Bollywood may be known for its colorful musicals and sweeping love stories, but it also has its share of taut, intelligent thrillers. Although hits like “Drishyam” and “Andhadhun” have earned acclaim beyond the subcontinent, Netflix hosts a wealth of under-the-radar Indian thrillers you might not know about. These under-the-radar gems include slow-burning psychological dramas, gripping crime sagas, pulse-pounding suspense thrillers.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the best underrated Indian thrillers on Netflix that deliver both substance and style. Whether you’re a fan of calculated narratives or shocking plot twists, this curated list is bound to keep you glued to the screen.
Why Indian Thrillers Deserve a Spotlight
Indian thrillers stand out for their cultural nuance, layered storytelling, and emotionally rich characters. Unlike Western thrillers, they often explore deeper societal issues corruption, patriarchy, class divides—wrapped in suspenseful storytelling.
The Appeal of Slow-Burn Thrillers
Slow-burn thrillers like “Paatal Lok” and “Delhi Crime” allow viewers to connect with characters over time, building anticipation that leads to powerful payoffs. While not all these titles are globally known, they offer masterful narratives that reward patient viewers.
The Power of a Good Twist
Indian cinema has a flair for the unexpected. Whether it’s a shocking revelation or an unpredictable ending, these thrillers challenge assumptions and keep audiences guessing till the last frame.
Best Underrated Indian Thrillers on Netflix
1. Game Over (2019)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror Directed by: Ashwin Saravanan
Why Watch It: “Game Over” is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller centered around a game developer suffering from PTSD. With layers of symbolism and a haunting narrative structure, it’s a perfect blend of horror and suspense. The film keeps you questioning reality right until the end.
Underrated Factor: Despite critical acclaim, it didn’t receive wide commercial attention, especially internationally. Yet it’s one of Taapsee Pannu’s best performances.
2. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Genre: Crime, Mystery Directed by: Honey Trehan
Why Watch It: A brooding detective investigates the murder of a wealthy patriarch on the night of his wedding. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role, the film mixes Agatha Christie-style mystery with gritty Indian realism.
Underrated Factor: Despite its gripping story and strong performances, it was overshadowed by other releases in 2020.
3. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural Directed by: Reema Kagti
Why Watch It: Aamir Khan plays a grieving cop investigating a mysterious death linked to the underbelly of Mumbai. The film delves into guilt, grief, and unresolved trauma with a subtle supernatural twist.
Underrated Factor: Though it stars big names, it was misunderstood by audiences expecting a traditional whodunit.
4. Typewriter (2019)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural Thriller Created by: Sujoy Ghosh
Why Watch It: Set in Goa, this series follows a group of kids investigating a haunted house and a mysterious typewriter. It mixes horror with coming-of-age and is reminiscent of “Stranger Things” with an Indian twist.
Underrated Factor: This Netflix original didn’t get the buzz it deserved, but its creative storytelling and atmospheric visuals make it a hidden gem.
5. Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai (2020)
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Why Watch It: Set against the backdrop of India’s 2016 demonetization, a bank cashier discovers cash flowing through her kitchen sink. What follows is a suspenseful unraveling of greed, relationships, and secrets.
Underrated Factor: Directed by one of India’s most bold filmmakers, “Choked” explores social commentary with a thriller’s pace, yet flew under the radar.
6. Mrs. Serial Killer (2020)
Genre: Crime, Thriller Directed by: Shirish Kunder
Why Watch It: When her husband is arrested for serial murders, a woman must prove his innocence by committing a copycat murder. While the execution received mixed reviews, its unique concept and style are worth a watch.
Underrated Factor: Often dismissed by critics, this film is more nuanced than it appears, especially when viewed as a satirical take on gender and morality.
Common Themes in Indian Thrillers
1. Moral Ambiguity
Characters are rarely black and white. Heroes have flaws, and villains have depth.
2. Socio-political Backdrops
Many thrillers are set against the backdrop of real societal issues—corruption, patriarchy, class divide—which adds layers of realism.
3. Cultural Symbolism
These stories are rich in local flavor, customs, and traditions, offering a unique cultural lens to global audiences.
The Role of Netflix in Showcasing Indian Thrillers
Netflix has become a gateway for international audiences to explore Indian cinema beyond Bollywood blockbusters. Through strategic investments in original Indian content and acquiring independent films, Netflix provides a platform for experimental and genre-bending thrillers that might not succeed in traditional box office setups.
Key Contributions:
- Allowing creators to take risks with non-traditional narratives
- Offering global exposure to regional language films
- Encouraging new talent and fresh storytelling approaches
How to Find More Underrated Gems
1. Use Genre Filters
Navigate through Netflix’s thriller or Indian cinema categories.
2. Follow Niche Reviewers and Reddit Threads
Communities like r/IndianCinema often highlight overlooked masterpieces.
3. Use Watchlist Apps
Platforms like Letterboxd and Taste.io help discover hidden gems based on your preferences.
From rollercoaster thrillers to a cold war saga to psychological thrillers, these Indian movies available on Netflix provide a variety of content for all people who love thrills and chills. These underappreciated offerings show that you don’t need A-list casts or big budgets to create unforgettable tales. So, when you’re ready to settle in with something new-ish and exciting, consider giving one of these hidden gems a shot; you might just find your next favorite thriller.
FAQ: Best Underrated Indian Thrillers on Netflix
Q1: Are these thrillers available in English?
Most titles come with English subtitles, and some offer English dubbed versions. Language should not be a barrier to enjoying these gems.
Q2: Are these suitable for international audiences unfamiliar with Indian culture?
Yes. While rooted in Indian contexts, the core themes suspense, justice, human psychology—are universally relatable.
Q3: Which thriller should I start with?
If you enjoy layered storytelling, start with “Raat Akeli Hai” or “Game Over.” For something supernatural, go for “Typewriter.”
Q4: Do these thrillers contain graphic content?
Some titles may include violence or mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised. Always check the content rating before watching.
Q5: Are new Indian thrillers added to Netflix regularly?
Yes. Netflix continues to add new regional and indie thrillers frequently as part of its strategy to diversify global content.
