5 must-watch Hindi spy thrillers to binge before ‘The Family Man 3’

As fans eagerly await the premiere of The Family Man 3, starring Manoj Bajpayee as the ever-relatable and sharp-witted Srikant Tiwari, there’s no better time to dive into some of the most gripping Hindi espionage dramas. 

These shows offer everything a spy-thriller enthusiast craves—tense political conspiracies, undercover operations, thrilling chases, and layered characters.

To help you stay entertained until the new season arrives on Amazon Prime Video, here’s a curated list of high-stakes Hindi spy thrillers that promise suspense, action, and compelling storytelling.

Also Read: 7 most stylish neo-noir thrillers to watch right now on Netflix, Prime Video & more

1. Special OPS – JioHotstar

Headlined by the brilliant Kay Kay Menon, Special OPS follows Himmat Singh, a highly skilled and intuitive RAW officer who believes a single mastermind is responsible for several major terror attacks in India, including the tragic Parliament attack of 2001. He forms a scattered team of undercover operatives positioned around the world, each contributing to the intricate mission of tracking down the elusive culprit. The show stands out for its tight pacing, realistic portrayal of intelligence work, and performances by Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Muzammil Ibrahim, Saiyami Kher, and Meher Vij. With its globe-trotting narrative and sharp writing, it remains one of India’s most acclaimed spy thrillers.

2. The Freelancer – JioHotstar

Adapted from Shirish Thorat’s novel A Ticket to Syria, The Freelancer features Mohit Raina in an intense role as a former police officer turned mercenary. The story centres around his daring attempt to rescue his friend’s daughter, who has been trapped by ISIS in a war-ravaged region of Syria. Packed with high-octane action and emotionally driven motivations, the series brings urgency and human depth to its portrayal of international rescue missions and extremist warfare.

3. Bard of Blood – Netflix

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Bard of Blood is based on Bilal Siddiqi's bestselling novel. The series follows Kabir Anand, a former intelligence agent now living a quiet life as a professor. His past, however, catches up with him when he is compelled to return to the field to save four Indian operatives abducted in Balochistan. As the mission unfolds, Kabir must confront old wounds while navigating a complex web involving Afghan, Indian, and Pakistani intelligence agencies. The narrative blends personal redemption with geopolitical tension, making it a compelling watch.

4. Tanaav – SonyLIV

An Indian adaptation of the Israeli series Fauda, Tanaav revolves around Kabir Farooqui, a former STG operative forced back into action when a militant leader believed dead reappears. Set against the turmoil of Kashmir, the show explores insurgency, identity, and duty while blending personal conflict with political stakes. Performances by Manav Vij, Arbaaz Khan, Shashank Arora, Satyadeep Mishra, Waluscha De Sousa, and Rajat Kapoor elevate this gritty socio-political thriller.

Also Read: Best Spy Thrillers on Netflix Packed with Action, Intrigue & Twists

5. Citadel: Honey Bunny – Amazon Prime Video

A spin-off and prequel to the American series Citadel, this Raj & DK creation delves into the origins of Raahi Gambhir (Bunny) and Hanimandakini Raj (Honey), the parents of Priyanka Chopra’s character from the original series. Set in the early ’90s, it follows a struggling actress whose life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with a stuntman leading a covert double life as a spy. Starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the show blends romance, danger, and epic espionage drama.