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| Best Shows Like AKKA. |
Akka has plenty to offer viewers who enjoy crime dramas built around dangerous family ties, ruthless ambition and battles for control. Set in the fictional South Indian coastal city of Pernuru during the 1980s, the 2026 Indian series takes a different approach to the familiar gangster formula by placing women at the centre of a powerful criminal empire. Its combination of period storytelling, gold smuggling, shifting loyalties and competing ambitions makes it particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy complicated characters and criminal organisations where nobody is willing to surrender their position.
Led by Keerthy Suresh as Bhavani and Radhika Apte as Rudra, the series explores what happens when an established criminal sisterhood begins to turn against itself. There are plenty of reasons to look for something similar after watching it. Fortunately, Indian television has produced several excellent crime thrillers featuring powerful women, organised crime, political rivalries, historical settings and dangerous struggles for influence. From the lawless streets of Mirzapur to the female-led world of Heeramandi, these 21 shows should keep your watchlist busy.
Best Shows Like Akka
1. Mirzapur (2018)
Few Indian crime dramas understand the appeal of a criminal empire quite like Mirzapur. Set in Uttar Pradesh, the series follows the Tripathi family, whose influence over the local underworld is challenged by ambitious outsiders and increasingly complicated family relationships. At the centre is Akhandanand Tripathi, better known as Kaleen Bhaiya, a powerful crime boss who expects everyone to respect his authority.
However, maintaining control becomes considerably harder when new players begin challenging the established order. Much like Akka, the series revolves around territorial control, shifting alliances, family loyalty and individuals willing to take enormous risks to gain power. Both dramas also understand that criminal organisations rarely collapse because of one outside enemy. Sometimes, the biggest threat comes from people already sitting at the table. If you enjoy watching powerful figures struggle to protect their legacy, Mirzapur is an obvious next choice.
2. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024)
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar offers another compelling exploration of women navigating a world where influence, reputation and political connections determine survival. Set in pre-independence Lahore, the historical drama follows a group of courtesans living in a wealthy district where personal relationships and political ambitions frequently overlap.
The series features powerful women who understand how to negotiate, manipulate circumstances and protect their positions in a society designed to limit their choices. Its period setting and richly detailed world make it particularly appealing to viewers who enjoyed Akka's 1980s atmosphere. Although Heeramandi focuses on a different social environment, both productions place women at the centre of complicated power structures. There are rivalries, competing interests and enough complicated relationships to make a peaceful afternoon seem almost impossible. The series also delivers an interesting look at how women build influence when traditional institutions refuse to give them a seat at the table.
3. Aarya (2020)
Aarya follows a woman whose life changes dramatically when her family becomes involved in the dangerous world of organised crime. Sushmita Sen plays Aarya Sareen, a mother who finds herself taking responsibility for a criminal operation after circumstances force her to protect her loved ones.
What makes the series especially interesting is its transformation of an ordinary family figure into someone capable of making difficult decisions within a ruthless business. Like Bhavani in Akka, Aarya must understand that protecting an empire requires more than simply inheriting authority. She needs to earn respect, manage rivals and recognise when someone close to her might become a threat. Both shows explore female leadership in environments where weakness can be expensive. Aarya also combines family drama with criminal intrigue, giving viewers plenty of personal conflicts alongside its larger battles for control.
4. Maharani (2021)
Political power takes centre stage in Maharani, a political drama starring Huma Qureshi as Rani Bharti. Her life changes when she unexpectedly becomes the Chief Minister of Bihar following her husband's decision to step aside.
Initially unfamiliar with the responsibilities of political leadership, Rani gradually learns how to navigate an environment filled with ambitious politicians, complicated loyalties and opponents who underestimate her abilities. The similarities with Akka are particularly noticeable in their treatment of female authority. Both stories feature women who must establish themselves in male-dominated power structures, although Akka approaches the subject through organised crime while Maharani focuses on politics. The central appeal remains similar: watching a woman move from an unexpected position of responsibility to someone capable of controlling the room. It is a satisfying watch if you enjoy characters who refuse to remain underestimated.
