10 Best Hindi Crime Movies of 2025 You Can’t Miss Binge-Watching

---

10 Best Hindi Crime Movies & Thriller Series of 2025 You Can’t Miss Binge-Watching

The year 2025 has been a groundbreaking year for Hindi cinema, especially for the crime and thriller genres. Beyond the big-screen blockbusters, the rise of high-stakes web series has redefined “binge-watching,” offering complex characters and morally gray narratives that grip audiences for hours. From gritty police procedurals to massive-scale action franchises, the line between good and evil has never been more blurred.

Here is a definitive list of the 10 best Hindi crime movies and must-binge thriller series from 2025 that every suspense enthusiast needs to add to their watch list.

---

The Must-Watch Theatrical & OTT Films

The big-screen action thrillers of 2025 brought back iconic characters and introduced formidable new ones, making them instant crowd-pleasers.

1. Raid 2: The Return of the Taxman

Building on the success of the 2018 hit, Raid 2 marked the anticipated return of the relentless IRS officer, Amay Patnaik. Set seven years after the events of the original film, the sequel follows Patnaik as he tracks another high-profile white-collar crime, promising the same intense, cat-and-mouse procedural drama against India’s super-rich.

• Genre: Crime Thriller, Sequel
• Starring: Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor
• Why You Need to Watch: If you enjoy grounded, real-world suspense based on actual intelligence operations, this film is a meticulously crafted thriller that focuses on brainpower over brawn.

2. Don 3: The New Era of the Mastermind

The saga of the cunning underworld kingpin continues, but with Ranveer Singh stepping into the iconic shoes of Don for the first time. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Don 3 explores the new Don’s intricate plans for supremacy, facing formidable adversaries in a new criminal underworld.

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Neo-Noir
• Starring: Ranveer Singh, Kiara Advani
• Why You Need to Watch: The film promises a stylish, high-octane reboot, keeping the spirit of the franchise alive while ushering in a fresh take on the elusive anti-hero.

3. Deva: The Rebel Cop

Shahid Kapoor delivered a powerhouse performance as ACP Dev Ambre, a brilliant yet rebellious police officer in this action-thriller. The film’s plot thickens when Ambre uncovers a massive web of deceit and betrayal during a high-profile investigation. It’s an official remake of the acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film, Mumbai Police, updated with a new, distinct climax.

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Police Procedural
• Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati
• Why You Need to Watch: Its narrative involves a cop losing his memory in an accident and having to re-investigate a murder case he had just solved, providing a unique, mind-bending structure to the police procedural.

4. Sikandar: Action, Drama, and Redemption

Salman Khan returned to the action genre with Sikandar, an action-drama with significant thriller elements. The plot centers on Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a man motivated by a tragic past to redeem himself and change the lives of three people, all while being targeted by a vengeful politician.

• Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
• Starring: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj
• Why You Need to Watch: Helmed by A. R. Murugadoss, known for taut thrillers like Ghajini, the film is a high-budget blend of emotional drama and edge-of-the-seat action.

5. Baramulla: Kashmir’s Dark Secrets

Set against the hauntingly beautiful but volatile backdrop of Kashmir, Baramulla is a gripping crime and political thriller. The story follows a local police officer tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a child, which soon unravels deep-seated political conspiracies that threaten to shatter the town’s fragile peace.

• Genre: Crime, Political Thriller
• Starring: Manav Kaul, Rasika Dugal, Vikrant Massey
• Why You Need to Watch: With a cast of exceptional actors and a tense, grounded setting, this film promises a nuanced look at crime intertwined with geopolitical conflict.

6. They Call Him OG (Hindi Dubbed)

While originally a South Indian film, this massive action-crime thriller was released with a high-quality Hindi dub, making it a pivotal part of the 2025 crime calendar. The story revolves around Ojas Gambheera, a dreaded gangster who resurfaces in the Mumbai underworld after mysteriously vanishing for a decade, aiming to dismantle the powerful crime syndicates.

• Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller (Crossover Hit)
• Starring: Pawan Kalyan, Emraan Hashmi
• Why You Need to Watch: For a dose of stylized, large-scale action, OG is a cinematic spectacle with a revenge and redemption plot at its core.

7. Sky Force: The Pursuit of Truth

This historical action-thriller is centered around a fictionalized account of India’s first major retaliatory airstrike during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. However, the plot introduces a compelling ‘whodunit’ element in the form of a maverick pilot’s unexplained disappearance and his commander’s nearly two-decade-long search for the truth, blending a spy thriller narrative with war drama.

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Historical Drama
• Starring: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Nimrat Kaur
• Why You Need to Watch: It offers a unique fusion of aerial action and an intense investigation into the disappearance of a war hero.

---

The Unmissable Binge-Watching Series

The true spirit of “binge-watching” in 2025 belonged to the returning champions of the streaming world, all of which promised to raise the stakes on their already massive, crime-centric narratives.

8. The Family Man Season 3

Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) is back, juggling his turbulent family life with his perilous job as an undercover agent in a high-stakes spy thriller. This season sees Srikant confronting a deadly geopolitical conspiracy unfolding in Northeast India.

• Genre: Spy Thriller, Action-Comedy
• Platform: Amazon Prime Video
• Why You Need to Binge: Known for its brilliant balance of domestic comedy and gripping counter-terrorism plots, this is arguably the most-anticipated web series return, perfect for a full-weekend binge.

9. Delhi Crime Season 3

The Emmy-winning series returns, putting DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) and her dedicated team through their toughest challenge yet. This new season focuses on uncovering a complex cross-border human trafficking network, continuing the series’ powerful, emotional, and gritty portrayal of the Delhi Police.

• Genre: Crime Drama, Police Procedural
• Platform: Netflix
• Why You Need to Binge: It remains the gold standard for realistic and sensitively handled Indian true-crime dramas, offering a deeply impactful viewing experience.

10. Mandala Murders

This series is a mythological-crime thriller that dives deep into ritualistic murders linked to a secret cult in a fictional town in Uttar Pradesh. The plot follows two detectives as they investigate a gruesome murder, which ties into a larger, dark masterplan and a mythical entity.

• Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural Horror
• Platform: Netflix
• Why You Need to Binge: Based on the novel The Butcher of Benares, its unique blend of modern police procedural with occult practices offers a spine-chilling and fresh take on the crime genre.

---

AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which Hindi crime movies of 2025 are sequels to popular hits?

A: The year 2025 saw the release of two major crime/thriller sequels: Raid 2, starring Ajay Devgn, and the highly-anticipated third installment in the Don franchise, Don 3, with Ranveer Singh taking the lead role.

Q2: What are the best Hindi web series for binge-watching in the crime/thriller genre in 2025?

A: The three most highly-anticipated crime and thriller series released in 2025 are The Family Man Season 3 (Spy Thriller), Delhi Crime Season 3 (Police Procedural), and the mythological-crime thriller Mandala Murders.

Q3: Did the movie Deva release in 2025, and what is the plot?

A: Yes, the Hindi action thriller film Deva, starring Shahid Kapoor, was released in January 2025. The plot revolves around a brilliant but rebellious police officer who loses his memory in an accident and must then re-investigate a murder case he had already solved.

Q4: Is They Call Him OG a Hindi movie?

A: They Call Him OG (Ojas Gambheera) is a high-budget, multi-lingual action-crime film that was originally made in Telugu, but had a major theatrical and OTT release in a Hindi dubbed version in September 2025. It features Emraan Hashmi alongside Pawan Kalyan.

---

10 Best Hindi Crime Movies of 2025 You Can’t Miss Binge-Watching

The year 2025 has cemented Indian cinema’s position as a powerhouse of thrilling, mind-bending content, particularly in the crime and mystery genre. From gritty cop dramas directed by veteran filmmakers to psychological thrillers from the South that have stormed the Hindi-speaking market, the binge-watch list is packed.

