Bollywood has long been known for its colorful musicals and sentimental love stories. But that industry has also seen some of the best thrillers that leave the audiences on the edge of their seats. From psychological thrillers to intense crime dramas, these movies demonstrate the range and depth of the Indian film industry.
1. Kahaani (2012)
Director: Sujoy Ghosh Starring: Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Parambrata Chattopadhyay(Medium, wogma.com)
Set against the backdrop of Kolkata during the Durga Puja festival, “Kahaani” follows Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a web of deceit and danger. The film is renowned for its strong female lead and unexpected climax. (Wikipedia)
2. Andhadhun (2018)
Director: Sriram Raghavan Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte(Inside Box Office, Film Companion)
A blind pianist becomes entangled in a series of mysterious events after witnessing a crime. “Andhadhun” masterfully blends dark comedy with suspense, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. (film-favorite.com)
3. Drishyam (2015)
Director: Nishikant Kamat Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran(Inside Box Office)
A man goes to great lengths to protect his family after they become involved in a crime. “Drishyam” is a gripping tale of deception and moral dilemmas, showcasing the lengths one will go to for loved ones.(Filmfare)
4. Talaash (2012)
Director: Reema Kagti Starring: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
A police officer investigates a mysterious car accident that leads him into a world of secrets and supernatural elements. “Talaash” combines emotional depth with eerie suspense.(Filmfare)
5. Ugly (2013)
Director: Anurag Kashyap Starring: Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Tejaswini Kolhapure
A young girl’s disappearance exposes the dark underbelly of human nature. “Ugly” is a raw and intense portrayal of desperation and moral ambiguity.
6. Badla (2019)
Director: Sujoy Ghosh Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu(Medium)
A successful businesswoman is accused of murder, leading to a series of twists and revelations. “Badla” keeps audiences engaged with its intricate plot and powerful performances.(Filmfare)
7. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Director: Navdeep Singh Starring: Abhay Deol, Raima Sen, Gul Panag
An amateur detective uncovers a complex conspiracy in a small town. This neo-noir thriller is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and nuanced characters.
8. Ittefaq (2017)
Director: Abhay Chopra Starring: Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Akshaye Khanna
A double murder investigation presents two conflicting stories. “Ittefaq” is a sleek remake of the 1969 classic, offering a modern twist on the whodunit genre.(Filmfare)
9. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Director: Honey Trehan Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte(roadsreelandfood)
A small-town cop investigates the murder of a wealthy family’s patriarch. The film delves into family secrets and societal norms, delivering a compelling mystery.
10. Talvar (2015)
Director: Meghna Gulzar Starring: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi(GQ India)
Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, “Talvar” presents multiple perspectives of the investigation, challenging viewers to question the nature of truth and justice.(Filmfare)
Bollywood thriller has totally changed in a way of storytelling and suspense, it reaches international level now. Reel Top 10: 10 fantastic films that prove the industry can make stories that are entertaining and stimulating. “The world is making intelligent cinema right now and so we also have to up our game.” As moviegoers look for more smart, edgy and gripping content from the industry, there are Bollywood thrillers waiting to cater to that. (Vanity Fair)
FAQ
Q: Are these movies available on streaming platforms? A: Yes, many of these films are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. Availability may vary by region.
Q: Are these thrillers suitable for international audiences? A: Absolutely. These films offer universal themes and compelling storytelling that resonate with audiences worldwide.(Filmfare)
Q: Do these movies have English subtitles? A: Most of these films come with English subtitles, making them accessible to non-Hindi speaking viewers.
Q: Are these films based on true events? A: Some, like “Talvar,” are inspired by real-life cases, while others are works of fiction crafted to engage and entertain.(Filmfare)
Q: Can I watch these films with family? A: While many of these thrillers are suitable for family viewing, some contain mature themes. It’s advisable to check the film’s rating and content warnings before watching.
