Events are proof that reality, when told right, can be more compelling than fiction. So the next time you’re on Netflix, SonyLIV, Prime Video, or ZEE5—skip the fantasy and stream the truth.
Related Post: Special Ops Season 2 Review
Tags: Indian Web Series, True Story, Real Life Incident, Crime Thriller, Indian Drama, OTT Original, Netflix India, Prime Video, Scam 1992, Delhi Crime, Real Events, Indian True Crime, Web Series 2025
