Indian films have been remain topnotch in terms of thriller movies and serials that weave a complex narrative with cultural themes. Some have achieved international stardom, but there are also fantastic thrillers that have stayed under the global radar. We present you a curated list of 10 underrated Indian thrillers on Netflix, that deserve your attention.
1. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Director: Honey Trehan Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi IMDb Rating: 7.2/10(Pinkvilla)
A gritty murder mystery set in a small town, Raat Akeli Hai follows a determined cop investigating the death of a wealthy family’s patriarch. As secrets unravel, the film delves into themes of power, patriarchy, and deception. (Pinkvilla)
2. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter (2025)
Director: Neeraj Pandey Cast: Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Saswata Chatterjee, Aadil Zafar Khan(Decider)
A standalone sequel to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, this series shifts focus to Bengal, where a gangster-politician’s actions trigger a high-stakes police investigation. With themes of corruption and power dynamics, it’s a compelling watch for crime drama enthusiasts. (Decider)
3. Soni (2018)
Director: Ivan Ayr Cast: Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Saloni Batra IMDb Rating: 7.2/10(Wikipedia)
Soni presents a nuanced portrayal of two female police officers in Delhi navigating personal and professional challenges. The film’s restrained storytelling and powerful performances offer a fresh perspective on gender dynamics in law enforcement. (Wikipedia)
4. Khufiya (2023)
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj Cast: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi(Pinkvilla, GQ India)
Inspired by real events, Khufiya follows a RAW agent tasked with uncovering a mole within the organization. The film masterfully blends espionage with emotional depth, keeping viewers engaged till the end. (Pinkvilla)
5. Andhaghaaram (2020)
Director: V. Vignarajan Cast: Arjun Das, Vinoth Kishan, Pooja Ramachandran(Wikipedia)
A supernatural thriller that intertwines the lives of a blind librarian, a psychiatrist, and a cricketer. With its atmospheric storytelling and intricate plot, Andhaghaaram offers a unique cinematic experience. (Vogue, Wikipedia)
6. Irul (2021)
Director: Naseef Yusuf Izuddin Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Darshana Rajendran(Wikipedia)
Irul is a minimalist mystery that unfolds over a single night, as a couple seeks shelter in a stranger’s house during a storm. Tensions rise as secrets emerge, leading to a gripping climax. (Wikipedia)
7. Cinema Bandi (2021)
Director: Praveen Kandregula Cast: Vikas Vasishta, Sandeep Varanasi, Rag Mayur(Wikipedia)
Set in a remote village, Cinema Bandi follows an auto-rickshaw driver who discovers a camera and decides to make a film. This heartwarming dramedy offers a fresh take on storytelling and the magic of cinema. (Wikipedia)
8. Talvar (2015)
Director: Meghna Gulzar Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi IMDb Rating: 8.1/10(India Today, Pinkvilla)
Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar presents multiple perspectives of the investigation, highlighting the complexities of the justice system. Irrfan Khan’s performance as the investigating officer is particularly noteworthy. (India Today, Pinkvilla)
9. Kaala Paani (2023)
Director: Sameer Saxena Cast: Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker(Wikipedia)
A survival drama set in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kaala Paani explores the challenges faced by individuals stranded during a mysterious outbreak. The series delves into human resilience and the fight for survival. (Wikipedia)
10. Black Warrant (2025)
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane Cast: Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat(Vogue, Decider)
Based on a best-selling memoir, Black Warrant offers a gripping look into the life of a jailer in Tihar Jail, exposing the corruption and challenges within the prison system. The series stands out for its intense performances and realistic portrayal of prison life. (Decider)
These underrated Indian thrillers on Netflix feature different kinds of stories ranging from psychological dramas to interesting crime Cases. Every movie and show offers something different, so there’s a thriller for every fan of the genre. Something to keep in mind the next time you’re on the hunt for that next great show to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these films and series available globally on Netflix? Availability may vary by region. It’s recommended to check your local Netflix catalog.
Q2: Are these thrillers suitable for all age groups? Most of these titles are intended for mature audiences due to their themes and content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q3: Do these films have English subtitles? Yes, Netflix typically provides English subtitles for its international content.
Q4: Are there more underrated Indian thrillers to explore? Absolutely! Indian cinema offers a vast array of thrillers across languages and regions. Exploring different genres and filmmakers can lead to discovering more hidden gems.
