The Unseen Facets of Indian Cinema
Indian film has become known for a few more things aside from its colorful musicals and sweeping romances. But there is a world of movies beneath the facade that explore humanity, society and all the shittier aspects of them both. These psychological horrors and crime thrillers have gripping storylines that will mess with your head and keep you guessing. Many of them are unfortunately underseen, despite their tremendous quality. This is an attempt through this write-up to bring forth such little known pearls, inviting you to peep into some dark corners of our stories.
Psychological Horrors: Exploring the Human Psyche
1. Tumbbad (2018)
Set against the backdrop of 20th-century India, Tumbbad weaves a tale of greed and myth. The film follows Vinayak Rao’s quest for a hidden treasure guarded by a cursed deity. Its atmospheric storytelling and haunting visuals make it a standout in Indian horror cinema. (Top 9 underrated Indian horror movies on OTT you haven’t heard about)
2. Rakkhosh (2019) (Rakkhosh)
Rakkhosh offers a unique first-person perspective into the mind of a schizophrenic patient. This psychological thriller blurs the lines between reality and delusion, providing an immersive experience into mental illness. (Rakkhosh)
3. Phobia (2016) (Phobia (2016 film))
Starring Radhika Apte, Phobia delves into the life of an artist suffering from severe agoraphobia. As she becomes trapped in her apartment, the film masterfully portrays her descent into paranoia and fear.
4. Nirvana Inn (2019) (Nirvana Inn)
After a tragic incident, a boatman becomes the caretaker of a secluded inn in the Himalayas. Nirvana Inn explores themes of guilt and redemption, with the protagonist haunted by his past actions. (Nirvana Inn)
5. Kothanodi (2015) (25 Best Indian Horror Movies Of All Time, Ranked)
Based on Assamese folktales, Kothanodi intertwines four dark stories exploring themes of superstition, magic, and human nature’s darker side. (Top 9 underrated Indian horror movies on OTT you haven’t heard about)
Crime Thrillers: Unraveling the Web of Deceit
1. Ugly (2014) (Under Rated Indian Mystery Thriller Movies – Have you Seen)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Ugly is a grim tale of a missing child that exposes the dark underbelly of human relationships and societal apathy. (Under Rated Indian Mystery Thriller Movies – Have you Seen)
2. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) (Under Rated Indian Mystery Thriller Movies – Have you Seen)
This neo-noir film follows an amateur detective entangled in a complex web of lies and murder. Its intricate plot and atmospheric setting make it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts. (Under Rated Indian Mystery Thriller Movies – Have you Seen)
3. Vidiyum Munn (2013) (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
A Tamil neo-noir thriller, Vidiyum Munn tells the story of a sex worker trying to save a young girl from a grim fate. The film’s tense narrative and strong performances highlight the darker aspects of society. (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
4. Jiivi (2019) (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
Jiivi presents a unique narrative where a man’s life events eerily mirror those of another, leading to a suspenseful exploration of fate and coincidence.
5. Parole (2022) (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
This Tamil film delves into the strained relationship between two brothers, one of whom is a convict on parole. As they navigate familial obligations, secrets unravel, leading to a gripping climax. (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
Thematic Exploration: Common Threads in Dark Indian Cinema
These films, while diverse in their narratives, often explore recurring themes:
- Mental Health: Films like Phobia and Rakkhosh delve deep into psychological disorders, offering a raw portrayal of mental illness. (Rakkhosh)
- Societal Critique: Ugly and Vidiyum Munn highlight societal apathy and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. (10 most underrated crime thrillers of Tamil cinema – News – IndiaGlitz.com)
- Myth and Folklore: Tumbbad and Kothanodi draw from Indian mythology and folklore, blending traditional tales with contemporary storytelling. (Top 9 underrated Indian horror movies on OTT you haven’t heard about)
Embracing the Shadows
Indian film’s dive into psychological horror, and crime thrillers has resulted in a buffet of stories that scare, entertain, and never quite leave you. These films under the radar deserve praise for their bold stories and flawless filmmaking. To see these gems one has to move away from the beaten path and explore beyond mainstream. (Under Rated Indian Mystery Thriller Movies – Have you Seen)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I watch these films?
Many of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and regional OTT services. Availability may vary based on your location.
Q2: Are these films suitable for all audiences?
Given their themes and content, some films may not be suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q3: Why are these films considered underrated?
Despite their quality, these films may not have received widespread attention due to limited marketing, niche genres, or competition from mainstream releases.
Q4: Are there more such films to explore?
Absolutely. Indian cinema has a plethora of hidden gems across various languages and genres waiting to be discovered.
Q5: How can I support such films?
Watching, sharing, and discussing these films can help increase their visibility. Supporting independent and regional cinema also contributes to a more diverse film industry.
