Bollywood is known for its colorful stories, but behind the popular blockbusters there are few great mysteries and thrillers that show the suspense at its best. Here is a list of such underrated Indian suspense thrillers that are available to be streamed on Netflix. Whether you enjoy psychological thrillers, crime mysteries or superstitious stories, these movies will all have you wanting to watch more.
1. Khufiya (2023)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
- Cast: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi
- Genre: Spy Thriller (@EconomicTimes, GQ India, India Today)
Inspired by Amar Bhushan’s novel Escape to Nowhere, Khufiya follows RAW agent Krishna Mehra (Tabu) as she investigates a mole within the agency. The film masterfully blends espionage with personal dilemmas, offering a slow-burn narrative that keeps viewers engaged until the climax. (Pinkvilla)
2. Gumraah (2023)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Vardhan Ketkar
- Cast: Aditya Roy Kapur, Mrunal Thakur, Ronit Roy
- Genre: Crime Thriller (India Today, Pinkvilla, Marie Claire)
A remake of the Tamil film Thadam, Gumraah presents a complex murder investigation involving two lookalikes, both portrayed by Aditya Roy Kapur. As the police delve deeper, the lines between truth and deception blur, making for a compelling watch. (Pinkvilla)
3. Dobaaraa (2022)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Anurag Kashyap
- Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati, Rahul Bhat
- Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller (@EconomicTimes, Pinkvilla, Pinkvilla)
In Dobaaraa, Taapsee Pannu’s character communicates with a boy from the past through a television set, attempting to prevent a murder. This adaptation of the Spanish film Mirage intertwines time travel with suspense, offering a unique cinematic experience. (Pinkvilla, Pinkvilla)
4. The Body (2019)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Jeethu Joseph
- Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Rishi Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala
- Genre: Mystery Thriller (Insights Wala, Pinkvilla, EW.com)
When the body of a wealthy woman disappears from the morgue, her husband becomes the prime suspect. The Body unravels secrets and lies, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. (Pinkvilla)
5. Ittefaq (2017)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Abhay Chopra
- Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Akshaye Khanna
- Genre: Crime Thriller (Insights Wala, Wikipedia)
A modern retelling of the 1969 classic, Ittefaq revolves around two conflicting narratives of a murder case. As the investigation unfolds, the truth becomes increasingly elusive, making it a riveting watch. (Pinkvilla)
6. HIT: The First Case (2022)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Sailesh Kolanu
- Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra
- Genre: Crime Thriller (Pinkvilla)
Rajkummar Rao stars as a troubled cop investigating the disappearance of a young girl. As he battles personal demons, the case takes unexpected turns, blending emotional depth with suspense.
7. Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Honey Trehan
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte
- Genre: Crime Mystery (English Jagran, Insights Wala)
Set against the backdrop of a wedding, a small-town cop investigates the murder of a patriarch. As family secrets emerge, the film delves into themes of power and patriarchy. (English Jagran)
8. Talvar (2015)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Meghna Gulzar
- Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi
- Genre: Crime Drama (Pinkvilla, India Today)
Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar presents multiple perspectives of the investigation, highlighting flaws in the justice system. Irrfan Khan delivers a standout performance as the investigating officer. (India Today, Decider)
9. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Reema Kagti
- Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
- Genre: Psychological Thriller (India Today)
A police officer grapples with personal loss while investigating a mysterious death. Talaash seamlessly blends supernatural elements with emotional depth, offering a haunting narrative. (India Today)
10. Footfairy (2020)
- Language: Hindi
- Director: Kanishk Varma
- Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Sagarika Ghatge
- Genre: Psychological Thriller (GQ India)
A CBI officer hunts down a serial killer with a peculiar fetish. Footfairy delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche, offering a chilling narrative that keeps viewers on edge. (GQ India)
These lesser-known Indian thrillers on Netflix bring narratives that will leave you questioning the status quo and get you hooked! With psychological trips to murderous intrigue, each film ends up offering something to the cinematic canon. Next time you’re in the mood to get goosebumps, why not give these hidden gems a go for a suspenseful movie night?(India Today)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these films available worldwide on Netflix? Availability may vary by region. It’s recommended to check your local Netflix library for specific titles.
Q2: Are English subtitles available for these films? Yes, most Indian films on Netflix offer English subtitles.
Q3: Are these films suitable for international audiences? Absolutely. While rooted in Indian culture, the themes and storytelling are universal, appealing to a global audience.
Q4: Do these films contain mature content? Some titles may contain mature themes or scenes. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q5: Are these films based on true events? Films like Talvar are inspired by real-life incidents, while others are fictional narratives.(Pinkvilla).
