If you thought the new Prime Video crime thriller Raakh was yet another adaptation of some foreign series, think again. Producer Deepak Dhar has come out to set the record straight — this one’s purely homegrown.
The Origins of Raakh
During a candid chat on Komal Nahta’s podcast, Dhar pulled back the curtain on how Raakh came to life. The show, which stars Ali Fazal in a gripping investigative role, started as an idea pitched by the writers themselves. “Raakh is not an international show, it’s original content, it’s an original story, it came to us through the writers and we started shaping it,” Dhar said, clearing up any buzz about it being a copycat. He called the series a “taut thriller,” and judging by the early reactions, the audience seems to agree.
Nahta, who had already seen four episodes at a screening, didn’t hold back his praise. “I have seen 4 episodes in your screening, I mean it arrests the viewer’s attention. I enjoyed it a lot,” he shared during the podcast. For a industry insider like Nahta to say that, you know the show has something special cooking.
What the Show Is About
If you haven’t tuned in yet, Raakh revolves around an abduction and murder case that pulls you into a dark, twisty investigation. It’s not just about who did it — the series digs into crime, justice, and the messy side of human behaviour. Expect edge-of-your-seat moments and some seriously intense performances. Ali Fazal leads the pack, and with a story that’s been crafted from scratch, there’s no baggage of comparison to any foreign version.
For Dhar and his team at Endemol Shine India, this project is a chance to prove that Indian writers can deliver nail-biting thrillers without relying on borrowed plots. And if the buzz is any indication, they’ve nailed it.
Endemol Shine India’s Growing Slate
Deepak Dhar’s production house is no stranger to big hits. As part of Banijay Entertainment, Endemol Shine India has been behind some of the most talked-about shows in recent years. Scripted hits like The Night Manager, Aarya, Undekhi, Hostages, Bombay Begums, and Trial By Fire — all came from their stable. And let’s not forget the non-scripted heavyweights: Bigg Boss, Khatron Ke Khiladi, MasterChef India, MTV Roadies, and The Kapil Sharma Show. Basically, if it’s popular and keeps you glued to the screen, chances are Dhar’s team had a hand in it.
With Raakh, they’re adding another solid crime thriller to that impressive lineup. The show dropped on Prime Video and is already generating conversations for its raw storytelling and powerful performances. So if you’re in the mood for a desi thriller that doesn’t crib from Hollywood or K-dramas, give Raakh a watch. It’s original, it’s intense, and it’s exactly what we need right now.