If you loved Mirzapur for its intense gang wars, powerful characters, shocking betrayals, and gripping crime stories, there are plenty of other Indian web series worth exploring. However, finding a series that delivers the same combination of action, suspense, and underworld politics can be challenging.

Fortunately, Cartel and Bhaukaal offer two different takes on the Indian crime genre. While Cartel takes you into Mumbai’s criminal underworld, Bhaukaal follows a fearless police officer fighting powerful gangs in Uttar Pradesh.

If you are looking for crime series like Mirzapur, here are two shows you should add to your watchlist.

1. Cartel (2021)

Crime Drama

2021

Hindi

Story and Plot

If you enjoy the power struggles and criminal politics of Mirzapur, Cartel offers a similar experience, but with Mumbai as its backdrop.

The series revolves around five powerful gangsters who control different parts of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. Each gangster has their own territory, business interests, and network of connections. From drug smuggling and arms dealing to cricket betting and other illegal activities, the criminal empire is built on money and power.

At the centre of the story is Rani Maai, played by Supriya Pathak. She is a powerful figure whose family and criminal empire become involved in a dangerous battle for control. As rivalries grow and alliances begin to fall apart, the fight for power becomes increasingly intense.

The story explores how greed, revenge, family relationships, and betrayal can change the balance of power in the underworld.

What Makes Cartel Worth Watching?

One of the most interesting aspects of Cartel is its large cast of characters. Each gangster has a different personality, business, and approach to controlling the city.

Unlike crime dramas that focus mainly on one family or gang, Cartel explores several criminal groups at once. This creates multiple storylines and plenty of opportunities for unexpected twists.

Supriya Pathak’s portrayal of Rani Maai brings a strong family and political dimension to the series. The show’s action, betrayals, and shifting alliances make it appealing to viewers who enjoy complicated crime stories.

However, the large number of characters and interconnected storylines may occasionally make the plot difficult to follow.

Cartel Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Cartel is a crime drama that focuses on the business side of the underworld, where power is maintained through money, fear, and strategic alliances.

The performances and gang rivalries are among its main attractions. Its Mumbai setting also gives it a different atmosphere from Mirzapur. However, viewers who prefer a straightforward story may find its multiple characters and subplots demanding.

Our take: If you enjoy crime dramas featuring gang wars, family rivalries, and political games, Cartel is worth adding to your watchlist.

2. Bhaukaal (2020)

Crime Thriller

2020

Hindi

Story and Plot

If you liked the gang wars and powerful criminals in Mirzapur, Bhaukaal takes you into another world of crime, this time from the perspective of the police.

The series follows Naveen Sikhera, played by Mohit Raina, an honest police officer who is transferred to Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The city is controlled by two powerful criminal gangs: Shaukeen’s gang in the east and the Dedha brothers in the west.

The criminals have so much influence that even local police officers are afraid to challenge them. Sikhera arrives with a mission to restore law and order and bring the gangsters under control.

As he begins his fight against the criminal networks, he faces dangerous enemies, corruption, and constant threats. The story is inspired by real-life events involving IPS officer Navniet Sekera.

What Makes Bhaukaal Worth Watching?

The biggest attraction of Bhaukaal is its central character. Mohit Raina plays a determined police officer who refuses to surrender to the criminals controlling the city.

The show features intense confrontations, gang rivalries, police encounters, and a tense atmosphere. Abhimanyu Singh also delivers a memorable performance as the gangster Shaukeen.

The series has two seasons, with the second continuing the conflict between Sikhera and the Dedha brothers. It explores the challenges of fighting organized crime in a place where criminals have considerable influence.

Unlike Mirzapur, which focuses heavily on criminal families and their ambitions, Bhaukaal places the police investigation and the fight against gangsters at the centre of the story.

Bhaukaal Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Bhaukaal is a gritty crime thriller that combines action, police drama, and gang warfare. Mohit Raina’s performance is one of the main highlights, while the story’s real-life inspiration adds another dimension.

Some episodes take time to build momentum, and certain parts of the story may feel predictable. However, the confrontations between the police and the gangsters provide plenty of dramatic moments.

Our take: If you enjoy crime dramas featuring fearless police officers, dangerous gangsters, and intense action, Bhaukaal is a series to consider.

Cartel vs Bhaukaal: Which Series Should You Watch?

Both series explore crime, power, and gang rivalries, but they tell their stories from different perspectives.

If you enjoy stories about criminal empires and shifting alliances, Cartel explores those themes through several rival gangs. If you prefer a police officer taking on powerful criminals, Bhaukaal offers that perspective.

Final Verdict: Are Cartel and Bhaukaal Similar to Mirzapur?

Mirzapur has a distinctive combination of dark humour, family rivalries, violence, and political drama. While neither Cartel nor Bhaukaal is exactly the same, both explore some of the themes that make Indian crime dramas popular.

Cartel is centred on Mumbai’s criminal underworld, with several gangs competing for power. Bhaukaal focuses on a police officer’s battle against powerful gangsters and the challenges of restoring law and order.

Both offer a different experience for viewers who enjoy crime, action, suspense, and intense confrontations.

If you have already watched Mirzapur and are searching for something in a similar genre, these two series are worth checking out.