ZEE5 has a range of crime dramas that explore different sides of crime, from the rise of gangsters and complicated murder investigations to corruption and dangerous secrets. If you have already watched the popular titles and want something different, these seven underrated crime dramas on ZEE5 are worth exploring.
1. Kaali
Cast: Paoli Dam, Abhishek Banerjee, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Rahul Banerjee.
Plot: Kaali follows a single mother who finds herself in a desperate situation when her son needs an emergency operation. With little time and limited options, she becomes involved in dangerous criminal activities to arrange the money.
Her attempts to save her child lead her into a world of crime, drug dealers and threatening enemies. The series combines emotional drama with suspense, showing how far a mother may go when her child's life is at risk. It is a compelling choice for viewers who enjoy crime stories driven by personal struggles.
2. Naxalbari
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Tina Datta, Aamir Ali, Satyadeep Mishra, Sreejita De and Shakti Anand.
Plot: Set in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, Naxalbari follows Raghav Joshi, a Special Task Force agent assigned to investigate a violent incident linked to a Naxalite uprising. As he works to uncover the truth, he discovers that the situation involves more than a simple law-enforcement operation.
The investigation becomes increasingly complicated as political interests, a proposed mining project and the movement's activities intersect. Raghav must deal with personal challenges while trying to prevent further violence.
The series is worth considering if you enjoy police thrillers that combine action with political and social conflicts.
3. Rangbaaz
Cast: Saqib Saleem, Ranvir Shorey, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Aahana Kumra in Season 1. Later seasons feature actors including Jimmy Sheirgill and Vineet Kumar Singh.
Plot: Rangbaaz explores the rise of gangsters and their connections with politics. The first season follows Shiv Prakash Shukla, a young man from Gorakhpur who becomes a feared criminal. His journey brings him into contact with powerful politicians and law-enforcement officers.
The subsequent seasons tell different stories of crime, ambition, political rivalry and the consequences of power. The show explores how social circumstances and political interests can influence a person's path towards criminal activity.
If you enjoy gritty gangster dramas with complicated characters, Rangbaaz is worth adding to your watchlist.
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4. Abhay
Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Elnaaz Norouzi, Namit Das, Ram Kapoor and Asha Negi across its seasons.
Plot: Abhay follows Abhay Pratap Singh, a determined officer who investigates disturbing criminal cases. His ability to understand the minds of criminals helps him pursue suspects and solve complicated investigations.
The series features cases involving murder, dangerous offenders and disturbing motives. As Abhay deals with new threats, his personal life and past experiences also influence his decisions.
Unlike conventional police dramas that focus on one investigation, the series explores different cases across its seasons. It is a suitable choice for viewers who prefer dark crime stories and psychological cat-and-mouse games.
5. Code M
Cast: Jennifer Winget, Tanuj Virwani, Rajat Kapoor and Seema Biswas.
Plot: Code M centres on Major Monica Mehra, an army lawyer asked to investigate an encounter involving an army officer and two suspected militants. What initially appears to be a straightforward case soon becomes more complicated.
As Monica examines the evidence and questions the people involved, she begins to uncover inconsistencies that challenge the official version of events. Her investigation puts her professional judgement and determination to the test.
The series combines military drama with crime and mystery. Viewers who enjoy stories about investigations, hidden evidence and institutional secrets may find it an interesting watch.
6. Bicchoo Ka Khel
Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, Mukul Chadda, Rajesh Sharma and Satyajit Sharma.
Plot: Set in Banaras, Bicchoo Ka Khel follows Akhil Shrivastav, who becomes involved in a series of events after his father dies in prison. Convinced that his father has been wrongly implicated, Akhil sets out to uncover the truth.
His search draws him into a dangerous world of crime, revenge and manipulation. As he tries to understand what happened, the investigation becomes a game in which every move can have serious consequences.
The series combines crime, drama and twists, making it a good option for viewers who enjoy revenge-driven stories.
7. Sunflower
Cast: Sunil Grover, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Kulkarni, Mukul Chadda and Ashish Vidyarthi. Adah Sharma joins the cast in Season 2.
Plot: Sunflower begins with the mysterious murder of Mr Kapoor, a resident of the Sunflower housing society. The police question the neighbours, but the investigation soon reveals that several residents have secrets of their own.
Sonu Singh, played by Sunil Grover, becomes a key suspect, while the investigating officers try to piece together what happened. The second season continues the mystery with fresh developments and additional suspects.
What makes the show different is its mix of murder mystery and dark comedy. It offers a lighter alternative to serious crime dramas without losing the suspense.
These seven underrated crime dramas on ZEE5 offer a range of stories, from police investigations and political conspiracies to murder mysteries and gangster rivalries. Kaali explores a mother's desperation, Naxalbari combines crime with political conflict, and Sunflower adds dark comedy to a murder investigation.
If you are looking for something beyond the usual crime thrillers, these series are worth exploring. Check the individual ZEE5 listings for current availability in your region.
FAQs
Q1. Which are some underrated crime dramas on ZEE5?
Kaali, Naxalbari, Rangbaaz, Abhay, Code M, Bicchoo Ka Khel and Sunflower are options for crime drama fans.
Q2. Which ZEE5 crime series is based on a murder investigation?
Sunflower revolves around the murder of a resident in a housing society, with several neighbours becoming suspects.
Q3. Which ZEE5 crime drama features Kunal Kemmu?
Kunal Kemmu plays the lead role in Abhay, a crime thriller about an officer investigating complex criminal cases.
Q4. Which ZEE5 series focuses on gangsters and politics?
Rangbaaz explores the relationship between gangsters, politicians and law-enforcement agencies across its seasons.