5. Sacred Games (2018)
Sacred Games brings together organised crime, political corruption, family secrets and a sprawling criminal network in Mumbai. The series follows police officer Sartaj Singh, who receives a mysterious phone call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde and becomes involved in an investigation that reaches far beyond an ordinary criminal case.
The narrative explores how criminal organisations develop influence through money, fear, political connections and carefully maintained relationships. This makes it a strong recommendation for viewers attracted to Akka's examination of a powerful underworld. Both series also feature characters whose personal ambitions become closely connected to the survival of much larger organisations. Sacred Games has a more contemporary setting and a broader investigative structure, but its complicated criminal hierarchy and unpredictable alliances should appeal to anyone who enjoys watching an empire slowly reveal its weaknesses.
6. Bambai Meri Jaan (2023)
Set in post-independence Bombay, Bambai Meri Jaan follows the rise of organised crime through the story of the Ismail family. Kay Kay Menon plays Ismail Kadri, a police officer whose efforts to maintain order become increasingly complicated as his son Dara enters the criminal world.
Avinash Tiwary's Dara becomes a central figure in the changing underworld, gradually building his own influence and challenging established players. The series is particularly relevant to Akka because both productions explore criminal empires, generational conflict and the difficult business of protecting an established position. Their period settings also allow the stories to examine how social and economic changes influence the development of organised crime. If the historical atmosphere and territorial rivalries in Akka caught your attention, Bambai Meri Jaan offers another detailed look at how criminal power takes shape.
7. Paatal Lok (2020)
Paatal Lok takes viewers into a complicated world of crime, inequality and political influence. The first season follows police inspector Hathiram Chaudhary, who investigates an attempted assassination and gradually uncovers a much larger network of interests.
Rather than focusing exclusively on one criminal organisation, the series examines the different layers of society and how power operates between them. Its characters often find themselves caught between personal ambitions, institutional pressure and relationships they cannot easily escape. This makes it a worthwhile recommendation for Akka fans who appreciate stories with several competing interests rather than a straightforward battle between good and bad characters. Both series also understand that criminal power is rarely isolated from the wider world. Politics, money, reputation and personal loyalty all contribute to the outcome.
8. Queen (2019)
The Tamil historical political drama Queen follows the life and rise of Shakthi Seshadri, a woman who develops from an ambitious young actress into a major political figure. The series stars Ramya Krishnan and explores the personal and professional challenges surrounding her journey.
Its strongest connection to Akka lies in the examination of female leadership, ambition and the complicated relationships surrounding powerful women. Both productions feature central characters who must navigate environments where influence comes with constant challenges. Queen focuses on the entertainment industry and politics rather than a gold-smuggling syndicate, but its exploration of reputation, authority and strategic decision-making makes it an interesting alternative. Viewers who enjoy watching women build lasting influence despite opposition will find plenty to appreciate here.
9. Suzhal: The Vortex (2022)
Suzhal: The Vortex is a Tamil crime thriller set in a small industrial town where a missing-person investigation gradually exposes secrets within the local community. The story begins with a factory incident and develops into a mystery involving family relationships, long-held traditions and hidden motives.
The series offers a different type of criminal storytelling from Akka, but its atmosphere and layered conflicts make it a natural recommendation. Both productions use a distinctive regional setting to build their fictional worlds rather than relying on the usual metropolitan backdrop. They also show how personal relationships can become increasingly complicated when established social structures begin to break down. Suzhal places greater emphasis on mystery and investigation, making it particularly suitable for viewers who enjoy discovering how seemingly unrelated events connect.
10. Delhi Crime (2019)
For viewers interested in serious crime investigations and the people responsible for maintaining order, Delhi Crime is an excellent choice. The series follows police investigations led by DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, played by Shefali Shah, as her team works through complex cases.
Its connection to Akka comes largely through its strong female central character and examination of authority under pressure. Vartika operates in a very different environment from Bhavani, but both characters demonstrate the importance of decision-making, leadership and personal resilience when facing difficult circumstances. Delhi Crime is more grounded in investigative procedures and does not revolve around a criminal empire. Nevertheless, its mature approach to crime, institutional challenges and character development makes it a worthwhile addition to the list.
