Shows Like Karkat Rogue (2020)

Rajesh Sharma, Indraneil Sengupta, Bijou Thaangjam, and Chitrangada Chakraborty in Karkat Rogue (2020)

7.2 / 10 (based on 69 reviews)

A first of its kind Bi-Lingual (Bengali and Hindi) web series in India, with an entire backdrop of the heinous world of Anti Cancer drug trial.

Genre: Thriller

Main Cast: Bijou Thaangjam, Tsumugi Vidal Cáceres, Rohit Basfore, Sumedha Das
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 262-minute runtime

Shows Most Like Karkat Rogue (2020)

Kaali (2018)

Paoli Dam and Rahul Banerjee in Kaali (2018)

7.1 / 10 (based on 567 reviews)

Kaali is a story which takes you on a cliffhanger ride where a mother has one night to save her son. Produced by Parambrata Chattopadhyay who is known for acting in and directing brilliant and entertaining films, Kaali delves into the unseen underbelly of Kolkata which is usually spoken about in hushed tones. Filled with hope, courage, danger and betrayal, Kaali is a multi-layered show that will give you jitters as it progresses towards the climax.

Genre: Thriller

Main Cast: Paoli Dam, Rahul Banerjee, Santilal Mukherjee, Anindya Pulak Banerjee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime

The Final Call (2019)

Jaaved Jaaferi, Arjun Rampal, Sakshi Tanwar, and Neeraj Kabi in The Final Call (2019)

7.2 / 10 (based on 2040 reviews)

When the pilot of Skyline flight 502, decides to end his life by committing suicide, he puts the lives of the 300 plus passengers in danger. Airline officer Kiran Mirza along with the ATS team, swings into action to save the passengers.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Main Cast: Arjun Rampal, Jaaved Jaaferi, Neeraj Kabi, Sakshi Tanwar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime

The Raikar Case (2020)

primary_image_caption

7.1 / 10 (based on 2590 reviews)

An edge-of-the-seat thriller about family, love, deceit, and the secrets that wrench us apart. It grapples with the dilemma of ‘Will You Choose Truth Over Family?’, and if trust can ever really be absolute.

Genre: Thriller

Main Cast: Atul Kulkarni, Ashwini Bhave, Parul Gulati, Neil Bhoopalam
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 7 episodes

Lalbazaar (2020)

primary_image_caption

6.3 / 10 (based on 2488 reviews)

A set of brave cops deal with the dark underbelly and bring some of the most sinister customers to justice.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Main Cast: Koushik Sen, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Subrat Dutta
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 10 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime

Marzi (2020)

primary_image_caption

7.1 / 10 (based on 2144 reviews)

Anurag and Sameera go on a date – a night that will change their lives forever. The truth is tested and the lies are revealed when both have completely different versions of the night.

Genre: Drama

Main Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal, Aahana Kumra, Vivek Mushran, Shivani Tanksale
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 6 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime

Selection Day (2018)

Selection Day (2018)

7.3 / 10 (based on 2311 reviews)

Story of an Indian boy’s love of cricket in Mumbai, and his discovery that the game isn’t as pure as he thought.

Genre: Sport

Main Cast: Mahesh Manjrekar, Shiv Panditt, Rajesh Tailang, Ratna Pathak Shah
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime

Mafia (2020)

primary_image_caption

6.6 / 10 (based on 2336 reviews)

Six friends who were extremely closely knit in their college days reunite for Tanya’s bachelor party in Madhupur. However, all six of them are bound by a horrifying incident which had torn them apart for years. The reunion serves to rake up the trauma afresh, turning an idyllic trip into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. The friends embark on a round of Mafia, the popular game which many of us enjoyed playing in our childhood. Instead of serving as a bonding activity, the game brings out the worst in them, fuelling each of them to act on their hidden agendas filled with deceit and betrayal.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Main Cast: Namit Das, Anindita Bose, Ishaa Saha, Madhurima Roy
Creators: Rohan Ghose, Aritra Sen
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 31.0-minute runtime

Kamathipura (2021)

primary_image_caption

5.8 / 10 (based on 256 reviews)

Police find the abandoned dead body of the prostitute in the Kamathipura area of Mumbai. Lady cop Aditi Acharya starts the investigation.

