Murder Mysteries are richly formed in Bollywood with well crafted layered stories which engage the viewers, surprise them at the end by a twist, or stay in their minds with the characters portrayed. These are the films that are not only about entertainment, but that also treat their audience as one that can solve the puzzle along with the characters. Here we explore the ten Bollywood thrillers which are worth your time and are guaranteed to hold you on the edge of your seat until the climax.
1. Andhadhun (2018)
Director: Sriram Raghavan Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte Where to Watch: Netflix(YouTube, Wikipedia)
A blind pianist becomes entangled in a series of mysterious events after witnessing a murder he shouldn’t have. “Andhadhun” masterfully blends dark comedy with suspense, keeping viewers questioning what’s real and what’s not. (OTTPlay)
2. Kahaani (2012)
Director: Sujoy Ghosh Cast: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video(Wikipedia)
Pregnant and determined, Vidya Bagchi arrives in Kolkata searching for her missing husband. As she navigates the city’s labyrinthine streets, secrets unravel, leading to a shocking climax. (Wikipedia)
3. Talvar (2015)
Director: Meghna Gulzar Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar(Wikipedia, GQ India)
Based on the real-life 2008 Noida double murder case, “Talvar” presents multiple perspectives on the investigation, highlighting the complexities and biases within the justice system. (Wikipedia)
4. Badla (2019)
Director: Sujoy Ghosh Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh Where to Watch: Netflix(Wikipedia, The Guardian)
A successful businesswoman finds herself accused of murder. As she consults with a seasoned lawyer, layers of deceit and hidden truths emerge.
5. Drishyam (2015)
Director: Nishikant Kamat Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
A devoted family man goes to great lengths to protect his family after they become involved in a crime. “Drishyam” is a gripping tale of how far one will go to safeguard loved ones. (GQ India)
6. Ittefaq (2017)
Director: Abhay Chopra Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Akshaye Khanna Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video(Wikipedia, The Guardian)
A modern retelling of the 1969 classic, “Ittefaq” follows two suspects in a double murder case, each narrating their version of events. The truth lies somewhere in between. (Wikipedia)
7. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Director: Navdeep Singh Cast: Abhay Deol, Gul Panag, Raima Sen Where to Watch: ZEE5(Zee Zest)
An amateur detective gets embroiled in a complex case involving political corruption and murder in a small Rajasthani town. The film is a nod to classic noir thrillers. (Zee Zest)
8. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Director: Honey Trehan Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi Where to Watch: Netflix(The Guardian)
A small-town cop investigates the murder of a newlywed patriarch. As he delves deeper, family secrets and hidden motives come to light. (filmfare.com)
9. Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
Director: Rajiv Rai Cast: Bobby Deol, Kajol, Manisha Koirala Where to Watch: YouTube(YouTube)
A classic from the ’90s, “Gupt” revolves around a man accused of murdering his stepfather. As he tries to prove his innocence, shocking revelations surface. (Zee Zest)
10. The Stoneman Murders (2009)
Director: Manish Gupta Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Arbaaz Khan Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video(OTTPlay)
Set in the 1980s, the film is based on the real-life Stoneman serial killings in Mumbai. A suspended cop takes it upon himself to solve the case, leading to a tense and atmospheric narrative. (OTTPlay)
Bollywood’s experimentation with murder mysteries has led to some unforgettable movies, mixing suspense, drama and complexity beautifully. Altogether, whether your an avid mystery fan or recently interested in its nuances, these ten movies will take you on white-knuckled ride into the seedy underbelly of society, as people try to untangle webs for which the truth is just a small part of the final answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these movies suitable for all age groups? Most of these films are rated for mature audiences due to their themes and content. It’s advisable to check the specific ratings before viewing.
Q2: Are these films available with English subtitles? Yes, most of these films are available with English subtitles on their respective streaming platforms.
Q3: Which movie should I start with if I’m new to Bollywood murder mysteries? “Andhadhun” is a great starting point due to its engaging plot and critical acclaim.(OTTPlay)
Q4: Are there any sequels to these movies? “Drishyam” has a sequel titled “Drishyam 2,” which continues the story from the first film.(GQ India)
Q5: Do these films reflect real-life events? Some films, like “Talvar” and “The Stoneman Murders,” are based on real-life cases, adding a layer of authenticity to their narratives.(OTTPlay)