11. Bombay Begums (2021)
Bombay Begums explores the lives of five women navigating ambition, relationships and professional competition in modern Mumbai. The series features Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur and Aadhya Anand in stories that examine different experiences of power and personal identity.
Although it does not feature a gangster organisation, the drama shares an important element with Akka: women occupy the centre of the narrative, and their relationships are shaped by competing ambitions. Both productions explore the difficult balance between individual success and collective relationships. The difference is that Bombay Begums exchanges criminal territory for corporate influence, where professional decisions can create just as many uncomfortable conversations. If the female-led storytelling is what attracted you to Akka, this series deserves a place on your watchlist.
12. The Empire (2021)
The Empire takes the power struggle into a historical setting, following the rise of the Mughal Empire through the story of Babur and his descendants. The series features Kunal Kapoor as Babur and explores political alliances, military campaigns and the challenges of maintaining control over an expanding territory.
Its connection to Akka is rooted in its examination of empire-building and the complicated relationships between those who hold power. Both series show how authority must constantly be defended against internal disagreements and external threats. The historical setting also gives The Empire a different visual identity, making it a good option for viewers who particularly enjoyed Akka's period atmosphere. Instead of controlling a gold-smuggling network, its central figures must manage an expanding political and military structure. Either way, keeping everyone loyal is clearly not the easiest part of the job.
13. She (2020)
Created by Imtiaz Ali, She follows Bhumika Pardeshi, a female police constable who becomes involved in an undercover operation. Aditi Sudhir Pohankar plays the central character, whose assignment gradually introduces her to an unfamiliar world of crime and complicated personal decisions.
The series shares Akka's interest in female characters operating within environments traditionally controlled by men. However, their approaches are different. While Bhavani already commands a criminal empire, Bhumika is learning how to navigate a dangerous world through her police assignment. Both stories examine changing identities, personal ambition and the challenges of gaining control over circumstances. She is a particularly interesting choice for viewers who want another crime drama with a woman at the centre rather than another production dominated entirely by male gang leaders.
14. Rangbaaz (2018)
Rangbaaz tells a crime story inspired by the rise of notorious gangsters in northern India. The first season follows Shiv Prakash Shukla, a young man whose journey into organised crime eventually turns him into a powerful figure with considerable influence.
The series examines how criminal ambition grows, how rivalries develop and why established relationships can become difficult to maintain once money and authority enter the picture. These themes make it a strong companion to Akka, particularly for viewers interested in the construction and eventual instability of criminal empires. Both shows also feature characters who become increasingly isolated as their influence expands. Rangbaaz offers a more direct gangster narrative, but its focus on territorial control and personal ambition makes it an easy recommendation.
15. Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022)
Khakee: The Bihar Chapter follows a police officer determined to take down a dangerous criminal operating in Bihar. The series stars Karan Tacker as Amit Lodha and Avinash Tiwary as Chandan Mahto, placing their characters on opposite sides of an escalating conflict.
The story explores the relationship between organised crime, political influence and the struggle for control over local territory. This makes it particularly suitable for Akka viewers who enjoy watching criminal organisations clash with established authorities. Both productions also examine how power depends on networks of loyalty and influence rather than individual strength alone. Khakee has a more police-focused structure, but its criminal hierarchy and escalating rivalries provide plenty of familiar elements.
16. The Family Man (2019)
The Family Man combines crime, action and political intrigue through the story of Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class family man secretly working for an intelligence agency. Manoj Bajpayee plays the central character, who attempts to balance his professional responsibilities with the demands of family life.
Although the series does not revolve around a traditional gangster empire, its examination of organised networks, competing interests and complicated loyalties makes it relevant to Akka fans. Both shows also feature characters whose professional responsibilities have serious consequences for their personal relationships. The Family Man approaches crime through intelligence operations and national security, giving it a different atmosphere. However, its mixture of tension, character development and unpredictable conflicts makes it an entertaining choice for viewers looking beyond conventional gangster dramas.
17. The Great Indian Murder (2022)
Based on Vikas Swarup's novel Six Suspects, The Great Indian Murder begins with the killing of a wealthy and controversial businessman. The investigation introduces several suspects, each carrying their own history, motives and complicated connections to the victim.
