Discover 10 underrated Indian psychological thrillers that will keep you hooked with their mind-bending plots, intense performances, and unexpected twists. Don’t miss these hidden gems!
Psychological thrillers have a unique way of playing with the audience’s mind, making them question reality and dive deep into the psyche of the characters. While Bollywood and regional Indian cinema have produced some widely recognized psychological thrillers, many hidden gems remain underappreciated. In this article, we explore ten underrated Indian psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. 13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009)
Director: Vikram K. Kumar
Language: Hindi, Tamil
A gripping supernatural psychological thriller, 13B follows a family that moves into a new apartment and starts experiencing eerie occurrences linked to a television serial. The film’s tension builds steadily, keeping audiences engaged until its shocking climax.
2. Game Over (2019)
Director: Ashwin Saravanan
Language: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
Starring Taapsee Pannu, Game Over is a psychological thriller that blends horror and suspense brilliantly. The protagonist, a game developer suffering from PTSD, finds herself trapped in a horrifying loop of events. This movie’s innovative narrative and psychological depth make it a must-watch.
3. U-Turn (2018)
Director: Pawan Kumar
Language: Kannada, Tamil, Telugu
A journalist investigating mysterious deaths linked to a traffic violation finds herself entangled in a spine-chilling mystery. U-Turn is an engaging thriller with supernatural elements that keep you guessing until the very end.
4. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Language: Hindi
Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, this psychological thriller features Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a bone-chilling role. The film masterfully explores the dark and twisted relationship between a serial killer and a troubled cop.
5. Phobia (2016)
Director: Pavan Kirpalani
Language: Hindi
This psychological thriller starring Radhika Apte delves into agoraphobia—a fear of leaving one’s home. The film cleverly uses suspense and paranoia to create a tense atmosphere, making it one of the most unique thrillers in Indian cinema.
6. Tumbbad (2018)
Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Anand Gandhi
Language: Hindi
A genre-defying film that blends horror, psychological thriller, and fantasy, Tumbbad tells the story of a man’s obsession with a hidden treasure and the consequences of his greed. The eerie visuals and compelling storytelling make this a gripping watch.
7. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas
Language: Malayalam
A riveting crime thriller that follows a criminologist tracking down a brutal serial killer, Anjaam Pathiraa keeps viewers hooked with its intricate narrative and psychological depth.
8. Psycho (2020)
Director: Mysskin
Language: Tamil
A dark and intense psychological thriller about a blind man who must rescue his kidnapped girlfriend from a psychotic serial killer. The film’s haunting visuals and suspenseful storytelling make it an unforgettable experience.
9. Kaun? (1999)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Language: Hindi
One of Bollywood’s most underrated psychological thrillers, Kaun? is a minimalistic yet highly effective film that keeps the audience guessing. With just a few characters and a gripping script, this movie is a masterclass in psychological horror.
10. Evaru (2019)
Director: Venkat Ramji
Language: Telugu
A remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, Evaru is a psychological thriller with multiple layers of deception and mystery. The plot keeps unraveling unexpected twists, making it a must-watch for thriller lovers.
Indian cinema has produced some incredible psychological thrillers that often go unnoticed. These ten films showcase the depth and creativity of Indian filmmakers in crafting suspenseful, thought-provoking narratives. If you’re a fan of mind-bending thrillers, these underrated gems should definitely be on your watchlist.
FAQ
1. What is the best psychological thriller in Indian cinema?
While many Indian psychological thrillers have gained fame, Raman Raghav 2.0, Tumbbad, and Phobia stand out for their gripping narratives and intense performances.
2. Are these movies available on streaming platforms?
Yes, many of these films are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar. Availability may vary based on region.
3. What makes a psychological thriller different from other thriller genres?
Psychological thrillers focus on the mental and emotional states of the characters, often involving mind games, unreliable narratives, and psychological tension rather than just physical action.
4. Are Indian psychological thrillers inspired by Hollywood films?
Some Indian psychological thrillers take inspiration from Hollywood, but they often adapt the themes uniquely to suit Indian storytelling styles and cultural elements.
5. Which Indian psychological thriller has the best twist ending?
Evaru and Kaun? are known for their unexpected and mind-bending twist endings that leave audiences stunned.
If you love the thrill of psychological mysteries, these underrated Indian films will not disappoint. Watch them and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience!
