Uncovering the Unseen Gems of Indian Thrillers on Netflix
Strim: The latest thing you should know about is the booming world of Netflix edge-of-your-seat Indian thrillers: Goop for people who love Bollywood musicals and don’t have time for subtlety. If you are bored of the tired plots and are in the mood for something new, powerful, and delightfully unpredictable, well, you’ve come to the right list.
From present day crime stories to coming-of-age crime dramas, there are some hidden gems among the best crime movies on Indian Netflix you may not have seen.
Whether they’re made for those who love realistic grit, complex characters or clever plot twists, these are the movies that’ll keep you glued to the screen. Let’s start with a list of must-watch underrated Indian thrillers available on Netflix to stream tonight:
Why Indian Thrillers on Netflix Deserve Your Attention
There’s been a sea change in Indian thrillers of the last decade. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Groundbreaking Storytelling: Indian filmmakers are fusing local stories with international levels in suspense and story telling.
- Diverse Languages and Cultures: Its collection has thrillers in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Bengali and boy do they each give the usual crime show some major sniff.
- Strong Performances: A new group of young actors and venerable stars are taking risks in character-driven thrillers.
- Global Appeal with Local Grit: Many of these hidden gems resonate universally while rooted in India’s socio-political reality.
10 Hidden Gem Indian Thrillers on Netflix You Should Watch Tonight
1. Game Over (2019) – Tamil/Hindi
Director: Ashwin Saravanan Starring: Taapsee Pannu
A psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and trauma. Set in a single location, Game Over builds intensity through minimalism and a disturbing plot. It’s an emotional survival story wrapped in a horror-thriller shell.
Why Watch: Unique concept, stellar performance, and high rewatch value.
2. Raat Akeli Hai (2020) – Hindi
Director: Honey Trehan Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte
A gritty whodunit that explores family secrets in the backdrop of a murder during a wedding night. Think Knives Out, but Indian and darker.
Why Watch: Superb acting, layered storytelling, noir aesthetics.
3. Andhaghaaram (2020) – Tamil
Director: V. Vignarajan Starring: Arjun Das, Vinoth Kishan
This supernatural thriller is a mind-bending ride that demands your attention. With three interconnected storylines and a haunting narrative style, Andhaghaaram delivers both chills and philosophical depth.
Why Watch: Visually rich, slow-burn horror-thriller that rewards patience.
4. Monica, O My Darling (2022) – Hindi
Director: Vasan Bala Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, Radhika Apte
A dark comedy meets noir thriller where greed, betrayal, and tech start-ups collide. Inspired by classic pulp fiction, this film balances absurdity and suspense effortlessly.
Why Watch: Offbeat tone, clever plot twists, and quirky humor.
5. Nayattu (2021) – Malayalam
Director: Martin Prakkat Starring: Kunchacko Boban, Joju George
Nayattu means “The Hunt,” and that’s exactly what this film delivers — a manhunt that exposes the rot in the police and political system. Raw, urgent, and heartbreaking.
Why Watch: Realistic, tense, and socially powerful thriller.
6. Class of ’83 (2020) – Hindi
Director: Atul Sabharwal Starring: Bobby Deol
Inspired by real events, this film tells the story of an upright cop training a group of encounter specialists. It’s a gritty throwback to Mumbai’s underworld battles.
Why Watch: Based on real-life incidents, engaging retro style.
7. Kuruthi (2021) – Malayalam
Director: Manu Warrier Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Set in a single house on one stormy night, Kuruthi explores communal tension, moral dilemmas, and revenge — all with nail-biting intensity.
Why Watch: Bold themes, tight screenplay, and high-voltage drama.
8. Talaash (2012) – Hindi
Director: Reema Kagti Starring: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji
Though slightly better known, Talaash still flies under the radar for many thriller lovers. A haunting tale of loss, guilt, and the supernatural.
Why Watch: Slow-burn psychological drama with emotional depth.
9. Ugly (2013) – Hindi
Director: Anurag Kashyap Starring: Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy
Not for the faint-hearted, Ugly is a brutally honest look into human depravity and moral ambiguity. A kidnapping thriller where everyone has something to hide.
Why Watch: Dark, realistic, and unflinchingly raw.
10. Pizza (2012) – Tamil
Director: Karthik Subbaraj Starring: Vijay Sethupathi
A delivery boy gets trapped in a haunted house — or does he? This genre-defying thriller starts off as a horror flick but ends with a jaw-dropping twist.
Why Watch: Smart screenplay, unpredictable narrative, cult status.
Tips for Discovering More Hidden Thrillers
Netflix’s algorithm can find itself favoring the mainstream, but here are some ways to find more underappreciated Indian thrillers:
- Utilise Search Filters: Search thr tags such as “Indian Thrillers”, “Regional Indian Films”, “Psychological Thrillers” or “Crime Dramas”.
- Track Down Local Film Festivals: Many gems premiere at fests like MAMI, IFFI or the Kerala International Film Festival before they pop up on Netflix.
- Language Filters: Fantastic thrillers are not usually known for their specific language. Don’t overlook Malayalam and Tamil titles!
Your Next Thrill Ride Awaits
Indian hidden gem thrillers on Netflix are a treasure trove for lovers of Smart Thrillers, and good storytelling. These movies show you don’t have to have big money or big stars to have an impact. They may not be buzzy, but they are good.
Whether you’re in it for the plot twists, cultural depth or cinematic innovation, these films offer something that’s a little… well, out of the ordinary, and that’s precisely why you should watch them tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are Indian thrillers on Netflix available with English subtitles?
A: Yes, most Indian thrillers on Netflix offer high-quality English subtitles, making them accessible to non-Hindi or non-regional language speakers.
Q2: Which is the best hidden Indian thriller for beginners?
A: Raat Akeli Hai is a great starting point. It blends classic mystery with Indian storytelling and has universal appeal.
Q3: Are these thrillers based on true stories?
A: Some are inspired by real events (e.g., Class of ’83, Nayattu), while others are fictional but grounded in realism.
Q4: Are Indian thrillers overly violent or disturbing?
A: It varies. Films like Ugly or Nayattu are intense and dark, while Monica, O My Darling offers a lighter, more comedic take on the genre.
Q5: Why aren’t these thrillers widely known?
A: Marketing, regional language barriers, and Netflix’s algorithm often prioritize globally trending content. These films remain hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