The series is less focused on a single criminal organisation than Akka, but it shares an interest in ambition, social influence and the secrets surrounding powerful individuals. Its multiple perspectives also create a layered narrative in which the truth becomes increasingly difficult to separate from personal interests. If you enjoyed the way Akka introduces different characters with their own motivations and competing agendas, this mystery thriller offers a similarly complicated viewing experience.
18. Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie (2022)
Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie is a Tamil crime mystery centred on the investigation into the death of a young woman. S. J. Suryah plays inspector Vivek, who becomes increasingly involved in uncovering the truth behind the case.
The series explores how rumours, personal relationships and public perceptions can influence an investigation. While it does not share Akka's gangster setting, its layered storytelling and complicated character relationships make it a suitable recommendation. Both productions also build tension through information that is gradually revealed rather than explaining everything immediately. Vadhandhi is particularly appealing to viewers who prefer crime dramas where the motivations of different characters matter as much as the central mystery.
19. Jubilee (2023)
Jubilee transports viewers to the early years of the Hindi film industry, exploring ambition, fame and competition during a transformative period in Indian cinema. The series features Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aditi Rao Hydari, Aparshakti Khurana and Wamiqa Gabbi in a story involving film studios, performers and the people working behind the scenes.
Its connection to Akka comes through its historical atmosphere and examination of power. Both series feature characters operating in tightly controlled environments where personal ambition can challenge established authority. Jubilee replaces criminal territories with the competitive entertainment business, but the struggle to build an empire and protect a reputation remains central. It is a particularly good choice for viewers who enjoyed the period setting of Akka and want something with similarly detailed world-building.
20. Farzi (2023)
Farzi follows Sunny, an artist who becomes involved in counterfeiting after discovering an opportunity to make money through his skills. Shahid Kapoor plays the central character, while Vijay Sethupathi portrays an officer determined to stop the operation.
The series explores criminal networks, financial ambition and the consequences of entering a business that quickly becomes bigger than its original participants. Like Akka, Farzi shows how an operation can grow into something difficult to control, especially when competing interests begin to emerge. The difference is its contemporary setting and lighter approach to certain situations. Nevertheless, viewers who enjoy the criminal-business side of Akka should find plenty to appreciate in its examination of organised counterfeiting and the people trying to profit from it.
21. Karmma Calling (2024)
Karmma Calling follows Karmma Talwar, a young woman who enters an affluent social circle with a personal agenda. The series, starring Raveena Tandon, explores wealth, revenge, family secrets and the complicated relationships surrounding an influential business family.
Although the story is set in a very different world from Akka, its central themes make it a fitting final recommendation. Both series feature women navigating environments where influence and personal ambition shape almost every relationship. Revenge also plays an important role, particularly when characters begin questioning the established order. Karmma Calling focuses more on wealthy families and social competition than organised crime, but viewers who enjoy female-led dramas involving calculated moves and complicated alliances may find it an entertaining addition to their watchlist.
My Opinion: Which Shows Are Most Worth Watching After Akka?
Akka stands out because it gives female characters control over a world that gangster dramas usually reserve for men. That is arguably its biggest attraction, and finding another series with exactly the same combination of period atmosphere, female leadership and organised crime is not particularly easy. However, Mirzapur, Aarya and Heeramandi come closest to capturing different parts of that appeal. Mirzapur delivers the criminal empire and territorial rivalry, Aarya offers a woman taking control of a dangerous organisation, while Heeramandi brings historical world-building and complicated female relationships.
Maharani is another strong option if watching a woman challenge established authority is what interests you most. Personally, I would start with Aarya before moving to Mirzapur and Heeramandi. They offer three different experiences without feeling like variations of the same story. After all, watching another empire collapse because nobody can agree on who deserves the throne never gets old.
If Akka left you wanting more stories about powerful women, criminal organisations and ruthless battles for influence, these 21 series offer plenty of options. Some focus on gangsters, others explore politics, revenge and historical power struggles, but they all share elements that make Akka such an interesting watch. Which of these shows would you put at the top of your watchlist? Do you think Aarya is the closest match, or does another series deserve that position? Share your favourites and let us know which crime drama deserves a place on our next recommendation list.