Over the years, Bollywood has had a long tradition of churning out twisty storylines that keep people guessing till the end. Whether they are psychological or crime thrillers taking one on the edge, Indian films have continued to produce suspenseful features that many people identify with. The guide takes a deep dive into some of the best Bollywood suspense thriller movies.
Top Bollywood Thriller Movies
1. Andhadhun (2018)
- Director:Â Sriram Raghavan
- Cast:Â Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte
- IMDb Rating:Â 8.3
- Synopsis:Â A visually impaired pianist becomes entangled in a series of mysterious events, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
- Notable Aspects: Praised for its unpredictable storyline and stellar performances, “Andhadhun” received widespread critical acclaim. (magicpin, Times Prime)
2. Drishyam (2015)
- Director:Â Nishikant Kamat
- Cast:Â Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran
- IMDb Rating:Â 8.2
- Synopsis:Â A man goes to great lengths to protect his family after they become involved in a crime.
- Notable Aspects: Known for its gripping narrative and moral dilemmas, “Drishyam” was both a critical and commercial success. (Pinkvilla, Wikipedia)
3. Kahaani (2012)
- Director:Â Sujoy Ghosh
- Cast:Â Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- IMDb Rating:Â 8.1
- Synopsis:Â A pregnant woman searches for her missing husband in Kolkata, uncovering secrets along the way.
- Notable Aspects: “Kahaani” is celebrated for its strong female lead and unexpected plot twists. (Pinkvilla, magicpin, TellyMantra, filmfare.com)
4. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
- Director:Â Reema Kagti
- Cast:Â Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan
- IMDb Rating:Â 7.2
- Synopsis:Â A police officer investigates a film actor’s death, leading to revelations that blur the line between reality and the supernatural.
- Notable Aspects: Combining psychological elements with a crime narrative, “Talaash” offers a unique viewing experience. (TellyMantra, Wikipedia)
5. Badlapur (2015)
- Director:Â Sriram Raghavan
- Cast:Â Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Yami Gautam
- IMDb Rating:Â 7.4
- Synopsis:Â A man seeks revenge years after his wife and son are killed during a bank robbery.
- Notable Aspects: “Badlapur” is noted for its intense performances and exploration of the human psyche. (filmfare.com, magicpin)
6. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
- Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
- Cast:Â Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
- IMDb Rating:Â 7.3
- Synopsis:Â Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, the film delves into the mind of a murderer and his complex relationship with a police officer.
- Notable Aspects: The film is lauded for its gritty portrayal of crime and psychological depth. (filmfare.com, magicpin)
7. Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
- Director:Â Rajiv Rai
- Cast:Â Bobby Deol, Kajol, Manisha Koirala
- IMDb Rating:Â 7.3
- Synopsis:Â A man is accused of murdering his stepfather and must prove his innocence while uncovering hidden truths.
- Notable Aspects: “Gupt” is remembered for its suspenseful narrative and unexpected climax. (TellyMantra, Times Prime)
8. Deewangee (2002)
- Director:Â Anees Bazmee
- Cast:Â Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, Urmila Matondkar
- IMDb Rating:Â 6.5
- Synopsis:Â A lawyer defends a man accused of murder, only to discover deeper psychological issues at play.
- Notable Aspects:Â Ajay Devgn’s performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. (Wikipedia)
9. Shaitan (2011)
- Director:Â Bejoy Nambiar
- Cast:Â Kalki Koechlin, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shiv Panditt
- IMDb Rating:Â 7.2
- Synopsis:Â A group of friends spirals into chaos after a hit-and-run incident, leading to a series of dark events.
- Notable Aspects:Â “Shaitan” is recognized for its stylish direction and exploration of urban youth culture. (Wikipedia)
10. Talvar (2015)
- Director:Â Meghna Gulzar
- Cast:Â Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi
- IMDb Rating:Â 8.1
- Synopsis:Â Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, the film presents multiple perspectives on the investigation.
- Notable Aspects:Â “Talvar” is praised for its balanced storytelling and compelling performances. (Times Prime)
In conclusion, Bollywood’s thriller genre is home to a plethora of movies that tackle human emotions, culture, and ethical questions. These films, ranging from the psychological to the action-packed crime-based narratives, promote not only entertainment but also reflection and debate. As time goes on and the medium progresses, there may only be more of these stories to experience and engage with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What defines a Bollywood thriller movie?
A Bollywood thriller typically involves suspenseful storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and intense character developments that keep the audience engaged and guessing.
Q2: Are these movies available on streaming platforms?
Yes, many of these films are available on popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. Availability may vary by region.
Q3: Are there any upcoming Bollywood thrillers to look out for?
The Bollywood industry continually produces new content. It’s advisable to keep an eye on official announcements and trailers for the latest thriller releases.
Q4: Can these movies be watched with family?
While some thrillers are suitable for family viewing, others may contain mature themes. It’s recommended to check the movie’s rating and reviews before watching with younger audiences.
