Discover 10 underrated Indian thriller films that will keep you hooked till the end. If you love suspense and mind-bending plots, these hidden gems are a must-watch!
Indian cinema has produced some of the most gripping thrillers, yet many remain overlooked by mainstream audiences. While Bollywood blockbusters dominate the spotlight, numerous hidden gems across Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu cinema offer unparalleled suspense, unexpected twists, and edge-of-the-seat moments. If you’re looking for underappreciated yet brilliant Indian thriller films, this list is for you!
1. Ugly (2013) – A Dark Psychological Thriller
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Ugly is an intense, raw, and disturbing thriller that explores human greed, corruption, and moral decay. The film revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a young girl and the dark secrets it unravels. With a gritty narrative and outstanding performances, Ugly keeps viewers on edge till the very end.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Despite critical acclaim, Ugly didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved, possibly due to its dark and unsettling themes.
2. Talaash (2012) – A Supernatural Mystery
A psychological thriller starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Rani Mukerji, Talaash is a unique blend of crime, mystery, and supernatural elements. The film follows Inspector Shekhawat as he investigates a fatal car accident that leads to shocking revelations about his own past.
Why It’s Overlooked:
The supernatural aspect may have deterred some audiences, but the film’s emotional depth and suspense make it a must-watch.
3. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) – A Disturbing Serial Killer Tale
Based on the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, this neo-noir thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a chilling performance. The cat-and-mouse chase between a psychopathic killer and a troubled cop keeps audiences engrossed.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Its dark, violent, and psychologically intense storyline may have limited its appeal to mainstream audiences.
4. Evaru (2019) – A Telugu Whodunit Thriller
This gripping Telugu thriller starring Adivi Sesh is inspired by the Spanish film The Invisible Guest but adds its own brilliant twists. The film follows a corrupt cop investigating the murder of a high-ranking official, leading to a series of mind-bending revelations.
Why It’s Overlooked:
While successful in Telugu cinema, it remains underappreciated outside regional audiences.
5. Kahaani 2 (2016) – A Psychological Suspense Sequel
Vidya Balan returns in this gripping sequel to Kahaani. Kahaani 2 is an emotional yet thrilling story about a woman accused of kidnapping and murder, keeping the audience guessing about her true identity and motives.
Why It’s Overlooked:
While Kahaani was a massive hit, its sequel didn’t receive the same level of recognition despite its intriguing narrative.
6. Andhadhun (2018) – A Twisted Black Comedy Thriller
Although Andhadhun gained critical acclaim, it remains underrated internationally. Featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, this film revolves around a blind pianist who gets entangled in a murder mystery, leading to shocking twists and an unpredictable climax.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Despite winning awards, many still haven’t discovered this masterpiece outside India.
7. Pizza (2012) – A Unique Horror-Thriller
This Tamil thriller blends horror with crime, following a pizza delivery boy who encounters supernatural events during a delivery. As the tension builds, the film delivers an unexpected and mind-blowing climax.
Why It’s Overlooked:
A sleeper hit in Tamil cinema, but lesser known to wider audiences outside South India.
8. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018) – An Unconventional Action Thriller
This offbeat action-thriller-comedy follows a man who feels no pain due to a rare condition. Packed with humor, martial arts, and suspense, the film offers a refreshing take on the thriller genre.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Its quirky narrative made it a cult favorite rather than a mainstream success.
9. Drishyam (2015) – A Masterclass in Suspense
This Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film Drishyam starring Ajay Devgn is an intense thriller about a father who goes to extreme lengths to protect his family after a crime. The plot twists and layered storytelling make it unforgettable.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Though successful, many still haven’t watched this intelligent thriller compared to commercial Bollywood hits.
10. Aaranya Kaandam (2010) – A Gritty Tamil Neo-Noir
An underrated gem in Tamil cinema, Aaranya Kaandam is a neo-noir gangster thriller that weaves multiple narratives into an intense and violent story of power struggles and survival.
Why It’s Overlooked:
While critically acclaimed, it didn’t reach mainstream audiences due to its unconventional storytelling.
Indian cinema offers an incredible variety of thrillers, but many remain undiscovered by mainstream audiences. From psychological suspense to action-packed mysteries, these 10 overlooked films promise intense storytelling, unexpected twists, and gripping performances. If you’re looking to expand your watchlist beyond the usual Bollywood thrillers, these hidden gems are a great place to start.
FAQ
1. Which is the best underrated Indian thriller film?
While opinions may vary, Ugly, Andhadhun, and Drishyam are often considered among the best overlooked thrillers.
2. Are Indian thriller films as good as Hollywood thrillers?
Yes! Many Indian thrillers offer compelling narratives, strong performances, and unique storytelling techniques that rival Hollywood films.
3. Where can I watch these films?
Most of these movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and Zee5.
4. Are South Indian thriller films better than Bollywood thrillers?
South Indian cinema has produced some exceptional thrillers, often pushing creative boundaries in storytelling. However, Bollywood also has its fair share of outstanding thrillers.
5. What makes a great thriller film?
A great thriller should have a gripping plot, unexpected twists, engaging characters, and a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience guessing.
If you love intense, unpredictable movies, these hidden gems are worth exploring. Which of these films have you seen? Let us know in the comments!
