India’s obsession with the world of espionage continues to flourish, and this July, the genre returns with a bang! Special Ops 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Neeraj Pandey’s spy saga, is all set to release on JioHotstar on July 11. With Kay Kay Menon returning as the razor-sharp Himmat Singh, this season promises to unravel cyber threats targeting India’s digital economy, particularly its UPI infrastructure, while diving into themes of AI misuse and Himmat’s own family dynamics.
But while the countdown begins, why not gear up with some high-stakes spy action? Here’s a curated list of the top 5 Indian spy thrillers that will keep you hooked till Special Ops 2 goes live.
Table of Contents
5. Kathmandu Connection
Platform: Sony LIV
Setting: India-Nepal Border
Inspired by true events such as the 1993 Mumbai blasts and the IC 814 hijacking, this series follows the intertwined fates of a cop, a journalist, and a criminal. As secrets unravel across borders, a dark web of international crime and intelligence operations emerges.
Cast: Amit Sial, Aksha Pardasany, Anshumaan Pushkar, Gopal Datt
Why Watch? For its real-world parallels, gripping subplots, and international espionage thrill.
4. Berlin
Platform: ZEE5
Setting: 1993, Delhi
A unique entry in the genre, Berlin is a psychological spy thriller featuring Ashok Kumar, a deaf-mute man accused of being a spy. As a sign-language expert attempts to interpret his side of the story, viewers are pulled into a world of moral ambiguity and mind games.
Cast: Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose
Why Watch? For its offbeat narrative, intense performances, and thought-provoking storytelling.
3. Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy
Platform: ZEE5
Setting: Indo-Pak 1965 War
Directed by Shivam Nair and Jayprad Desai, this series is based on real intelligence operations during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. A young Indian spy goes undercover in Pakistan to intercept a massive attack on Indian soil, risking everything for national security.
Cast: Zain Khan Durrani, Prakash Raj, Adil Hussain, Barkha Bisht
Why Watch? Period spy drama with raw tension, brilliant performances, and patriotic undertones.
2. Adrishyam
Platform: Sony LIV
Setting: Bureau of Investigative Activities (BIA)
This layered espionage drama introduces us to Ravi Verma and Durga, two top-secret agents working under the BIA. As they operate in the shadows to protect the nation, the show explores how duty can sometimes come at the cost of humanity and personal morals.
Cast: Eijaz Khan, Divyanka Tripathi, Pooja Gor, Swaroopa Ghosh
Why Watch? A balance of emotional depth and spy action, with strong character arcs and fast-paced missions.
1.Tanaav
Platform: Sony LIV
Setting: Kashmir
Set in the politically volatile region of Kashmir, Tanaav is a taut drama that pits the elite Special Task Group (STG) against insurgents. At the heart of the narrative is Kabir Farooqi, a retired STG officer drawn back into the field after discovering that terrorist Umar Riaz, presumed dead, is still alive.
Cast: Manav Vij, Arbaaz Khan, Shashank Arora, Rajat Kapoor
Why Watch? Realistic portrayal of counterterrorism operations, gripping from start to finish.
Comparison Table: Top 5 Indian Spy Thrillers to Watch
| Title | Platform | Setting | Key Theme | Lead Cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanaav | Sony LIV | Kashmir | Counterterrorism | Manav Vij, Arbaaz Khan |
| Adrishyam | Sony LIV | National BIA | Dual lives, morality vs duty | Eijaz Khan, Divyanka Tripathi |
| Mukhbir | ZEE5 | 1965 Indo-Pak war | Undercover intelligence | Zain Khan Durrani, Prakash Raj |
| Berlin | ZEE5 | 1993 Delhi | Psychological, interrogation | Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose |
| Kathmandu Connection | Sony LIV | India-Nepal nexus | Real-life inspired spy network | Amit Sial, Aksha Pardasany |
While Special Ops 2 gears up to redefine India’s spy genre yet again, these top 5 Indian spy thrillers offer the perfect warm-up. Whether you’re drawn to real-life intelligence missions or character-driven covert ops, this list ensures there’s a perfect pick for every spy fiction aficionado. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and immerse yourself in a world of secrets, stakes, and suspense.
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FAQs
When is Special Ops 2 releasing?
Special Ops 2 will release on July 11 on JioHotstar.
What is the storyline of Special Ops 2?
It focuses on cyber-terrorism, UPI system threats, AI misuse, and deeper character explorations, especially Himmat Singh’s personal life.
Where can I watch the first season of Special Ops?
The original Special Ops series is available to stream on JioHotstar.
Which spy thriller is based on true events?
Kathmandu Connection and Mukhbir draw inspiration from real incidents like the IC 814 hijacking and 1965 war.
What makes Adrishyam stand out?
Adrishyam offers a unique perspective by blending high-stakes missions with internal emotional and moral conflicts.
