5 web series and films inspired by true events

In the ever-growing digital space, the number of possibilities for unique and original content are immense. However, creators also have the freedom to showcase certain events which have occurred in real-life in a more elaborate manner with multi-episode web series or films.

With platforms like ALTBalaji, Prime Video and Zee5 churning out originals by the dozen, there have been a fair few which may have been inspired by true incidents. Here is our list of 5 original web series and films which are or seem to be based on true events:

The Chargesheet: Innocent or Guilty

This Zee5 original series, which was supposed to be released in December 2019, was pushed to January 2020 with a change in the title tag-line (promoted as The Shuttlecock Murder earlier) and certain plot elements.

The first trailer showcased the murder of a national badminton champion (later changed to Table Tennis) and the mystery behind it.

Even though it was later mentioned in the new and changed trailer that the story is a work of fiction, the earlier concept of the show seemed heavily inspired from the real-life murder of national badminton champion Syed Modi.

Modi was fatally shot in 1988 outside K.D. Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow after a practice session.

Posham Pa

This original film by Zee5 is a worthy entry on our list. It is a gruesome yet mindful thriller which follows the story of India’s first female duo on death row.

The main characters are a pair of sisters who are accused of murdering over 50 children along with their mother. The film depicts the disturbed childhood of the girls along with their mother who is abusive and vile.

It touches on topics of mental health, murder motives and paints a clear picture for both the sides.

The inspiration for this film was the real-life case of sisters Renuka Shinde, Seema Gavit and their mother Anjanabai Gavit. The trio sent a shockwave across the country when they were arrested.

The Verdict: State v Nanavati

This 2019 web series by ALTBalaji is a courtroom drama set in 1959. It follows the story of a naval officer accused of murdering his wife’s lover.

It touches upon jealousy, politics, women empowerment and gender bias. The web series also focuses on the jury trials and their authenticity in Indian the court of law.

The real-life case K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra was a high profile issue in 1959 wherein an Indian Naval officer, Kawas Nanavati, was accused of murdering Prem Ahuja, who had an affair with his wife.

He was initially declared not guilty by the members of a jury but the Bombay high court dismissed the verdict and retired it as a bench trial. The 2016 film Rustom was also based on this case.

Operation Parindey

This film by Zee5 is possibly based on was one of the most high-profile jailbreaks in India.

Being promoted as a fictionalised account of a true incident, it shows connections to the 2016 jailbreak from a maximum-security prison in Nabha, Punjab.

This jailbreak involved the escape of 6 criminals, 4 of whom were gangsters and the other 2 were Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) terrorists. Their associates dressed up as policemen and entered the prison to carry out the plan.

The Forgotten Army: Azaadi Ke Liye

This latest entry in Amazon Prime Video India‘s library is as close to real events as it gets. This is not based off of any recent trials or cases but on India’s struggle for independence.

The 5 episode web series follows the story of the Indian National Army formed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to overthrow the British Raj.

Instead of being hailed as heroes by Indians, they were deemed traitors by the British government. Furthermore, after India’s independence in 1947, the stories of the INA soldiers which also included the first-ever female regiment was lost in the pages of history.

However, thanks to The Forgotten Army that the country is finally getting a chance to witness this bravery and valour.

It is evident from this list that there are many more such web series and films in the pipeline which are sure to shed light upon some serious and important incidents from the real world.


Also Read: 5 Indian web series adapted from books

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