MUMBAI: With Ganesh Utsav having wrapped up, it's the perfect time to swap the festive mood for some adrenaline-fueled suspense. The spy thriller genre offers more than just heart-racing action—these films dive into a world of secrets, deception, and covert missions where nothing is as it seems. Whether it's shadowy figures manipulating global events or lone operatives battling against the odds, the stakes are always high, and the twists are always surprising. From high stakes chases to cat-and-mouse games with global consequences, spy thrillers deliver a potent mix of intrigue, mystery, and action, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment.
Here are five gripping spy thrillers to stream this weekend.
1. Berlin [ZEE5]
The recently released ZEE5 original ‘Berlin’ is already generating buzz and getting rave reviews as “a must-watch thriller” from the critics. Set in 1993 New Delhi, the story centers on Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), a deaf-mute young man arrested as a suspected German spy and murderer amidst Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s visit. The intelligence agency’s Soviet Desk, led by Jagdish Sondhi (Rahul Bose), assigns Pushkin Verma (Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language expert, to interrogate Ashok. As Pushkin delves into the case, he uncovers a tangled web of espionage, rival agencies, and political intrigue, revealing that the true spy may be hidden in plain sight. The film breaks away from typical espionage tropes, that offers a more thrilling side of the internal power dynamics and bureaucratic intrigue.
2. The Family Man Season 1 and Season 2 [Amazon Prime Video]
‘The Family Man’ blends high-octane spy thrills with sharp humor and a touch of everyday drama. The series stars Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who secretly works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency (TASC). In Season 1, Srikant navigates the dangerous world of counterterrorism while juggling the demands of his ordinary family life, delivering a mix of suspense and wit. The second season picks up with Srikant having resigned from TASC, trying to embrace a mundane IT job to spend more time with his wife, Suchi (Priya Mani), and children. However, his past life pulls him back into action when a mission to apprehend a key figure from the Lankan Government in Exile goes awry.
3. Ek Tha Tiger [Amazon Prime Video]
Ek Tha Tiger follows Tiger (Salman Khan), one of India's top espionage agents, who leads a double life as a fearless operative and a lover seeking a peaceful existence. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film kicks off with intense action sequences reminiscent of Jason Bourne and James Bond, showcasing Tiger’s prowess in combat. The story delves into Tiger’s struggles to balance his dangerous profession with his desire for a normal life, leading to a thrilling narrative of love and espionage. The movie combines high-octane action with personal stakes, making it a riveting watch.
4. Code M season 1 - [ZEE5] season 2 [Jio Cinema]
‘Code M’ is a gripping military thriller that stars Jennifer Winget as Major Monica Mehra, an army lawyer who unravels complex cases filled with moral ambiguity and hidden truths. In Season 1, Monica investigates an encounter case where two alleged terrorists and an army officer are killed, uncovering layers of deception and victimization that challenge the initial narrative. Season 2 escalates the stakes as Monica, now with Military Intelligence, investigates an attempted assassination on a political figure during Kargil Day celebrations. Both seasons are marked by intense drama, unexpected twists, and a deep dive into corruption and personal dilemmas, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. Special Ops [Disney+ Hotstar]
‘Special Ops’ chronicles the relentless pursuit of Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon), a seasoned RAW agent, as he connects major terrorist attacks to a single mastermind. In Season 1, Singh assembles a global task force to track down this elusive figure, leading to a suspenseful and action-packed story. Season 1.5, titled The Himmat Story, dives into Himmat's early days and pivotal moments, including his involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack and his complex cat-and-mouse game with a former agent, Maninder (Aadil Khan), who holds crucial intelligence. Both seasons are marked by intense storytelling and intricate espionage, revealing the depth of Himmat's character and the high-stakes world of international counterterrorism.
Binge these interesting spy thrillers right at your fingertips and make your weekend an action-packed day!
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