Amazon Prime Video's upcoming crime thriller series Raakh, premiering June 12, 2026, features rising actors Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav as the notorious criminal duo Ranga and Billa. Directed by Prosit Roy, the series delivers a gritty, fact-based dramatization inspired by India's infamous 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case.
MUMBAI — Streaming platform Amazon Prime Video has released a detailed promotional trailer for its highly anticipated crime thriller series, Raakh, focusing heavily on the two primary antagonists. Emerging Indian actors Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav have been officially cast to play the roles of Ranga and Billa, two unapologetic killers whose criminal exploits form the dark emotional center of the upcoming show. Scheduled to premiere on June 12, 2026, the series explores a highly dramatized reimagining of one of the most chilling chapters in India’s metropolitan criminal history.
The production, spearheaded by Endemol Shine India in association with Bharatiya Digital Party (BhaDiPa), signals a shift toward gritty, historically rooted true-crime narratives on major streaming networks. By centering the latest trailer on Makhija and Yadav, the showrunners have highlighted the psychological tension that defines the series. The project features a notable ensemble cast, including Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Bedi, Aamir Bashir, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
Exploring the Actors Behind the Antagonists
The casting of Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav brings a contrast of backgrounds to the true-crime drama. Makhija is an established face in the Indian television and digital ecosystem. He previously secured roles in mainstream television shows such as Sargam Ki Sadhe Satii and Har Mard Ka Dard. More recently, Makhija appeared in another Prime Video series, Gram Chikitasalay, a TVF production starring Amol Parashar, Anandeshwar Dwivedi, and Vinay Pathak, where he portrayed a local villager and caretaker named Gobind.
Ramandeep Yadav, a native of Chandigarh, transitions into Raakh following a series of appearances across major film and streaming platforms. Yadav previously worked under director Anurag Kashyap in the feature film Manmarziyan and held a role in the web series Campus Diaries. His streaming portfolio includes notable roles in Netflix's acclaimed series Cat, which starred Randeep Hooda, as well as a part in the box-office cinematic release Gadar 2. Beyond his acting career, Yadav is an active cricket enthusiast who has competed for the Chandigarh district team across multiple tournaments organized by the Haryana Cricket Association.
The Historical Blueprint of the Characters
The characters of Ranga and Billa are drawn from the infamous 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping and murder case, an event that fundamentally altered public safety perceptions in New Delhi. On August 26, 1978, two teenage siblings—16-year-old Geeta and 14-year-old Sanjay—were abducted from the Dhaula Kuan area while traveling to participate in a children's radio program at All India Radio.
The abductors, identified in police records as Kuljeet Singh (alias Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (alias Billa), forced the teenagers into a stolen Fiat vehicle. Law enforcement documentation from the era revealed that the siblings engaged in a fierce physical struggle against their captors, causing injuries to the abductors that eventually yielded critical forensic evidence. Jurisdictional confusion and communication delays within local police divisions initially slowed the rescue operation, sparking widespread public outrage. The perpetrators were eventually apprehended on September 8, 1978, after Billa’s fingerprint was recovered from a hospital where he sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the abduction struggle. Following a high-profile trial, both men were sentenced to capital punishment and executed in 1982.
Production and Creative Leadership
The creative framework of Raakh relies on experienced showrunners known for building intense, atmospheric narratives. The series is directed and executive produced by Prosit Roy, widely recognized for his work on dense, dark thrillers. The show was created, written, and co-directed by the filmmaking duo of Ansha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket, with screen dialogues written by Ayush Trivedi.
According to initial production details, the narrative structure aims to balance procedural law enforcement efforts with an intensive look at the mindset of the criminals. The trailer emphasizes scenes showing the characters unapologetically planning abductions, executing assaults, and evading widespread police cordons, setting a distinct tone for the upcoming series.
Official Sources Section
Information regarding the casting, character backgrounds, and production milestones has been verified through official promotional press materials and trailers released by Amazon Prime Video. Background historical details regarding the criminal case are sourced directly from archived judicial records and capital punishment filings from the Government of India.
Quote Section
"According to officials associated with the production's promotional release, the series intentionally balances dark, accurate character studies with a broader look at the systemic administrative vulnerabilities of the era."
Why It Matters
For consumers and media investors, Raakh highlights the enduring commercial viability of premium true-crime content in the Indian streaming market. By casting lesser-known or versatile actors like Makhija and Yadav in heavily villainous lead roles, the production emphasizes raw realism over traditional star power. This strategic choice influences how domestic studios approach historical true-crime adaptations, demonstrating that psychological depth and historical accuracy remain primary drivers for viewer engagement on global platforms.
Key Facts at a Glance
Lead Actors: Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav portray the historical criminal duo known as Ranga and Billa.
Release Protocol: The series is produced by Endemol Shine India and BhaDiPa, with its streaming premiere set for June 12, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video.
Creative Team: Directed by Prosit Roy; created and written by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket.
Historical Basis: The narrative recreates the societal impact of the 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra abduction case in New Delhi.
FAQ Section
Q: Who plays the roles of Ranga and Billa in the series Raakh?
A: The characters are portrayed by Indian actors Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav.
Q: What is the release date for the Raakh web series?
A: The series is scheduled to begin streaming globally on June 12, 2026.
Q: Is Raakh based on a true story?
A: Yes, the series draws heavy inspiration from the real-life 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping and murder case involving the criminals Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa).
Q: Which production houses are behind the project?
A: The series is produced by Endemol Shine India in association with the Bharatiya Digital Party (BhaDiPa) for Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Amazon Prime Video Press Releases, Ministry of Home Affairs Historical Archives.