Whether you prefer a dark, Anurag Kashyap-style crime saga or a high-octane Bollywood action-mystery, this curated list of the 10 best Hindi crime movies of 2025 offers a perfect, high-stakes marathon that will keep you guessing till the final credits roll.

---

The Bollywood Blockbuster Thrillers

These are the big-budget, star-driven Hindi-language releases that blend action, mystery, and gripping narratives.

1. Deva

• Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati
• Director: Rosshan Andrrews
• Release: January 31, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: Based on the acclaimed Malayalam film Mumbai Police, Deva is a sharp psychological action-thriller anchored by a powerful lead performance. The story centers on a violent, rebellious cop, ACP Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), who suffers from partial memory loss after an accident right when he solves the high-profile murder of a colleague. He is forced to re-investigate the same case, essentially hunting down a killer whose identity his forgotten memory holds—a gripping whodunit with a massive, personal twist.

2. Sarzameen

• Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, Ibrahim Ali Khan
• Director: Kayoze Irani
• Release: July 25, 2025 (OTT Release on JioHotstar)
• Why You Can’t Miss It: This patriotic thriller is set against the volatile backdrop of Kashmir, making it an emotionally charged, high-stakes drama. The plot revolves around an Indian Army officer, Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran), whose kidnapped son, Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan), is returned years later. The central suspense hinges on a terrifying question: Is the young man truly his son, or has he been radicalized and sent back as part of a larger conspiracy to orchestrate deadly attacks?

3. Nishaanchi

• Starring: Aaishvary Thackeray, Monika Panwar, Kumud Mishra
• Director: Anurag Kashyap
• Release: September 19, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: Anytime Anurag Kashyap ventures into the crime genre, it’s a must-watch for its dark, gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the heartland’s criminal underworld. Nishaanchi (The Marksman) is a crime drama centered on the turbulent story of twin brothers trapped between a life of crime and their conscience. Critics have praised the film for its solid setup, its blend of dark humor, and for harkening back to the director’s classic gangster storytelling style.

4. Murderbaad

• Starring: Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kanikka Kapur, Sharib Hashmi
• Director: Arnab Chatterjee
• Release: July 18, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: This romantic-thriller combines elements of a haunting whodunit with emotional depth. The story begins with a married couple taking a road trip to address their marital issues, only for the wife to mysteriously disappear. What starts as a frantic search quickly spirals into a dark investigation involving an unknown villain and unexpected twists at every turn, making it a compelling, slow-burn thriller perfect for a binge session.

---

OTT Originals and The Must-Watch Dubs

The rise of pan-Indian cinema means some of the year’s best crime movies originated outside Bollywood but are streaming in high-quality Hindi dubs, making them essential viewing.

5. Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas

• Starring: TBD (Typically a strong ensemble cast)
• Director: TBD (OTT Original)
• Release: October 2025 (OTT)
• Why You Can’t Miss It: This Hindi crime thriller follows the classic police procedural formula with a terrifying twist. Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, a hot-tempered cop, is transferred to Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, where he investigates a string of missing girls. His investigation soon uncovers a horrifying secret: the culprit is a charming local professor who manipulates society’s prejudices to trap his victims, promising an intense hunt for a sophisticated serial killer.

6. Ronth (Patrol)

• Original Language: Malayalam (Available in Hindi Dub)
• Starring: Dileesh Pothan, Roshan Mathew
• Director: Shahi Kabir
• Release: June 13, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: Considered a spiritual successor to the acclaimed Nayattu, Ronth is a raw and realistic cop drama. The film follows a senior Sub-Inspector and a rookie cop on night patrol who, after dealing with minor complaints, find themselves framed for a murder by a powerful, influential family. The film is praised for its authentic portrayal of systemic corruption and the emotional toll on the police force, delivering a gripping socio-political thriller.

