If the high-stakes intrigue of Ranveer Singh's recent film 'Dhurandhar' has you hooked on the world of espionage, you're in luck. The digital streaming space is packed with raw, intense, and adrenaline-pumping Bollywood spy thrillers that deliver equal doses of suspense and action. Here is a curated list of five such films you can stream right now on various OTT platforms.
Top Picks for Espionage Enthusiasts
These films go beyond simple action, weaving complex narratives of national security, personal sacrifice, and geopolitical tension. They feature some of Bollywood's biggest stars in roles that demand both physical prowess and dramatic depth.
1. Baby (Streaming on JioCinema, Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video)
Headlined by Akshay Kumar as the exceptionally skilled intelligence officer Ajay Singh Rajput, 'Baby' delves into the operations of a secret, and technically illegal, counter-terrorism unit. The team's mission is to stop terrorist attacks through anticipatory action, leading them to a network that is merely a front for a mastermind based in Pakistan. The film is renowned for maintaining a gripping sense of anxiety and tactical realism. The stellar supporting cast includes Rana Daggubati, Taapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher, and Kay Kay Menon.
2. Pathaan (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
This blockbuster sees Shah Rukh Khan return as a suspended RAW agent, Pathaan, who is pulled back into service for a mission of critical national importance. His objective is to stop Jim, a former RAW operative turned rogue, played by John Abraham, who plans to unleash a deadly man-made virus in India. The globetrotting narrative features Pathaan forming an uneasy alliance with ISI agent Rubina Mohsin, portrayed by Deepika Padukone.
3. War (Streaming on Netflix)
A story of betrayal and mystery, 'War' focuses on Major Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan), who disappears after a failed mission. His former protégé, Khalid (Tiger Shroff), is tasked with hunting him down, triggering a spectacular, globe-spanning chase filled with explosive action sequences and unexpected plot twists. The film also stars Vaani Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana in pivotal roles.
4. Madras Cafe (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, this politically charged thriller is set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War. John Abraham plays an Indian intelligence operative stationed in Jaffna who uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy linked to real historical events. The film stands out for its gritty, investigative tone and a grounded portrayal of complex geopolitical conflicts.
5. Ek Tha Tiger (Streaming on Netflix)
This film launched the successful Yash Raj Films Spy Universe. Salman Khan stars as Tiger, a RAW agent sent to Dublin to surveil an Indian scientist suspected of leaking secrets. The mission gets complicated when Tiger falls for Zoya, a mysterious dancer who is actually an undercover Pakistani ISI agent, played by Katrina Kaif. The film explores the classic conflict between duty and heart.
Your Next Binge-Watch Sorted
From the gritty realism of 'Baby' and 'Madras Cafe' to the spectacular scale of 'Pathaan' and 'War', and the romantic intrigue of 'Ek Tha Tiger', this list offers a diverse range of spy narratives. Each film provides a unique take on the genre, ensuring that fans of 'Dhurandhar' will find plenty to keep them on the edge of their seat. So, pick your platform and dive into these high-octane tales of espionage and patriotism available for streaming at your convenience.
