Dial 100 in 2025 – A Gritty Crime Thriller That Rings Loud for Justice

Overview and Theme

Genre: Crime Thriller Release Date: 5 August 2025 Platform: SAB Network Crime World Language: Hindi Country of Origin: India

Dial 100 is a hard-hitting Indian crime thriller series that dives into the underbelly of society, where every emergency call to the police helpline "100" reveals a new tale of desperation, injustice, and survival. Each episode follows a different case, unraveling the complexities of domestic violence, suicide, honor killings, and other pressing social issues. The series is structured as an anthology, with police officers at the center of each investigation, showcasing their relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

The series is deeply rooted in real-life incidents. It draws from actual police case files and societal issues that plague modern India. From wife-burning to cybercrime, the show doesn’t shy away from portraying the raw and often disturbing realities that many face daily. It’s a fictionalized but authentic representation of the kind of calls that flood emergency services across the country.

Special Highlights

Dial 100 stands out for its realism over glamour. Unlike many crime dramas that dramatize or sensationalize violence, this series opts for a grounded, documentary-style approach. The storytelling is raw, emotional, and often uncomfortable — but intentionally so. Its anthology format allows each episode to be a standalone story, enabling the exploration of a wide range of crimes and social issues without being tied to a single narrative arc.

Another unique aspect is its police-centric perspective. The show focuses on the emotional and psychological toll on police officers, adding depth to characters often portrayed as one-dimensional in Indian media. It also serves as a powerful piece of social commentary, raising awareness about issues like dowry deaths, child abuse, and mental health.

Dial 100 has not been without controversy. Some episodes have sparked debate for their graphic portrayal of violence and sensitive topics. Critics argue that while the intent is noble, the execution may be triggering for some viewers. Despite this, the series achieved a notable milestone by becoming one of the most-watched crime series on SAB Network Crime World within its first week of release, garnering over 10 million views across platforms.

Cast and Crew

The series features a talented ensemble cast. Rajesh Sharma plays Inspector Dev Malik, bringing his signature intensity and depth to the role, as seen in his previous performances in “Special 26” and “Patal Lok.” Anupriya Goenka stars as ACP Meera Singh, a strong and empathetic officer, known for her work in “Sacred Games” and “Asur.” Vineet Kumar Singh appears in Episode 3 as a grieving father, delivering a powerful performance reminiscent of his role in “Mukkabaaz.” Shweta Tripathi plays a social worker in Episode 5, adding emotional nuance similar to her acclaimed work in “Mirzapur.”

The series is directed by Ranjan Chandel, known for his gritty storytelling in “Halahal” and “Grahan.” It is produced by Sri Adhikari Brothers, a veteran production house with a legacy in Indian television and digital content. The writing team includes Nikhil Taneja and Megha Ramaswamy, whose scripts bring emotional depth and journalistic precision to each episode. Cinematography is handled by Jay Oza, whose lens captures the claustrophobia and tension of crime scenes with haunting realism.

Audience Expectations and Early Reviews

Before its release, Dial 100 generated significant anticipation due to its promotional campaign that featured real emergency call recordings and testimonials from police officers. The trailer was praised for its intensity and emotional weight.

Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. IMDb users rated the series 8.1 out of 10, while the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at 85 percent. Critics have described Dial 100 as “a gripping, socially conscious crime series that doesn’t flinch. It’s not just a show — it’s a wake-up call.”

Viewers have echoed this sentiment. Many praised the series for respecting the intelligence of its audience and tackling uncomfortable but necessary topics. Rajesh Sharma’s performance, in particular, has been widely lauded for bringing quiet dignity and realism to his role.

Where to Watch

Dial 100 is exclusively available on SAB Network Crime World, which streams via YouTube and select OTT platforms. In India, it is free to watch on SAB Network’s YouTube channel and app. Internationally, the series has limited availability via YouTube due to region restrictions, but it is expected to release on Amazon Prime India later in 2025.

The series carries an age rating of 16+ due to graphic content and mature themes. It is available in Hindi with English subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Release Timing and Cultural Context

Dial 100’s release on 5 August 2025 is strategically timed. It coincides with Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating sibling protection — a poignant contrast to the themes of vulnerability and justice explored in the series. The timing also aligns with a growing wave of socially conscious content on Indian OTT platforms, making it a relevant and timely addition to the digital landscape.

With increasing public discourse around domestic violence, mental health, and police reform, the series arrives at a moment when audiences are more receptive to hard-hitting narratives that reflect real societal challenges.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Dial 100 isn’t just another crime series — it’s a bold, unfiltered look at the realities many choose to ignore. With powerful performances, authentic storytelling, and a commitment to social justice, it’s one of the most important Indian web series of 2025.

Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or someone who values meaningful content, Dial 100 will leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about solving crimes — it’s about understanding them.

Have you watched Dial 100? Which episode impacted you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about the stories that need to be heard.