Looking for hidden gems in Indian cinema? Here are 10 underrated Indian thrillers you shouldn’t miss! These gripping movies promise suspense, drama, and unexpected twists.
Indian cinema is often associated with extravagant musicals and grand romances, but over the years, it has produced some truly gripping thriller films that deserve more recognition. While mainstream Bollywood thrillers like Andhadhun and Drishyam have gained international acclaim, many brilliant thrillers remain under the radar. If you love edge-of-the-seat suspense, here are 10 underrated Indian thrillers you must watch now!
1. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Director:Â Reema Kagti
Cast:Â Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji
Why Watch It? This psychological thriller blends mystery, supernatural elements, and deep emotional drama. With Aamir Khan playing a grief-stricken cop investigating a bizarre accident, Talaash keeps you engaged till the last scene.
2. Ugly (2013)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Tejaswini Kolhapure
Why Watch It? A dark and unsettling crime thriller, Ugly explores the murky depths of human greed and desperation. With intense performances and a gritty narrative, this film is an unforgettable experience.
3. A Death in the Gunj (2016)
Director:Â Konkona Sen Sharma
Cast:Â Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin, Gulshan Devaiah
Why Watch It? This slow-burn psychological thriller delves into the complexities of human nature and emotional breakdown. The haunting atmosphere and brilliant performances make it a must-watch.
4. Raman Raghav 2.0Â (2016)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
Why Watch It? Inspired by a real-life serial killer, Raman Raghav 2.0 presents a chilling cat-and-mouse chase between a psychopath and a troubled cop. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance is mesmerizingly terrifying.
5. No Smoking (2007)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â John Abraham, Ayesha Takia, Paresh Rawal
Why Watch It? A surreal psychological thriller that explores addiction and control, No Smoking is an unconventional, mind-bending film that challenges viewers’ perceptions.
6. Khamosh (1985)
Director:Â Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Cast:Â Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Amol Palekar
Why Watch It? A hidden gem from the ’80s, this murder mystery set in a film shoot is as gripping today as it was back then. A classic whodunit with intense storytelling.
7. Paanch (Unreleased)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Vijay Maurya
Why Watch It? Though banned and never officially released, Paanch is available online for those who seek it. This crime thriller, loosely inspired by real events, showcases the dark side of youth and crime.
8. Gali Guleiyan (2017)
Director:Â Dipesh Jain
Cast:Â Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey, Neeraj Kabi
Why Watch It? A psychological thriller set in the labyrinthine alleys of Old Delhi, Gali Guleiyan is an intense character study of a man struggling with reality and paranoia.
9. 13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009)
Director:Â Vikram Kumar
Cast:Â R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra
Why Watch It? A horror-thriller hybrid, 13B revolves around a man who discovers eerie connections between his TV soap opera and real life. The film masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural horror.
10. Evaru (2019)
Director:Â Venkat Ramji
Cast:Â Adivi Sesh, Regina Cassandra, Naveen Chandra
Why Watch It? A Telugu-language thriller that echoes Badla and The Invisible Guest, Evaru delivers unexpected twists, a gripping plot, and stellar performances.
Indian cinema has produced many thrillers that often don’t get the attention they deserve. These 10 underrated Indian thrillers offer everything from psychological depth to edge-of-the-seat suspense. Whether you enjoy crime mysteries, psychological thrillers, or supernatural horror, these films have something to offer. So, grab your popcorn and start your thriller binge today!
FAQ
1. Where can I watch these underrated Indian thrillers?
Most of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and YouTube. Some, like Paanch, may require online searches to find unofficial releases.
2. Are these movies in Hindi or other languages?
Most of these thrillers are in Hindi, but Evaru is a Telugu film. Many of them have subtitles available, making them accessible to a wider audience.
3. Are these films family-friendly?
Most of these thrillers are intense, dark, and deal with mature themes. It’s advisable to check the ratings before watching with family.
4. What makes a thriller underrated?
A thriller is considered underrated if it has exceptional storytelling, performances, and direction but hasn’t received widespread recognition due to limited promotions or niche appeal.
5. Which Indian thriller is closest to Hollywood-style suspense movies?
Movies like Talaash, Evaru, and 13B have storytelling techniques and suspense similar to Hollywood thrillers like Gone Girl or The Sixth Sense.
These underrated Indian thrillers promise to keep you hooked from start to finish. Which one are you adding to your watchlist? Let us know in the comments!
