In the increasingly vast universe of streaming, it’s easy to overlook some of the lesser-known gems amid the clutter of blockbuster hits. But for lovers of the spine-chilling and jaw-dropping thrillers, Indian cinema and web series created some of the most enthralling and edgy thrillers in the background and rarely is there anything that tops them! Here are a few underappreciated Indian thrillers that will bring you the same heart-stopping suspense and make you fall in love with good stories, all over again.
Whether you prefer psychological mind games, high-stakes crime dramas, or gritty political thrillers, this curated list of lesser-known Indian thrillers will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Why Indian Thrillers Are Worth Watching
Indian thrillers often combine cultural depth, social commentary and nail-biting plotlines. These movies and shows are not your typical formulaic action flicks, packed as they are with rich character development, complex storylines and emotional tension. In the age of OTT platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar) new breed of creative storytellers have come up, who aren’t afraid of breaking the mould.
10 Underrated Indian Thrillers You Need to Watch
1. Andhadhun (2018)
- Director: Sriram Raghavan
- Platform: Netflix
A visually-impaired pianist becomes embroiled in a murder he didn’t commit—or did he? Andhadhun delivers a rollercoaster of deception, black comedy, and unpredictable twists that will leave you guessing until the final scene.
2. Game Over (2019)
- Director: Ashwin Saravanan
- Platform: Netflix
This psychological thriller stars Taapsee Pannu as a traumatized video game designer fighting both inner demons and an external threat. With strong feminist themes and eerie atmosphere, Game Over is unlike any typical horror-thriller.
3. Talvar (2015)
- Director: Meghna Gulzar
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar is an investigative thriller that dives into the murky world of flawed legal systems and media sensationalism. It’s chilling, powerful, and profoundly disturbing.
4. Paatal Lok (2020)
- Creators: Sudip Sharma
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Often compared to True Detective, Paatal Lok follows a cynical cop investigating a high-profile assassination attempt. The show critiques caste, politics, and systemic corruption, all while keeping viewers on the edge.
5. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
- Director: Anurag Kashyap
- Platform: Netflix
Inspired by the 1960s serial killer Raman Raghav, this neo-noir thriller explores the disturbing relationship between a deranged murderer and a drug-addicted cop. It’s intense, dark, and morally complex.
6. Delhi Crime (2019)
- Director: Richie Mehta
- Platform: Netflix
Winner of the International Emmy for Best Drama Series, Delhi Crime revisits the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape case through the lens of a police investigation. Its emotional gravity and tight scripting make it essential viewing.
7. Breathe (2018)
- Director: Mayank Sharma
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
How far would a father go to save his son? Breathe explores this question with a suspenseful narrative involving organ donation, a ticking clock, and a relentless investigator. Madhavan delivers one of his career-best performances.
8. Tumbbad (2018)
- Director: Rahi Anil Barve
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A gothic horror-thriller set in colonial India, Tumbbad weaves mythology with greed, curses, and family secrets. It’s visually stunning and filled with atmospheric dread, perfect for fans of unconventional storytelling.
9. Section 375 (2019)
- Director: Ajay Bahl
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Courtroom drama meets thriller in Section 375, where a film director is accused of rape by a costume designer. The film bravely questions moral gray areas and legal intricacies in sensitive topics, keeping audiences engaged and uneasy.
10. The Gone Game (2020)
- Director: Nikhil Bhat
- Platform: Voot Select
Filmed entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown, this experimental thriller uses Zoom calls and digital media to unravel a mystery involving a missing man and a suspicious family. A true reflection of our times, with a tech-savvy twist.
What Makes a Great Thriller?
1. Unpredictable Plot
Thrillers rely heavily on plot twists and turns. These films excel in misleading the audience before delivering a shocking revelation.
2. Strong Characters
Relatable yet flawed protagonists and compelling antagonists are a hallmark of great Indian thrillers. Emotional investment in characters elevates the suspense.
3. Cultural & Social Relevance
Many Indian thrillers explore themes such as class struggle, gender issues, and systemic injustice, making them not just entertaining but thought-provoking.
4. Pacing and Direction
A gripping thriller knows how to control its pace fast enough to maintain interest, slow enough to build tension. Good direction is key.
How These Thrillers Compare to International Standards
As it happens, Indian thrillers are becoming better and better in terms of both plotting and execution, and acting. Shows such as Delhi Crime and Paatal Lok have won global praise for their narrative and relevance.
And Indian creators are playing with genre: Blending mythology, horror and psychological dimensions into a more familiar crime format, resulting in unforgettable viewing experiences.
The Role of Streaming in Uncovering Hidden Gems
Digital platforms have made the dynamic of how we consume content more egalitarian, in the process gifting indie and experimental productions the opportunity to be in the spotlight. Algorithms can now recommend regional and arthouse films to audiences around the world, taking obscure local hits global. This transition has also led to thrillers such as Tumbbad and Game Over gaining cult followings outside India.
If you feel monotonous sequence of scenes are outdated and crave for breath-taking story with full of tension and real stakes then this list of underrated Indian thrillers is for you. These are movies and shows that will not only entertain you, but also stretch your mind to be a better, calmer, more social, purpose-driven, celebratory, and loving person after watching them. Don’t procrastinate, start streaming today these beautiful gems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where can I watch these Indian thrillers?
Most of the recommended titles are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Voot Select.
Q2: Are these thrillers suitable for international audiences?
Absolutely. Most come with subtitles and address universal themes like crime, justice, morality, and psychological conflict.
Q3: Are these films family-friendly?
Some titles contain mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q4: Why are these thrillers considered “underrated”?
They may have flown under the radar due to limited marketing, niche appeal, or competition from mainstream releases, despite their high quality.
Q5: What makes Indian thrillers unique?
Indian thrillers often blend suspense with cultural, political, and emotional narratives, making them deeply resonant and multifaceted.
