What to watch: 7 Indian crime thriller franchises packed with action, suspense and twists

Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon) has spent years chasing one elusive terrorist mastermind, and he isn’t about to let the trail go cold. Special OPS takes viewers into the world of Indian intelligence, where undercover agents work across countries to uncover threats and prevent attacks. The franchise also explores Himmat’s past in Special OPS 1.5: The Himmat Story, while Special OPS 2 takes the team into a new mission involving emerging threats and technology. With each instalment, the series adds another layer to Himmat’s world of espionage and covert operations. The franchise combines international missions with a continuing story centred on Himmat and his team.

7. Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster – Dailymotion

Set in the decaying palaces of Uttar Pradesh, the saga centres on an aristocrat Aditya Pratap Singh (Jimmy Sheirgill) and his scheming wife Madhavi Devi (Mahie Gill), whose volatile marriage collapses into deadly mind games as ambitious outsiders attempt to challenge their power. The first movie introduces Aditya Pratap Singh (Jimmy Sheirgill), his wife Madhavi (Mahie Gill) and Babloo (Randeep Hooda), a hired driver whose involvement sparks a web of desire and betrayal. Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns expands the conflict as Saheb faces new political rivals, while a disgraced prince, Indrajeet Singh (Irfan Khan), enters the fold seeking revenge and power. Biwi Aur Gangster 3 ups the stakes with the introduction of Uday Pratap Singh (Sanjay Dutt), a dangerous London-returned royal, who gets drawn into the family’s power struggles.