‘Dhurandar’, ‘Madras Cafe’, 'Pathaan': Must watch spy-films in Bollywood you shouldn't miss

The most recent entry to join the espionage-inspired list is ‘Dhurandar’, headlined by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. Released in December 2025, the film has emerged as a massive box-office success, breaking multiple records and continuing its strong theatrical run weeks after release. Packed with high-stakes intelligence drama and intense performances, the film has clearly struck a chord with audiences. Riding on this momentum, the makers have already announced a sequel, scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, a date that will see it clash with Yash’s ‘Toxic’.

Streaming platform: Netflix

This political spy thriller delves into covert intelligence operations during the Sri Lankan civil war and the circumstances surrounding the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Drawing from historical records and declassified material, the film presents a realistic portrayal of intelligence work in a volatile geopolitical climate.Streaming platform: Netflix

A high-octane espionage spectacle, the film features Shah Rukh Khan as a rogue RAW operative forced to team up with an ISI agent to stop a former insider turned traitor. While entirely fictional, the film borrows heavily from real intelligence frameworks and international spy dynamics.Streaming platform: Prime Video, Netflix

Set in the 1970s, this spy drama revolves around a deep-cover RAW agent stationed in Pakistan to uncover details about a secret nuclear programme. Inspired by real intelligence missions, the film blends romance with high-stakes espionage, showing the personal toll such assignments can take.Streaming platform: Netflix

Starring Akshay Kumar as a seasoned intelligence officer, the film focuses on a covert unit tasked with neutralising terror threats before they reach Indian soil. As the narrative unfolds, it also explores the realisation that terrorism is an ever-evolving challenge rather than a problem with a final solution.Streaming platform: Netflix

The film follows RAW operative Vinod as he investigates the mysterious death of a fellow agent. His mission takes him across multiple countries, gradually uncovering a larger terror conspiracy. While fictional, the story mirrors the global scale and complexity of modern intelligence operations.Streaming platform: Netflix