Bollywood's enduring fascination with the underworld and its notorious figures continues to captivate audiences, and the first quarter of 2026 has seen a resurgence of this trend. In my opinion, this is a fascinating development, as it showcases the industry's ability to reinvent and reinterpret real-life stories for a modern audience.
The Return of 'Bade Sahab'
The year began with the release of O'Romeo, a crime drama featuring Avinash Tiwary as Jalaluddin, a character inspired by Dawood Ibrahim. This film drew from S. Hussain Zaidi's book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai, specifically the chapter on Sapna Didi. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Bollywood has adapted a true crime story, adding its own creative twist.
Following O'Romeo, Dhurandhar The Revenge hit screens in March. The sequel to Dhurandhar (2025), this film finally unveiled the mysterious 'Bade Sahab', a character portrayed by Danish Iqbal. The portrayal of this gangster as frail and bedridden is a departure from typical Bollywood mafia tropes, and it sparked intense discussion online. It's interesting to see how the industry is willing to experiment with different narratives and challenge conventional portrayals.
Web Series: Matka King
The web series Matka King, released in April on Amazon Prime Video, took a different approach. It featured Viineet Kumar Siingh in a cameo as Darab Ahmed Wadkar, another character seemingly inspired by Dawood Ibrahim. Set in the 1960s and 70s, the series tells the story of a poor man who enters the world of gambling. This series offers a unique backdrop, exploring the rise of the gambling industry and its connection to organized crime.
The Enduring Appeal of Crime and Notoriety
What many people don't realize is that Bollywood's fascination with crime and power isn't a new phenomenon. It has been a recurring theme for decades, and the recent releases are a testament to its enduring appeal. These stories of crime and notoriety continue to captivate audiences, perhaps because they offer a glimpse into a world of power and intrigue that most people will never experience.
A Step Back: The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, these recent releases also highlight Bollywood's ability to adapt and innovate. By drawing from real-life stories and reimagining them for a contemporary audience, the industry showcases its creativity and relevance. It's a fascinating insight into how Bollywood stays connected to its audience, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes.
Conclusion: A Never-Ending Story
In conclusion, the resurgence of Bollywood's fascination with D-Company and Dawood Ibrahim in 2026 is a testament to the industry's creativity and its ability to keep audiences engaged. Whether it's through direct references, coded characters, or reinterpretations, the allure of crime and power continues to shape Hindi cinema and streaming stories. Personally, I think this trend is a fascinating reflection of our society's enduring interest in the darker aspects of human nature, and I'm excited to see how it evolves in the future.
