The Rise of Indian Psychological Thrillers on Netflix
India’s thespian movement has always been lauded for its vivid storytelling, but over the last few years, it indeed has found a space for itself in the psychological thriller league. Netflix is a gold mine for these trippy tales, and it introduces audiences to thrillers acts: part suspense, part drama, part cultural artifact. A good dish but a huge disappointment compared to the hype it was surrounded with (now, to be fair, that might not be the dish’s fault but then again, it wasn’t being judged in a vacuum). So those are the levels of disappointment and the stories which get my major disappointment leeway.
The Allure of Psychological Thrillers
Psychological thrillers are known for their ability to keep audiences glued to the screen by exposing the depth of the human mind. And they explore themes such as memory, perception and moral ambiguity, frequently leaving viewers to wonder what is really real. Indian directors have adapted this genre and added cultural touch and social dimensions, making it an entertaining as well as thought-provoking one.
Top Indian Psychological Thrillers on Netflix in 2025
1. Jaane Jaan (2023)
- Director: Sujoy Ghosh
- Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma
- Synopsis: An adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s novel The Devotion of Suspect X, this film follows a single mother entangled in a murder investigation, aided by her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician.
- Why Watch: With stellar performances and a gripping narrative, Jaane Jaan explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths one would go to protect a secret. (Wikipedia, Vogue India)
2. Khufiya (2023)
- Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
- Cast: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi
- Synopsis: Based on Amar Bhushan’s espionage novel Escape to Nowhere, the film centers on a RAW operative tracking a mole within the agency.
- Why Watch: Khufiya masterfully blends spy thriller elements with personal drama, offering a nuanced look at loyalty and betrayal. (Wikipedia)
3. CTRL (2024)
- Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
- Cast: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat
- Synopsis: A woman uses an AI assistant to erase her ex from her digital life, only to find the AI taking control in unexpected ways.
- Why Watch: CTRL is a timely commentary on technology’s impact on personal relationships, blending suspense with social critique. (IFORHER, Decider)
4. Phobia (2016)
- Director: Pavan Kirpalani
- Cast: Radhika Apte
- Synopsis: An artist suffering from agoraphobia believes her new apartment is haunted, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination.
- Why Watch: Radhika Apte delivers a compelling performance in this claustrophobic thriller that keeps viewers questioning what’s real. (HerZindagi)
5. Game Over (2019)
- Director: Ashwin Saravanan
- Cast: Taapsee Pannu
- Synopsis: A video game designer with PTSD must confront her fears when a serial killer targets her.
- Why Watch: Game Over combines psychological horror with a strong female lead, offering a unique take on trauma and resilience. (Decider, Decider, HerZindagi)
6. Rakkhosh (2019)
- Directors: Abhijit Kokate, Srivinay Salian
- Cast: Sanjay Mishra
- Synopsis: Told from the first-person perspective of a schizophrenic patient, this film offers a haunting look into mental illness.
- Why Watch: Rakkhosh stands out for its innovative storytelling and deep psychological exploration. (Wikipedia)
7. Asur (2020–2023)
- Creators: Gaurav Shukla, Vibhav Shikdar
- Cast: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti
- Synopsis: A forensic expert and a CBI officer hunt a serial killer who believes he’s the reincarnation of the asura Kali.
- Why Watch: Asur blends mythology with modern crime-solving, creating a gripping narrative that explores the battle between good and evil. (org8601ampengl.jagran.com)
8. The Girl on the Train (2021)
- Director: Ribhu Dasgupta
- Cast: Parineeti Chopra
- Synopsis: An alcoholic divorcee becomes entangled in a missing person investigation that dredges up her past traumas.
- Why Watch: This adaptation offers a psychological deep dive into obsession and memory loss, with a strong central performance. (Vogue India)
Honorable Mentions
- Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012): A police officer investigates a film star’s death while grappling with personal loss, leading to supernatural revelations. (Pinkvilla)
- Kahaani (2012): A pregnant woman searches for her missing husband in Kolkata, uncovering secrets that challenge her perception of reality. (Pinkvilla)
- Qala (2022): Set in the 1940s, this film explores a young singer’s complex relationship with her mother and the haunting consequences of ambition.
The Future of Indian Psychological Thrillers
The Indian psychological thriller genre as a whole is still maturing, taking risks and finding new arenas of the human mind to delve into. With Netflix and other streaming services offering content with a universal reach, viewers can look forward to more exciting and culturally significant stories that force them to think and punch above their weight. The mix of old and new stories are what continue to make Indian psychological thrillers a fascinating genre.
FAQ
Q1: Are these films suitable for international audiences?
Yes, many of these films are available with subtitles and offer universal themes that resonate globally.
Q2: Do I need to understand Indian culture to enjoy these thrillers?
While cultural context can enhance the experience, the core psychological themes are universally relatable.
Q3: Are these films based on true stories?
Some are inspired by real events or adapted from novels, while others are purely fictional.
Q4: Where can I watch these films?
All the listed films are available for streaming on Netflix.
Q5: Are there any upcoming Indian psychological thrillers to look out for?
The genre is continually growing, with new projects announced regularly. Keep an eye on Netflix’s upcoming releases for the latest additions.
