Discover hidden gems of Indian thrillers that you might have missed. Explore gripping, underrated Indian suspense films that deserve your attention.
Indian cinema is renowned for its colorful musicals and dramatic storytelling, but thriller films from India often go underappreciated on the global stage. While Bollywood has produced some widely recognized thrillers, many incredible Indian suspense movies remain hidden gems. If you love heart-pounding narratives, unexpected twists, and mind-bending plots, this list of lesser-known Indian thrillers will introduce you to some of the best the industry has to offer.
Why Indian Thrillers Deserve More Recognition
India’s thriller genre blends intricate storytelling, rich cultural elements, and innovative filmmaking techniques. Unlike Hollywood thrillers, which often rely on high-budget action sequences, Indian thrillers focus more on psychological depth, social commentary, and immersive storytelling. Additionally, with regional cinema gaining international acclaim, non-Hindi thrillers from South India, Bengali, and Marathi industries bring unique perspectives that set them apart.
Best Indian Thrillers You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
1. Tumbbad (2018) – A Mythological Horror Thriller
Director: Rahi Anil Barve
Languages: Hindi, Marathi
Why Watch It? A visually stunning horror-thriller rooted in Indian mythology, “Tumbbad” follows the story of greed, supernatural curses, and the dark secrets of a cursed village. Its atmospheric cinematography and gripping narrative make it a must-watch.
2. Andhadhun (2018) – A Darkly Comic Suspense Thriller
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Language: Hindi
Why Watch It? Featuring a blind pianist who gets entangled in a murder mystery, “Andhadhun” is filled with unexpected twists and a gripping narrative that keeps viewers guessing till the very end.
3. Ratsasan (2018) – A Spine-Chilling Psychological Thriller
Director: Ram Kumar
Language: Tamil
Why Watch It? This serial-killer thriller tells the story of an aspiring filmmaker who becomes a police officer investigating a series of gruesome murders. “Ratsasan” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its chilling suspense and strong performances.
4. Drishyam (2013) – A Masterclass in Deception
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Language: Malayalam
Why Watch It? A gripping tale of a man trying to protect his family from a crime investigation, “Drishyam” is full of unexpected turns and showcases one of the best narratives in Indian thriller cinema.
5. Kahaani (2012) – A Thriller with a Strong Female Lead
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Language: Hindi
Why Watch It? This gripping mystery thriller follows a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata, only to unravel a web of shocking secrets.
6. Vikram Vedha (2017) – A Cat-and-Mouse Crime Drama
Director: Pushkar-Gayathri
Language: Tamil
Why Watch It? Inspired by folklore, this neo-noir thriller follows an intense battle of wits between a police officer and a clever gangster, blurring the lines between good and evil.
7. Evaru (2019) – An Underrated Murder Mystery
Director: Venkat Ramji
Language: Telugu
Why Watch It? A gripping adaptation of the Spanish film “The Invisible Guest,” “Evaru” offers a thrilling ride with multiple layers of deception and unpredictable twists.
8. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020) – A Serial Killer Thriller with Depth
Director: Midhun Manuel Thomas
Language: Malayalam
Why Watch It? A gripping investigation of a serial killer targeting police officers, “Anjaam Pathiraa” is a suspenseful and intelligently crafted thriller.
Bollywood vs. Hollywood: How Thrillers Borrow and Adapt Stories
While Hollywood thrillers are known for their high production value and global appeal, Bollywood and regional Indian cinema bring cultural depth and innovative storytelling. Several Indian thrillers have adapted elements from Hollywood, but they often infuse local traditions, mythology, and societal issues into the narrative, making them unique.
For instance, “Andhadhun” was loosely inspired by a French short film, yet it took on a life of its own with its dark humor and Indian sensibilities. Similarly, “Drishyam” echoes Hitchcockian elements but stays deeply rooted in Indian family dynamics.
Conclusion
Indian thrillers are a treasure trove of gripping narratives, stunning cinematography, and complex characters. While Hollywood continues to dominate the global thriller scene, Indian films offer an entirely different experience that blends suspense with cultural richness. If you’re a fan of mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers, the films on this list will not disappoint.
FAQ
1. Are Indian thrillers as good as Hollywood thrillers?
Yes! Indian thrillers often incorporate unique cultural elements and deep storytelling, making them just as engaging as Hollywood thrillers.
2. Where can I watch these Indian thriller movies?
Most of these films are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar.
3. Which Indian thriller has the best plot twist?
“Andhadhun” is widely regarded as having one of the best plot twists in Indian cinema.
4. Are there any upcoming Indian thrillers to look forward to?
Yes, Indian cinema is continuously evolving, with filmmakers experimenting with the thriller genre. Keep an eye on new releases from directors like Sriram Raghavan and Jeethu Joseph.
5. Do Indian thrillers have English subtitles?
Most Indian thrillers released on streaming platforms come with English subtitles, making them accessible to a global audience.
