Exploring the Dark Narrative of 'Raakh': Akash Makhija's Role and Audience Reactions

The new crime thriller 'Raakh' on Amazon Prime Video, directed by Prosit Roy, captivates audiences with its dark narrative inspired by the 1978 Ranga Billa case. Akash Makhija, who plays the antagonist Babu, shares his experiences with audience reactions, including receiving death threats. He humorously recounts his mother's emotional response to his character's struggles. Despite auditioning for another series, Makhija expresses satisfaction with his role in 'Raakh'. The show, which premiered on June 12, features a gripping storyline about the kidnapping of teenagers in Delhi, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 12:43 IST

A New Dark Thriller Emerges

Fans of crime thrillers were taken aback when Prosit Roy introduced a new series, Raakh, which is now available on Amazon Prime Video. This eight-episode show draws inspiration from the notorious 1978 Ranga Billa case, presenting a gripping and unsettling narrative centered on the abduction of teenagers in Delhi. The characters Babu and Rajjo, portrayed by Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav respectively, are based on the infamous figures Billa and Ranga. In an exclusive chat, Akash shared insights about the audience's reaction to his portrayal of the villain.

Akash Makhija Discusses Audience Reactions

Death Threats and Audience Engagement

Akash, who plays Babu, mentioned that he was unable to watch Raakh right after its release due to other commitments. However, he was able to gauge the show's impact through his family's feedback. He expressed, “I find it hard to assess my own performance. The audience's feedback is what truly matters to me. My Instagram DMs are filled with messages from viewers expressing their desire to harm me.”

A Mother's Emotional Response

Mother's Reaction to the Show

Makhija recounted a humorous yet touching moment regarding his mother's reaction to the series. He stated, “I’ve received numerous messages, including death threats. The audience seems to have embraced Babu, who is perceived as the most despised character in the country. Interestingly, my mother became emotional while watching the show, especially during the scenes where Ali Fazal's character was beating me. That’s the essence of a mother’s love!”

Auditioning for 'Black Warrant'

Akash's Journey in Acting

During the interview, Akash revealed that he had auditioned for the role of Billa/Ranga in Black Warrant, a Netflix series that features an episode on the Ranga-Billa case. Despite not landing that role, he expressed satisfaction with his current work and held no grudges about missing out on the opportunity in Black Warrant, which is recognized for its quality under the direction of Vikramaditya Motwane.

The Plot of 'Raakh'

Understanding the Storyline

Raakh unfolds as an investigative drama following the kidnapping of Suman Arora and Sahil Arora. The two are abducted while en route to a radio station after accepting a ride from Babu and Rajjo, who ultimately turn violent. The series also features performances from Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.