7. DNA

• Original Language: Tamil (Available in Hindi Dub)
• Starring: Atharvaa Murali, Nimisha Sajayan
• Director: Nelson Venkatesan
• Release: June 20, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: This is a masterful psychological crime thriller with a strong emotional core. The plot centers on a couple, Anand and Divya, whose lives spiral out of control after the birth of their child when Divya, who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder, claims the baby is not hers. The mystery of the missing/swapped baby, mixed with intense psychological drama, keeps the audience completely immersed, questioning the reality of every scene.

---

Action-Mysteries and Genre-Benders

These films combine the high-stakes thrills of action or comedy with a core mystery that forms the heart of the crime narrative.

8. Sky Force

• Starring: Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan
• Director: Sandeep Kewlani, Abhishek Anil Kapur
• Release: January 24, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: While primarily an action-war drama inspired by the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the film has a significant thriller element. The core conflict is a mystery spanning nearly two decades: the sudden, mysterious disappearance of a maverick pilot, and his Wing Commander’s relentless 19-year-long quest to uncover the truth behind his fate. This blend of aerial action and an emotional, long-form investigation makes it a uniquely compelling thriller.

9. Ek Chatur Naar

• Starring: Divya Khosla, Neil Nitin Mukesh
• Director: TBD
• Release: September 12, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: This dark comedy thriller brings a refreshing change to the genre with a clever cat-and-mouse game. The story follows a witty protagonist (Divya Khosla) who begins a suspenseful blackmailing game with a high-profile figure (Neil Nitin Mukesh). The film’s tension comes from the battle of wits between the blackmailer and the blackmailed, with a narrative that promises sharp dialogue and unpredictable comedic twists alongside the underlying crime.

10. Detective Ujjwalan

• Original Language: Malayalam (Available in Hindi Dub)
• Starring: Dhyan Sreenivasan, Siju Wilson, Rony David Raj
• Director: Indraneel Gopeekrishnan and Rahul G.
• Release: May 23, 2025
• Why You Can’t Miss It: A shift towards the “mystery comedy” sub-genre, this film is part of the ‘Weekend Cinematic Universe’ (WCU), a follow-up to Minnal Murali. The movie centers on a local detective named Ujjwalan, who uses his unconventional skills to solve quirky, yet deadly, mysteries in a seemingly peaceful small town. Its light-hearted tone mixed with genuine mystery makes it a fun, yet engaging, option for a crime binge.

---

AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which 2025 Hindi crime movie is a remake of a famous South Indian film?

A: Deva, starring Shahid Kapoor, is the official Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film, Mumbai Police. The Hindi version, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, retains the core plot of an amnesiac cop investigating a murder that he himself solved, with a different climax.

Q2: Are all the movies on this ‘Best Crime Movies of 2025’ list originally in Hindi?

A: No. The list includes high-quality Hindi-language releases (Deva, Sarzameen, Nishaanchi, Murderbaad) as well as critically praised South Indian thrillers (Ronth, DNA, Detective Ujjwalan) that have received wide theatrical or OTT releases in high-quality Hindi-dubbed versions, making them essential viewing for the Hindi audience.

Q3: Which 2025 crime thriller is directed by Anurag Kashyap?

A: The Hindi-language crime drama Nishaanchi is directed by Anurag Kashyap. The film explores the lives of twin brothers caught in a conflict between crime and their conscience, delivering the director’s signature gritty, realistic, and dark narrative style.

Q4: Which crime film on this list has a strong psychological mystery angle?

A: DNA is a strong psychological crime thriller. The plot involves a woman suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder who claims her baby is not hers, turning a personal struggle into a mind-bending mystery about a potential baby disappearance or swap.

Q5: Which movie on the list can be considered a crime-thriller/war-drama crossover?

A: Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar, is an action-war drama inspired by the 1965 Indo-Pak War. However, its central narrative is a mystery: the Wing Commander’s 19-year-long search to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a maverick pilot during the mission.

