Exploring the Dark Narrative of 'Raakh': A Gripping Crime Drama

The Prime Video series 'Raakh' delves into the harrowing tale of the 1978 kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. With a gripping narrative that intertwines the lives of the victims and their killers, the show explores themes of urban horror and moral decay. As the investigation unfolds, viewers witness the emotional turmoil of the grieving parents and the complex dynamics between the characters. With high production values and a poignant conclusion, 'Raakh' offers a compelling look at a dark chapter in history. Join us as we explore the chilling depths of this crime drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 09:10 IST

Introduction to 'Raakh'

The day unfolds like any other, yet it is laden with impending regret that remains unnoticed.

Suman (Divya Sharma) and her younger brother Sahil (Vihaan Sharma) say farewell to their mother Mona (Sonali Bendre) before heading to an event. Despite Sahil's reluctance, Mona insists he accompany his sister as her protector.

The Journey Begins

Their father Ashok (Aamir Bashir) was meant to drive them, but circumstances prevent him from doing so. As rain begins to fall, the siblings catch a ride with Babu (Akash Makhija) and Rajjo (Ramandeep Yadav), who have fled from Mumbai to Delhi after committing heinous crimes.

Tragically, the children never return home, leaving their parents in a state of shock and guilt. The investigating officer, Jayaprakash (Ali Fazal), also grapples with his own regrets, adding depth to the often sensationalized narrative of Raakh.

A Historical Context

The Hindi-language series on Prime Video is a dramatized retelling of the 1978 kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra in New Delhi. The perpetrators, Billa and Ranga, were captured, tried, and executed in 1982.

The series is crafted by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket, who share directing responsibilities with Prosit Roy across eight episodes. It presents a tale of urban horror and moral decay, enhanced by high production values and impressive cinematography by Saumyananda Sahi.

Character Dynamics and Themes

The adaptation reimagines the original tragedy, allowing Jayaprakash to take center stage. In the classic police procedural style, he is depicted as diligent yet entangled in bureaucratic challenges. His father, Ghanshyam (Rakesh Bedi), aims to advance Jayaprakash's career but often complicates matters.

Jayaprakash's journalist friend Nisar (Anshul Chauhan) is inspired by real-life reporters who covered the Chopra case closely.

Setting and Investigation

Set in the 1970s, the series showcases the quieter streets of Delhi, complete with vintage telephones and classic cars. However, it also conveys a modern urgency in the investigation, emphasizing the need for swift resolutions and rapid travel across regions.

Raakh does not effectively convey the time taken to apprehend the criminals or the slower passage of time in that era. A subplot involving advancements in forensic science is undermined when a crucial clue is overlooked by the forensic investigator.

The Killers and Their Backstory

The narrative employs flashbacks to illustrate how the killers remain one step ahead of law enforcement. Jayaprakash and his team are constantly in pursuit, while Babu and Rajjo wreak havoc in the countryside.

In a series centered on a horrific crime, the portrayal of the killers becomes increasingly prominent. The characters evoke a mix of fascination and revulsion, with Babu depicted as irredeemably vile, while Rajjo's backstory elicits a degree of sympathy, reminiscent of the societal factors surrounding the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.

Dialogue and Character Relationships

The dialogue, penned by Ayush Trivedi, is rife with profanity, making the exchanges between Babu and Rajjo feel relentless. While the excessive swearing can become tiresome, the evolving power dynamics between the two characters are compelling.

Their relationship mirrors that of infamous murderers in films like The Honeymoon Killers or Monster, hinting at a deeper, possibly homoerotic connection. A poignant subplot featuring Mukund Pal explores the queer subculture of 1970s Delhi.

Emotional Depth and Conclusion

Raakh intensifies the brutality of the manhunt while treating the grieving parents with sensitivity, offering Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir some deeply moving scenes. However, the series does not shy away from depicting the source of their suffering.

The need to both narrate and visually depict the horror is palpable. The graphic portrayal of the children's kidnapping and murder is unsettling, yet Raakh ultimately concludes with a touching tribute to the lost siblings and their devastated parents, providing a grace that is sometimes absent in the darker elements of the story.