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Main Cast: Meera Chopra, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Anang Desai, Varun Joshi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 7 episodes

Code M (2020)

primary_image_caption

7.5 / 10 (based on 17043 reviews)

Miltary lawyer, Major Monica Mehra, is brought in to solve, what seems like an open and shut case, of the death of an army officer, killed by militants. The truth is far from what it appears to be.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Main Cast: Jennifer Winget, Tanuj Virwani, Aalekh Kapoor, Keshav Sadhna
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime

Kaali (2020)

primary_image_caption

7.1 / 10 (based on 1773 reviews)

Kaali is hiding with her son in a witness protection programme supervised by Aniket. JinLiang escapes during his deportation which turns Kaali’s peaceful life upside down and eventually she loots the biggest drug consignment with the help of an uprising drug mafia named Swapan, who was trying to regain his lost pride.

Genre: Thriller

Main Cast: Paoli Dam, Abhishek Banerjee, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vidya Malvade
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

1 season, 8 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime

Rangbaaz (2018)

Saqib Saleem in Rangbaaz (2018)

7.9 / 10 (based on 5376 reviews)

Rangbaaz Phir Se is inspired from the life of Anandpal Singh who was a gangster active in the state of Rajasthan. The series chronicles his rise to becoming the most wanted criminal in the history of Rajasthan.

Genre: Action, Biography, Crime, Drama

Main Cast: Jay Joshi, Saqib Saleem, Jimmy Shergill, Tigmanshu Dhulia
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:

2 seasons, 19 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime


In the realm of Indian television, where melodrama often takes center stage, “Karkat Rogue” emerges as a breath of fresh air. This series, which premiered in 2020, has managed to carve out its own niche, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and compelling characters. Here’s a closer look at what makes “Karkat Rogue” stand out in the crowded landscape of TV shows.

The Premise

At its core, “Karkat Rogue” is a medical thriller, a genre not frequently explored in Indian television. The series revolves around Dr. Beas Banerjee, a pathologist with a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of truth. When she uncovers a series of cancer misdiagnoses at her hospital, it sets her on a collision course with a deep-seated medical scam, putting her career and life at risk.

What sets “Karkat Rogue” apart is its willingness to tackle complex issues head-on. The show doesn’t shy away from the dark underbelly of the medical industry, including malpractices and the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. It’s a narrative that’s both unsettling and necessary, shedding light on issues that are often swept under the rug.

Characters and Performances

Central to “Karkat Rogue” is Dr. Beas Banerjee, portrayed with finesse by Chitrangada Satarupa. Satarupa brings depth and nuance to Beas, making her not just a crusader for justice but a relatable human being with her own fears and vulnerabilities. It’s a performance that anchors the show, providing a strong emotional core to the thrilling narrative.

The supporting cast, including Indraneil Sengupta and Rajesh Sharma among others, deliver solid performances that add layers to the story. Each character, no matter how minor, feels fleshed out and integral to the unfolding drama, a testament to the show’s quality writing and direction.

Writing and Direction

Speaking of writing, “Karkat Rogue” benefits from a tightly woven script that balances the medical thriller aspect with personal drama effectively. The pacing is just right, with each episode peeling back another layer of the mystery, keeping viewers hooked without resorting to unnecessary cliffhangers or melodramatic twists.

The direction, led by Sayantan Ghosal, is sharp and focused. Ghosal has a knack for creating tension and suspense, using visual storytelling to enhance the narrative. The show’s cinematography and use of color also deserve a mention, creating a moody atmosphere that complements the story’s dark themes.

Why It Matters

So, why does “Karkat Rogue” matter? For starters, it’s a rare example of a show that doesn’t underestimate its audience. It presents a complex story without dumbing it down, trusting viewers to keep up with its twists and turns. In a landscape filled with predictable plots and over-the-top performances, this respect for the audience’s intelligence is refreshing.

Additionally, “Karkat Rogue” tackles important social issues, particularly regarding healthcare ethics and corruption. By weaving these themes into its narrative, the show encourages conversations around topics that affect us all but are often ignored in mainstream entertainment.

The Impact

Since its debut, “Karkat Rogue” has garnered a dedicated following, with many praising its bold storytelling and strong performances. It’s also sparked discussions on social media and forums about the issues it portrays, highlighting the show’s impact beyond mere entertainment.

Critics, too, have taken note of “Karkat Rogue,” with many hailing it as a standout in the Indian television scene. Its success has opened the door for more shows that dare to be different, challenging conventional storytelling norms and exploring new genres.

Conclusion

“Karkat Rogue” is more than just a TV show; it’s a statement. It proves that Indian television is capable of delivering content that’s not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and socially relevant. With its compelling narrative, strong performances, and fearless approach to storytelling, “Karkat Rogue” is a must-watch for anyone looking for something out of the ordinary.

As the landscape of Indian television continues to evolve, “Karkat Rogue” will undoubtedly be remembered as a trailblazer, paving the way for future shows that dare to think differently. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to not just reflect society but also challenge it.

Scroll to Top