---

10 Best Hindi Crime Thrillers of 2025 You Can’t Miss Binge-Watching

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking one for the Hindi thriller genre, delivering an intense lineup of high-stakes crime dramas, political thrillers, and stylish action epics. Gone are the days when quality crime narratives were confined to the big screen; today, the most compelling stories are launching across both cinema halls and streaming platforms, creating a feast for binge-watchers.

From the return of beloved, gritty police procedural series to massive-budget theatrical films, the 2025 slate promises complex anti-heroes, relentless investigators, and intricate plots that will keep you guessing until the final frame. If your ideal weekend involves dimming the lights, grabbing the popcorn, and diving deep into the shadowy world of suspense, here are the 10 best Hindi crime thrillers and binge-worthy series of 2025 that should be at the top of your watchlist.

---

The Top 10 Binge-Worthy Hindi Crime Thrillers of 2025

The following list is a mix of high-profile theatrical movie releases and feature-film quality web series—all essential viewing for the dedicated crime-thriller enthusiast.

1. Deva (Movie)

Starring Shahid Kapoor, Deva is one of the year’s most anticipated theatrical crime thrillers. It is a remake of the critically acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film, Mumbai Police, though with a new climax for the Hindi audience.

• Plot: The story follows ACP Dev Ambre, a brilliant but hotheaded and rebellious police officer. After losing his memory in a near-fatal accident, he must reinvestigate a high-profile murder case he claims to have already solved: the killing of his friend and fellow police officer, ACP Rohan D’Silva. The film delves into the duality of Dev’s character, making him a complex anti-hero forced to confront his own turbulent past and nature while trying to find a killer he once knew.
• Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati.
• Release Date: January 31, 2025.

2. Don 3 (Movie)

The popular franchise is officially entering a new era with Don 3. This film is one of the biggest announcements in the Bollywood crime-action space for 2025.

• Plot: Directed by Farhan Akhtar, this third installment is expected to reset the saga of the elusive, charismatic crime lord, Don. The story will blend high-stakes action and international intrigue, focusing on the titular character’s signature style and cunning as he maneuvers through the global criminal underworld.
• Star Cast: Ranveer Singh takes over the iconic lead role, with Kiara Advani also joining the star cast.
• Release Status: Expected 2025.

3. Delhi Crime Season 3 (Web Series)

The multi-award-winning series returns for its third season, promising another powerful and emotionally taxing investigation rooted in real-world crimes. It remains one of the finest police procedurals in Indian streaming history, making it a must-binge.

• Plot: DCP Vartika Chaturvedi and her dedicated team face their toughest challenge yet as they work to uncover a cross-border human trafficking network. The series is known for its powerful, emotional continuation of the Emmy-winning saga, highlighting the psychological and procedural challenges of crime fighting in the capital.
• Star Cast: Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang.
• Release Date: November 13, 2025.

4. The Family Man Season 3 (Web Series)

While technically a spy thriller, The Family Man is packed with high-octane action, geopolitical espionage, and crime-solving elements that qualify it as essential binge-watching.

• Plot: Agent Srikant Tiwari confronts a deadly geopolitical conspiracy unfolding in Northeast India. As is customary for the series, Srikant must expertly juggle his turbulent, relatable family life with his perilous job of saving the country, all while confronting a high-stakes threat.
• Star Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi.
• Release Date: November 21, 2025.

5. Baramulla (Movie)

Mixing the crime procedural with elements of the supernatural, Baramulla promises a uniquely atmospheric thriller set against the snow-capped backdrop of Kashmir.

• Plot: DSP Ridwaan Sayyed, a controversial police officer, is transferred to the town of Baramulla to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a child from a magic show. As the investigation unfolds and more children vanish, the officer stumbles upon a chilling truth—one that blurs the line between a real-world crime and the dark secrets and folklore buried deep in the valley’s history, threatening his own family.
• Star Cast: Manav Kaul, Bhasha Sumbli, Kiara Khanna.
• Release Date: November 7, 2025, on Netflix.

