Ajay Devgn to host Crime Patrol, replaces Anup Soni after 15 episodes
Synopsis
Ajay Devgn is stepping into one of Indian television's most iconic anchor chairs — Crime Patrol — replacing Anup Soni, who defined the show for over a decade. With 15 episodes already in the can and a dual-host arrangement involving Rajesh Tailang, the franchise is clearly treating this as a high-stakes pivot, letting TRPs decide how far Devgn goes.
Key Takeaways
Ajay Devgn is set to host the crime series Crime Patrol , marking his television hosting debut.
Devgn has already filmed 15 episodes ; his continued involvement depends on audience response and TRP numbers.
Actor Rajesh Tailang has also been brought on board to host additional episodes, with his episode count still undecided.
Anup Soni , who hosted Crime Patrol for over a decade, is being replaced in the anchor role.
Devgn shared a cryptic video on social media on Sunday hinting at the announcement without naming the show directly.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn is set to make his television hosting debut with the long-running crime series Crime Patrol, replacing Anup Soni who became synonymous with the show over many years. According to sources close to the development, Devgn has already completed filming for 15 episodes of the upcoming season. The move marks a significant shift for one of Indian television's most enduring crime formats.
What We Know So Far
Sources indicate that whether Ajay Devgn continues to host the remaining episodes will depend entirely on audience response and TRP numbers. 'Sometimes, there are things that bother us from the inside. And today, there is a truth before us that I am stunned by. I will bring it to you soon,' Devgn said in a cryptic video shared on his social media account on Sunday, hinting at a major announcement — though he did not directly name Crime Patrol.
Rajesh Tailang Also Roped In
In a parallel development, actor Rajesh Tailang has reportedly been brought on board to host additional episodes of the new season. The final number of episodes he will front remains undecided and is said to hinge on how audiences respond to Devgn's episodes first. This dual-host format suggests the makers are hedging their bets as they navigate a high-profile transition.
Anup Soni's Legacy on Crime Patrol
For a generation of viewers, Anup Soni is inseparable from Crime Patrol. He hosted the show for well over a decade, lending it a distinctive, authoritative tone that became a template for the crime-awareness genre on Indian television. His departure from the anchor role closes a defining chapter for the franchise.
Why Ajay Devgn Makes Sense
Devgn brings a formidable on-screen law-enforcement pedigree to the role. His portrayals of police and justice-driven characters — in films such as Gangaajal, Singham, and Drishyam — have cemented his association with the crime genre in the popular imagination. Notably, this would be his first foray into television hosting, making it a landmark moment in his career that spans over three decades in Hindi cinema.
What Comes Next
The show's direction beyond the initial 15 episodes remains fluid. Producers appear to be treating the first batch as a market test, with Devgn's star power expected to draw a fresh audience demographic to the primetime crime slot. The response to his episodes will determine both the extent of his involvement and Tailang's role going forward.
Point of View
But television hosting demands a very different register than film performance. The dual-host hedge with Rajesh Tailang reveals that even the producers are uncertain whether a Bollywood superstar can sustain a weekly crime-awareness format. More telling is the TRP-contingent continuation clause: it signals that the show's makers are prioritising ratings insurance over a clean brand transition. Anup Soni built Crime Patrol's identity over a decade through consistency; replacing that with star power alone may not be enough if the format itself feels unchanged.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ajay Devgn hosting Crime Patrol?
Ajay Devgn has been brought in as the new host of Crime Patrol, reportedly replacing long-time anchor Anup Soni. His association with law-enforcement roles in films like Singham, Gangaajal, and Drishyam makes him a natural fit for the crime-awareness format.
How many episodes has Ajay Devgn shot for Crime Patrol?
Devgn has already completed filming for 15 episodes of the upcoming season. Whether he will continue hosting beyond these episodes depends on audience response and TRP performance.
Who is Rajesh Tailang and what is his role in Crime Patrol?
Rajesh Tailang is an actor who has been roped in to host additional episodes of the new Crime Patrol season. The exact number of episodes he will anchor is yet to be finalised and will be determined partly by how Devgn's episodes are received.
What happened to Anup Soni on Crime Patrol?
Anup Soni, who hosted Crime Patrol for over a decade and became the face most associated with the show, is being replaced in the anchor role. His tenure gave the franchise its distinctive identity on Indian television.
Is this Ajay Devgn's first television hosting role?
Yes, hosting Crime Patrol would mark Ajay Devgn's debut as a television host. While he has appeared in films for over three decades, this is his first foray into anchoring a TV series.
