In India, several films have faced significant backlash—ranging from title changes to legal battles—before they could hit the big screen. In 2026, the trend continues with highly anticipated sequels and new releases.
Bollywood and Indian cinema have a long tradition of drawing stories from the nation’s criminal underworld, translating real-world gangster tales into gripping on-screen drama. From stylised depictions of 1990s Mumbai crime to sprawling feuds in coal-rich hinterlands, filmmakers have turned true events and infamous figures into powerful cinema that captures both violence and storytelling flair. Here’s a look at some notable films inspired by real-life gangsters and underworld events.