6. Maharani Season 4 (Web Series)

This political crime thriller focuses on the nexus of power, corruption, and gender dynamics in the Indian political system. It’s a compelling narrative of survival and strategy.

• Plot: The series continues the tumultuous journey of Rani Bharti, a simple homemaker unexpectedly thrust into the position of Chief Minister. Season 4 is set to dive deeper into the high-stakes world of Indian politics, where every decision is a matter of life and death, and corruption is rampant.
• Star Cast: Huma Qureshi.
• Release Status: Expected November 2025.

7. Toxic (Movie – Hindi Dub)

While originally a Kannada film, the high-profile nature and planned multi-language release, including a Hindi dub, make this one of the most-anticipated action crime thrillers of 2025.

• Plot: The film is described as a psycho action crime thrill drama. Though specific details are under wraps, the genre promises a blend of psychological depth, relentless action, and complex criminal elements, leveraging a large production scale.
• Star Cast: Yash (KGF fame).
• Release Date: Tentative release in April 2025.

8. War 2 (Movie)

Another major tentpole of the spy and action genre, War 2 is a direct sequel that maintains a high-octane thriller core, focusing on the intelligence, counter-terrorism, and deep-cover crime operations.

• Plot: As a key part of the YRF Spy Universe, the film is expected to escalate the espionage and action stakes, featuring a new, high-stakes global mission that blends political maneuvering with intense physical conflict.
• Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR.
• Release Date: August 14, 2025.

9. Janaawar – The Beast Within (Web Series)

For fans of gritty, small-town crime dramas, this series is a 2025 highlight. It offers a grounded look at police investigations interwoven with intense social themes.

• Plot: Set in the fictional, restless town of Chhand, the crime drama follows Sub-Inspector Hemant Kumar as he investigates a case that rapidly expands into a series of brutal killings. The narrative is praised for exploring themes of caste, identity, and prejudice while confronting the entrenched social hierarchies of small-town India.
• Star Cast: Bhuvan Arora, Bhagwan Tiwari.
• Release Date: September 26, 2025, on ZEE5.

10. Rakshas (Movie)

Representing a darker, more ambitious project, Rakshas is a mythological-tinged crime drama. The early announcement of this movie points to a high-budget and unique concept that will blend the crime genre with Indian mythology.

• Plot: Expected to be a period film whose story is set before the time of India’s independence, the movie is based on Indian mythology and is described as a large-scale mythological crime drama.
• Star Cast: Ranveer Singh.
• Release Status: Announced for a 2025 release, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe.

---

AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Which Hindi crime thrillers of 2025 are available for binge-watching on OTT platforms?

A: Several major crime thrillers of 2025 are designed for binge-watching on OTT. Key titles include the web series:

• Delhi Crime Season 3 (Netflix)
• The Family Man Season 3 (Prime Video)
• Maharani Season 4 (OTT Platform TBD)
• Janaawar – The Beast Within (ZEE5)
• Baramulla (Netflix)

Q2: Is ‘Deva’ with Shahid Kapoor a remake, and what is the plot?

A: Yes, Deva is a Hindi remake of the highly-rated 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, with a revised climax. The plot centers on ACP Dev Ambre, a hotheaded cop who suffers from partial memory loss after an accident and must then re-investigate the high-profile murder case of his colleague, which he had previously claimed to have solved.

Q3: Who plays the new Don in the ‘Don 3’ movie?

A: Ranveer Singh is set to take on the lead role of the charismatic crime lord, Don, replacing Shah Rukh Khan in this third installment of the modern gangster franchise. Kiara Advani will star as the female lead.

Q4: Which upcoming Hindi crime thriller movie blends supernatural elements with police investigation?

A: The movie Baramulla, starring Manav Kaul, blends a police investigation into missing children with a supernatural horror thriller set in the atmospheric landscape of Kashmir, exploring local folklore and historical secrets.