With the big screen, intricacy and suspense takes a special abode as psyche is touched upon in psychological thrillers. For those Hindi cinema lovers, Netflix is a one stop hub to quench their thirst from suspense drama to psychological thriller. This handbook offers a curated selection of the best psychological Hindi thrillers on Netflix so your watchlist never feels dull.
1. Jaane Jaan (2023)
- Director: Sujoy Ghosh
- Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Runtime: 139 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix
Adapted from Keigo Higashino’s acclaimed novel The Devotion of Suspect X, Jaane Jaan marks Kareena Kapoor Khan’s OTT debut. Set in Kalimpong, the narrative follows a single mother entangled in a murder investigation, with her neighbor, a math teacher harboring secrets, aiding her. The film masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. (Wikipedia, Vogue India)
2. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
- Director: Honey Trehan
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Runtime: 146 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia, Pinkvilla, Wikipedia)
A gripping whodunit, Raat Akeli Hai centers on a small-town cop investigating the murder of a wealthy patriarch. As secrets unravel, the film delves into themes of family, power, and deceit. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s compelling performance anchors this atmospheric thriller. (Wikipedia)
3. Bulbbul (2020)
- Director: Anvita Dutt
- Cast: Tripti Dimri, Avinash Tiwary
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Runtime: 94 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia, Pinkvilla, Vogue India)
Set in 19th-century Bengal, Bulbbul is a haunting tale of a child bride’s transformation amidst supernatural occurrences. The film’s gothic aesthetic and feminist undertones offer a unique cinematic experience, challenging traditional narratives. (Wikipedia)
4. The Girl on the Train (2021)
- Director: Ribhu Dasgupta
- Cast: Parineeti Chopra, Aditi Rao Hydari
- IMDb Rating: 4.4/10
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
An adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ novel, this film follows Mira Kapoor, an alcoholic divorcee entangled in a murder mystery. As she grapples with memory loss, the line between reality and illusion blurs, leading to a suspenseful narrative. (Wikipedia)
5. Kahaani (2012)
- Director: Sujoy Ghosh
- Cast: Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Runtime: 122 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia, Pinkvilla)
A pregnant woman’s search for her missing husband in Kolkata leads to a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Kahaani is lauded for its tight screenplay and Vidya Balan’s stellar performance, culminating in a jaw-dropping climax. (Pinkvilla)
6. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
- Director: Reema Kagti
- Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Runtime: 139 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Pinkvilla, Wikipedia)
Inspector Shekhawat investigates a film star’s death while grappling with personal loss. Talaash seamlessly blends psychological drama with supernatural elements, offering a poignant exploration of grief and guilt. (Pinkvilla)
7. Dobaaraa (2022)
- Director: Anurag Kashyap
- Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati
- IMDb Rating: 4.8/10
- Runtime: 132 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Pinkvilla)
A remake of the Spanish film Mirage, Dobaaraa intertwines time travel with psychological suspense. As the protagonist attempts to alter past events, unforeseen consequences unfold, challenging perceptions of reality. (Pinkvilla)
8. Rakkhosh (2019)
- Directors: Abhijit Kokate, Srivinay Salian
- Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Tannishtha Chatterjee
- Runtime: 116 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia, Pinkvilla, Wikipedia)
Rakkhosh offers a unique first-person perspective into the mind of a schizophrenic patient. This experimental film delves into themes of mental illness and reality distortion, providing an unsettling yet insightful experience. (Wikipedia)
9. Garbage (2018)
- Director: Qaushiq Mukherjee (Q)
- Cast: Trimala Adhikari, Tanmay Dhanania
- Runtime: 109 minutes
- Streaming on: Netflix(Wikipedia)
A dark exploration of trauma and societal decay, Garbage follows a taxi driver who harbors a woman in his home. The film confronts issues of misogyny and digital exploitation, challenging viewers with its raw narrative. (Wikipedia)
10. CTRL (2024)
- Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
- Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat
- Streaming on: Netflix(Decider)
In this tech-thriller, an influencer uses an AI app to erase her ex-boyfriend from her digital life, only to find herself ensnared in a larger conspiracy. CTRL offers a timely commentary on technology’s pervasive influence. (Decider)
Netflix’s psychological thrillers from India provide an array of stories that explore the dark, the grisly, and the unhinged dimensions of human psyche. From stories about self-doubt to satire on common norms of the society, these movies are not just for entertainment but also informative on psychological subjects. If you’re a horror vet or going into to this cold, this list is designed to guarantee a good watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these films suitable for international audiences? Yes, most of these films come with English subtitles, making them accessible to a global audience.
Q2: Do these films contain mature content? Some films may contain themes and scenes suitable for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q3: Are these films based on true events? While some films, like Talvar, are inspired by real incidents, others are fictional narratives exploring psychological themes.(Pinkvilla)
Q4: Can I watch these films offline? Yes, Netflix allows users to download content for offline viewing on supported devices.
Q5: Are there sequels to any of these films? Currently, these films are standalone narratives without sequels.