The state-of-the-art, high-stakes drama and the gripping thrillers are not anything new to Bollywood that’s the Hindi film industry. But for every costly blockbuster, there are a few lost cinematic gems. Films like these come with complex storylines, tremendous performances, and some nail-biting moments but get lost in the crowd for lack of promotion, targeted audience or just because most of these titles are often dwarfed by mainstream releases.
This article will take you through 10 of such underrated Hindi thriller films that you should definitely watch!. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or a casual viewer looking for something fresh, these hidden treasures promise to keep you hooked.
1. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav from the 1960s, this neo-noir psychological thriller is a chilling ride. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a spine-chilling performance as the psychopath, while Vicky Kaushal plays a drug-addled cop trying to hunt him down.
Why it’s underrated: Its gritty, disturbing narrative style wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for thriller lovers, it’s a haunting masterpiece.
2. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Directed by: Navdeep Singh
A rural noir film loosely based on Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, this movie follows an amateur detective and engineer played by Abhay Deol who gets caught in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.
Why it’s underrated: Overshadowed by mainstream thrillers of its time, this smartly written film has since gained cult status.
3. Ugly (2013)
Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
When a young girl goes missing, her estranged parents and the corrupt police become entangled in a bleak tale of human flaws.
Why it’s underrated: Released with little fanfare, the film’s raw realism and dark tone made it a niche hit among critics but not the masses.
4. Table No. 21 (2013)
Directed by: Aditya Datt
A couple wins a trip to Fiji and takes part in a game show with life-altering consequences. This thriller mixes social commentary with psychological suspense.
Why it’s underrated: The social message wrapped in a suspense narrative didn’t receive the marketing push it deserved.
5. A Death in the Gunj (2016)
Directed by: Konkona Sen Sharma
Set in the late 1970s, this film is more of a slow-burn psychological thriller. It explores passive aggression, masculinity, and emotional repression.
Why it’s underrated: Marketed as an art-house film, it missed commercial audiences but boasts rich performances and direction.
6. 404: Error Not Found (2011)
Directed by: Prawaal Raman
Set in a medical college, this psychological thriller delves into ragging, hallucinations, and the thin line between reality and illusion.
Why it’s underrated: Its niche topic and indie status didn’t appeal to the mainstream, but it’s an intellectual thriller worth watching.
7. Phobia (2016)
Directed by: Pawan Kripalani
Starring Radhika Apte, this film follows a woman suffering from agoraphobia who starts suspecting sinister events inside her house.
Why it’s underrated: Despite critical acclaim, it failed to generate commercial buzz. Apte’s performance is a standout.
8. Kahaani 2 (2016)
Directed by: Sujoy Ghosh
While Kahaani was a massive hit, its sequel flew under the radar despite a gripping story involving identity, child abuse, and revenge.
Why it’s underrated: Unfair comparisons with its predecessor clouded its reception, though it holds its own as a compelling thriller.
9. Mardaani 2 (2019)
Directed by: Gopi Puthran
Rani Mukerji reprises her role as cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, this time taking on a young serial rapist in a chilling cat-and-mouse game.
Why it’s underrated: Released with minimal fanfare, its strong feminist message and fast-paced action make it an engaging watch.
10. Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
Directed by: Sriram Raghavan
A slick neo-noir film that tells the story of betrayal among a group of criminals, narrated from the perspective of the traitor.
Why it’s underrated: A cult classic today, it initially didn’t perform well due to its unconventional narrative style.
The Impact of Storytelling: Why These Films Matter
The forgotten Hindi thrillers tell the story of Indian cinema. These are films that deal with heady themes like mental health and social inequality as well as those that explore private trauma and systemic corruption. A lot of these directors take chances with storytelling, editing and cinematography that dooms box office returns for a unique expressionism.
These underappreciated thrillers are instrumental in the genre-leap within Indian movies as well. And by refusing to tread familiar ground and making the characters morally ambiguous, they hold your attention and make you think.
Unpredictability, tension and emotion are the building blocks of thrillers and the 10 Hindi films on the list above are too good to ignore. Though not all of them achieved mainstream success, many of them have compelling storylines, performances and unique storytelling techniques. If you’re tired of the same old storylines and hoping for an excuse to stick your remote in the fridge, these little-known films are well worth adding to your watch list.
Discovering films that fall under the radar also helps to support independent and creative filmmakers who are willing to take a risk and give us something different. Don’t let marketing wallets influence your movie decisions. Dive into these lesser-known thrillers and rediscover the true potential of Hindi cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes a Hindi thriller “underrated”?
An underrated Hindi thriller is typically one that has not received widespread recognition or box office success despite being critically acclaimed or well-made.
2. Where can I watch these movies?
Most of these films are available on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, or YouTube.
3. Are these movies suitable for all age groups?
Not all. Some deal with mature themes and may include violence or psychological distress. Viewer discretion is advised.
4. Why are these thrillers not popular despite being good?
Lack of marketing, non-mainstream themes, and low-budget production often hinder their reach to a broader audience.
5. Which movie from the list should I start with?
Start with Johnny Gaddaar or Raman Raghav 2.0 if you enjoy psychological thrillers. For social themes, try Table No. 21 or Mardaani 2.
