When you hear of a Hindi thriller, the blockbusters Kahaani, Andhadhun, or Drishyam are what pop up for most people. That said, there are great thrilling movies Bollywood has achieved which, for some reason, slipped away somehow. These little-known films meld thriller flair with brainy storytelling and intense performances and yet they never got the attention they deserve.
If you like mysteries, suspense, and surprises, well then these 10 under-the-radar shows are for you. In this article, we explore ten underrated Hindi thriller films that promise to keep you hooked from start to finish.
1. 404: Error Not Found (2011)
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Director: Prawaal Raman
404 is mindtrip of psychological thriller that deals with the confluence of science and super natural. The movie revolves around a medical student who sees bizarre things when she moves into a room in the hostel that used to be occupied by a victim. Filled with chilling moments and a great performance by Rajvvir Aroraa, this film leaves the audience questioning realty from hallucination.
Why It Stands Out:
- Explores mental health with nuance.
- Taut direction and excellent screenplay.
- Leaves you questioning your perceptions.
2. Phobia (2016)
Genre: Psychological Horror-Thriller | Director: Pavan Kirpalani
Starring Radhika Apte, Phobia is an underrated psychological thriller about a woman suffering from agoraphobia. Her journey into paranoia, fear, and perhaps even hallucination is compelling and terrifying. It received critical acclaim but never reached mass popularity.
Highlights:
- Radhika Apte’s intense performance.
- A smart script with well-executed suspense.
- Unique portrayal of trauma and psychological disorder.
3. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Genre: Neo-Noir Thriller | Director: Navdeep Singh
Inspired by Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, this film stars Abhay Deol as an amateur detective who uncovers corruption and murder in a small Rajasthani town. The slow-burn narrative and atmospheric storytelling make it a masterpiece of modern noir.
Why Watch It:
- Brilliant cinematography and storytelling.
- Subtle yet impactful performances.
- A rare Indian attempt at the noir genre.
4. A Death in the Gunj (2016)
Genre: Drama-Thriller | Director: Konkona Sen Sharma
Though more of a drama, this film gradually unfolds into a slow-burn thriller. Set in 1979, it delves into the psyche of a shy, introverted young man visiting family during holidays. The subtle tension, rich character development, and inevitable climax make it an unforgettable watch.
Key Elements:
- Slow and immersive storytelling.
- Outstanding direction by debutante Konkona Sen Sharma.
- Psychological tension that lingers.
5. Ugly (2013)
Genre: Crime Thriller | Director: Anurag Kashyap
This dark, gritty film centers around the kidnapping of a young girl and the ugly realities of human nature that emerge during the search. Full of unexpected twists and moral ambiguity, Ugly offers a realistic portrayal of flawed characters.
What Makes It Special:
- Non-linear narrative style.
- Raw and realistic cinematography.
- Strong performances from a lesser-known cast.
6. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Director: Anurag Kashyap
Based loosely on the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, this film explores the twisted minds of both the murderer and the cop chasing him. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s chilling performance, it’s a disturbing yet brilliant psychological thriller.
Standout Features:
- Deep character exploration.
- Intense and gripping scenes.
- Exceptional acting.
7. NH10 (2015)
Genre: Action Thriller | Director: Navdeep Singh
While it gained some popularity, NH10 still qualifies as a hidden gem due to its brave narrative. It follows a couple’s road trip that turns into a nightmare involving honor killings. It’s a gritty, realistic, and hard-hitting thriller with strong social commentary.
Reasons to Watch:
- Anushka Sharma’s breakout performance as a producer and lead actor.
- Fast-paced and thrilling.
- Raises awareness on rural justice issues.
8. Table No. 21 (2013)
Genre: Thriller | Director: Aditya Datt
This film begins innocently enough—a couple wins a free trip and is invited to play a game show. However, things spiral into a psychological nightmare. The film touches on bullying, guilt, and moral consequences.
Key Highlights:
- Unpredictable plot twists.
- Social message delivered through suspense.
- Riveting performances.
9. Kaun? (1999)
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Director: Ram Gopal Varma
A lesser-known masterpiece starring Urmila Matondkar, Kaun? is set entirely in one house and features only three characters. The tension builds up slowly but pays off with an unforgettable climax.
Why It’s Unique:
- Minimalist setting that amplifies suspense.
- Terrific acting, especially by Urmila.
- Written by Anurag Kashyap in his early days.
10. Madhoshi (2004)
Genre: Romantic Thriller | Director: Tanveer Khan
Starring John Abraham and Bipasha Basu, Madhoshi deals with schizophrenia and blurred realities. While it didn’t perform well at the box office, it presents a complex storyline about love, trauma, and mental illness.
Why It Deserves Attention:
- Tackles mental illness creatively.
- Unexpected narrative twists.
- Ambitious, though flawed in parts.
The Relevance of These Films Today
And yet, at a moment of peak OTT platforms and tribalist storytelling, there’s no better time to rediscover these more unknown gems. The films delve into darker, more psychological and social territories than we are generally served up in the mainstream. Their gutsy stories and disruptive plots align with current demand for smart content.
With AI and data analytics increasingly reshaping the entertainment business, platforms are finally able to recommend these hidden gems to those niche audiences. Automation tools are helping users discover these films based on preferences, reviews, and viewing history. The future of content consumption is not just big-budget but also deeply personal, curated, and intelligent.
Hindi cinema has a lot more to it than its mainstream thrillers. Well these undiscovered treasures are evidence that truly mesmerising stories, engaging characters and gripping plots hide beneath the surface. Cleverly disguised political commentary or edge-of-your-seat suspense, these sorts of movies are nonetheless worth adding to your watchlist.
Explore these Hindi thrillers that you may have missed and get a sense of the variety and depth Indian storytelling can offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why haven’t these Hindi thrillers gained mainstream attention?
Many of these films had limited marketing budgets, niche subject matter, or were overshadowed by bigger releases at the time.
2. Where can I watch these hidden gems?
Many are available on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, and YouTube. Availability may vary by region.
3. Are these thrillers suitable for international audiences?
Yes. Their universal themes, English subtitles, and compelling storytelling make them accessible to global viewers.
4. Do these films contain violence or mature content?
Some do. Check the rating or parental guidance information before watching.
5. What other genres do these films explore?
Besides thrillers, many delve into psychological horror, drama, social commentary, and romance, making them multi-dimensional.
