From Dil Dhokha Aur Desire to Gandii Baat: 5 Bold & Controversial OTT Series You Can’t Miss

Sacred Games is a gripping crime thriller based on Vikram Chandra’s 2006 bestselling novel. The series follows fugitive gangster Ganesh Gaitonde, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and honest cop Sartaj Singh, portrayed by Saif Ali Khan. The story kicks off when Gaitonde calls Sartaj, setting off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse and warning him to save the city from a looming catastrophe within 25 days. Known for its intense storytelling and gritty narrative, the series is available for streaming on Netflix. 

Aashram revolves around Baba Nirala, played by Bobby Deol, a self-styled godman in Kashipur who secretly runs a web of crime and exploitation under the guise of spirituality. As victims and authorities attempt to expose him, the series highlights how blind faith is manipulated for power, money, and illicit activities. The show faced controversy for allegedly hurting religious sentiments by portraying a corrupt and criminal godman, with notices even being sent to Bobby Deol and director Prakash Jha by the Jodhpur District Magistrate. It is available for streaming on Amazon MX Player.

Dil Dhokha Aur Desire explores themes of love, betrayal, and desire, gaining attention for its bold and adult content. Spread across six episodes, the series tells the story of an extramarital affair between a boxer and a businessman’s wife, leading to intense emotional conflict and betrayal. The show stars Ali Hasan as Pratap, Kunwar Amarjeet Singh as Shaurya, and Akanksha Chamola as Malini, and is available for streaming on Streemaro. 

Gandii Baat is an adult anthology series that delves into bold, taboo-driven, and sensual stories set largely in rural India. Each episode presents a new narrative where characters grapple with hidden desires, extramarital affairs, and dark secrets, often layered with unexpected twists, including elements of thriller and the supernatural. Known for pushing boundaries with its provocative themes, the series is available for streaming on ALTBalaji. 

Tandav sparked major controversy following its release, facing backlash and boycott calls over a scene in its first episode. The show also led to multiple formal complaints being filed in several cities, alleging that it offended Hindu sentiments. Featuring a star-studded cast including Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, Zeeshan Ayyub, Gauhar Khan, and Kritika Kamra, the political drama is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.