And our Hindi film industry, Bollywood has no dearth of good crime thrillers that would keep the thriller maniacs glued to the screen with the edge-of-the-seat stories and promising performances. And several such films have not only met with critical appreciation, but also struck gold at the box office. Here are 7 most popular Bollywood crime thrillers to have rocked the box office.
1. Dhoom 3 (2013)
- Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
- Starring: Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif
- Box Office: ₹556.74 crore worldwide(Wikipedia)
As the third installment in the Dhoom franchise, Dhoom 3 elevated the series to new heights. Aamir Khan’s portrayal of twin brothers seeking revenge captivated audiences, making it the highest-grossing Indian film at the time of its release. The film’s blend of high-octane action and emotional depth contributed to its massive success.(Wikipedia, The Express Tribune)
2. Pathaan (2023)
- Director: Siddharth Anand
- Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham
- Box Office: Over ₹1,000 crore worldwide(ABP Live)
Pathaan marked Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the big screen and did so with a bang. The film’s espionage-driven plot, combined with high-stakes action sequences, resonated with audiences globally. Its record-breaking earnings underscore its status as a modern Bollywood blockbuster.(Wikipedia)
3. Drishyam 2 (2022)
- Director: Abhishek Pathak
- Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Akshaye Khanna
- Box Office: ₹343 crore worldwide(Wikipedia, The Express Tribune)
A sequel to the 2015 hit, Drishyam 2 continued the gripping tale of a man protecting his family from legal peril. The film’s intricate plot and strong performances led to both critical acclaim and impressive box office returns.(Wikipedia)
4. Badla (2019)
- Director: Sujoy Ghosh
- Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu
- Box Office: ₹138.49 crore worldwide(ABP Live, Wikipedia)
A remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, Badla weaves a complex narrative of crime and deception. The film’s suspenseful storytelling and stellar performances contributed to its commercial success.(ABP Live)
5. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
- Director: Reema Kagti
- Starring: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
- Box Office: ₹174.21 crore worldwide(ABP Live)
Blending psychological drama with supernatural elements, Talaash offered a unique take on the crime thriller genre. Its thought-provoking narrative and strong performances made it a box office hit.(ABP Live)
6. Raid 2 (2025)
- Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
- Starring: Ajay Devgn
- Box Office: ₹163.70 crore (as of Day 27)(The Times of India, Wikipedia, The Times of India)
Continuing the story of a determined income tax officer, Raid 2 has maintained strong box office momentum weeks after its release. The film’s engaging plot and Ajay Devgn’s compelling performance have contributed to its ongoing success. (The Times of India)
7. HIT: The Third Case (2025)
- Director: Sailesh Kolanu
- Starring: Nani, Srinidhi Shetty
- Box Office: ₹117.25 crore worldwide(The Times of India, The Economic Times)
This Telugu-language crime thriller captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and strong performances. Its impressive box office performance underscores the growing appeal of regional cinema on a national scale.
8. Badlapur (2015)
- Director: Sriram Raghavan
- Starring: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Box Office: ₹81.30 crore worldwide(Wikipedia)
Badlapur stands out for its dark narrative and complex characters. The film’s exploration of revenge and morality resonated with audiences, making it a notable entry in the crime thriller genre.
9. Humraaz (2002)
- Director: Abbas–Mustan
- Starring: Bobby Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Ameesha Patel
- Box Office: ₹29.7 crore worldwide(Wikipedia)
A blend of romance and suspense, Humraaz offered a compelling narrative that kept audiences engaged. Its success at the box office highlighted the enduring appeal of well-crafted thrillers.(Wikipedia)
10. Kahaani (2012)
Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, Kahaani follows a pregnant woman’s search for her missing husband. The film’s suspenseful plot and Vidya Balan’s powerful performance contributed to its critical and commercial success.(nettv4u)
Bollywood has always been able to make crime thrillers but the genre came to its own a few years before with some content-driven stories. These movies aren’t just entertaining; they’re also a way to see how people’s tastes and desires have changed over time when it comes to going to the theater. Since the debut of the genre with Manorama Six Feet Under, quality crime thrillers will always be synonymous with Bollywood.
FAQs
Q: What makes a Bollywood crime thriller successful at the box office?
A combination of a gripping storyline, strong performances, effective direction, and engaging music often contributes to the success of a crime thriller.
Q: Are regional crime thrillers gaining popularity in Bollywood?
Yes, regional films like HIT: The Third Case have found success beyond their primary markets, indicating a growing appreciation for diverse storytelling in Indian cinema.(The Times of India)
Q: How has the portrayal of crime in Bollywood evolved over the years?
Bollywood’s depiction of crime has become more nuanced, focusing on psychological depth and moral complexities rather than just action sequences.
Q: Are there any upcoming Bollywood crime thrillers to look forward to?
Yes, the genre continues to thrive with several anticipated releases in the pipeline, promising fresh narratives and innovative storytelling.
