10 Famous Indian Spy Movies Based On True Incidents: Dhurandhar, Raazi And More

10 Famous Bollywood Spy Movies: Indian cinema has produced many thrilling films based on real-life intelligence missions, undercover agents and counter-terror operations. Recently, the movie Dhurandhar has gained strong attention for its gripping storyline and patriotic emotion. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film stars multiple Bollywood stars, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Khanna, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal and in female lead with Sara Arjun.

With gripping acting and raw emotion, Dhurandhar has already crossed Rs 159 crore worldwide within five days of release. Its success proves the audience connects deeply with the real story of unsung patriots who served silently to shield India from terror.

Movies based on spies and terror attacks grab attention because they reveal the hidden world of undercover lives, risky operations, raw emotions and also national safety concerns. From heartfelt films like Raazi or high-octane action thrillers in Uri and Ek Tha Tiger, Indian cinema keeps delivering stories that thrill while motivating. Check out these 10 well-known spy movies from Bollywood, highlighting bravery in dangerous zones.

Top 10 Movies Based on Indian Spy Agents and Terror Attacks

1. Dhurandhar (2025)

The film presents the life of a brave Indian spy who risks everything to protect the nation without ever getting recognition. Dhurandhar follows a brave Indian spy who goes undercover to stop a dangerous terror operation threatening national security. The film focuses on intelligence networks, sacrifices, and undercover strategy. Directed by Aditya Dhar, this movie stars Ranveer Singh as the lead actor, who delivers a gripping performance. Akshay Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal have also shown incredible performances in it. With thrilling action and emotional depth, Dhurandhar has become a blockbuster, collecting around Rs 159 crore worldwide within 5 days of release, making it one of the biggest spy-thrillers of recent times.

 

 

 

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2. Raazi (2018)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Based on a real story, Raazi shows a young Indian spywoman married to a Pakistani military family. Raazi dives into the deep personal sacrifice faced by a girl choosing country over comfort. Led by Meghna Gulzar’s direction, it features Alia Bhatt alongside Vicky Kaushal, presenting espionage through intelligence work without violence. This film became a huge commercial and critical success with earning ₹195 crore globally.

3. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Uri recreates the moment India strikes back after the 2016 Uri terror attack on its army base. With Vicky Kaushal leading the film, Aditya Dhar's movie dives into high-tech military operations and Indian intelligence. It became a cult hit with the famous dialogue “How’s the Josh?” which popped up everywhere online. Collecting around ₹342 crore, it turned heads as one of Hindi cinema's top war-themed blockbusters.

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4. Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Ek Tha Tiger shows the undercover life of a male RAW agent who develops feelings for a female Pakistani spy. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif star in the Kabir Khan-directed film. Combining espionage and romance, the movie made over ₹334 crore worldwide and established a strong franchise.

5. Bell Bottom (2021)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Bell Bottom, which takes place in the 1980s, centres on a secret operation to free plane hostages from hijacked terrorists. It is directed by Ranjit Tiwari and features Lara Dutta, Vani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Akshay Kumar. Despite pandemic restrictions, the film made about ₹50 crore worldwide and was praised for its clever storytelling and retro aesthetic.

6. Madras Cafe (2013)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Madras Cafe, a political spy thriller starring John Abraham and directed by Shoojit Sircar, is based on the assassination of India’s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the civil war in Sri Lanka. The movie blends intelligence operations with poignant drama. It was well-received by critics and made almost ₹67 to 68 crore globally.

7. Batla House (2019)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Batla House is based on the 2008 Delhi encounter case involving suspected terrorists from the Indian Mujahideen. John Abraham plays an honest police officer battling public opinion and media pressure in this Nikkhil Advani-directed film. The movie did well, earning over ₹113 crore and receiving accolades for its realistic narrative.

8. Mission Majnu (2023)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Released directly on Netflix, this movie centres on an undercover RAW agent in Pakistan during the nuclear crisis of the 1970s. It is directed by Shantanu Bagchi and features Rashmika Mandanna and Sidharth Malhotra. Mission Majnu's poignant story and patriotic plot won hearts on OTT. Despite being released digitally, it was well-received by critics and became widely popular.

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar Box Office Collection Day 5: Akshaye Khanna-Ranveer Singh Starrer Spy-Thriller Continues Winning Run; Crosses THIS Mark

9. IB 71 (2023)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

Before the 1971 war, the Indian Bureau conducted a classified intelligence operation, which is highlighted in IB 71. Starring Vidyut Jammwal, it is directed by Sankalp Reddy and emphasises strategy, espionage, and planning over action. The film was praised for its clever execution and brought in close to ₹30 crore worldwide.

10. Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) (2019)

Indian Spy movies based on true stories (Image: IMDb)

RAW, which stars John Abraham, depicts how a regular guy becomes a spy dispatched to Pakistan. The film, which was directed by Robbie Grewal, depicts betrayal in intelligence circles and emotional depth. Its performances and patriotic tone won it praise, and it brought in about ₹53 to 58 crore.