'Raakh' director Prosit Roy calls for zero violence in society
Synopsis
'Raakh' director Prosit Roy used the show's promotional tour to deliver a message beyond the screen: zero tolerance for violence. Drawing a line from chimpanzee gang wars to today's three active global conflicts, Roy argues that dramatising darkness in fiction is precisely how audiences rediscover the value of light — a philosophy baked into his Ranga-Billa-inspired thriller.
Key Takeaways
Director Prosit Roy called for 'zero violence' in society during promotions for 'Raakh' on 19 June in Mumbai . 'Raakh' is a fictional investigative thriller set in the late 1970s , streaming on Prime Video .
The series is heavily inspired by the real-life Ranga-Billa case involving kidnapping, extortion, and murder.
Roy warned that constant exposure to violence leads to desensitisation , and argued that purposeful storytelling can counter this.
The cast includes Ali Fazal , Sonali Bendre , Aamir Bhashir , Ramandeep Yadav , Anusha Nandkumar , and Sandeep Sanket .
Director Prosit Roy, whose streaming series 'Raakh' has drawn widespread acclaim since its recent release on Prime Video, has spoken out against violence in all its forms, calling for a society free from it. Roy shared his views during the promotional circuit for the show in Mumbai on 19 June, alongside cast members Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bhashir, Ramandeep Yadav, Anusha Nandkumar, and Sandeep Sanket.
About the Series
'Raakh' is a fictional investigative thriller set in the late 1970s, tracing a crime that triggers a nationwide manhunt and explores the collision between crime and justice. The series draws heavy inspiration from the real-life Ranga-Billa case — a chilling episode of kidnapping, extortion, and the brutal murder of two siblings that shook the country. The show is now streaming on Prime Video.
Roy on Violence and Desensitisation
When asked about violence and its long-term impact on society, Roy was unequivocal. 'I think violence should not be there. I think that is my only view. I mean, in society, already there is a lot of violence. All over, there are probably three wars which are being fought right now in the world,' he said.
He added, 'We don't need anymore violence. Zero violence. That is my only view. And sometimes, the violence around us become so much that we start getting desensitised towards violence, we keep becoming numb towards it. So, you need to shake things up.'
Roy contextualised his stance by noting that violence has deep evolutionary roots — pointing to inter-group aggression observed even among chimpanzees — and that human history has been marked by religious wars, conquests, and social discord. Yet, he argued, awareness and artistic expression can serve as correctives.
Why He Made 'Raakh'
'And that is when you make shows like this. So that you realize what darkness is, and you value lightness,' Roy explained. The director's position reflects a broader philosophy: that dramatising violence in fiction, when done with purpose, can heighten rather than diminish a viewer's moral sensitivity.
This comes amid growing debate in the Indian entertainment industry about the responsibility of creators when depicting crime and brutality on screen. 'Raakh' joins a growing wave of Indian streaming thrillers that revisit real criminal cases — a format that has found a large and engaged audience on OTT platforms.
Reception and What's Next
The series has received positive early responses, with audiences and critics noting its period authenticity and the strength of its ensemble cast. With the show now live on Prime Video, Roy and the team are continuing promotional engagements. Whether 'Raakh' will extend beyond its current run remains to be seen, but its subject matter and the director's vocal advocacy for a violence-free society have already sparked conversation well beyond the screen.
Point of View
After all, a thriller built on the visceral horror of the Ranga-Billa murders. That tension is not a contradiction; it is the central argument Roy is making: that depicting violence with moral weight is different from normalising it. What is worth watching is whether Indian OTT platforms, which have leaned heavily into true-crime brutality for engagement, will take that distinction seriously — or whether 'Raakh' becomes another data point in a content arms race that Roy himself is warning against.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Raakh' and where can it be watched?
'Raakh' is a fictional investigative thriller set in the late 1970s, now streaming on Prime Video. It is inspired by the real-life Ranga-Billa case involving the kidnapping, extortion, and murder of two siblings that shocked India.
Who is in the cast of 'Raakh'?
The series features Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bhashir, Ramandeep Yadav, Anusha Nandkumar, and Sandeep Sanket, directed by Prosit Roy.
What did director Prosit Roy say about violence?
Roy called for 'zero violence' in society, stating that the world already has too much of it, including multiple ongoing wars. He argued that people risk becoming desensitised to violence and that shows like 'Raakh' can help audiences reconnect with the value of peace.
What is the Ranga-Billa case that inspired 'Raakh'?
The Ranga-Billa case was a real criminal episode in India involving the kidnapping, extortion, and brutal murder of two siblings, which triggered a nationwide manhunt. It remains one of the most notorious criminal cases in Indian history.
Why does Prosit Roy believe fiction about violence can be socially valuable?
Roy argues that dramatising darkness in a purposeful way helps audiences 'realise what darkness is, and value lightness.' He sees shows like 'Raakh' as a tool to shake people out of the numbness caused by constant real-world violence.
