Indian cinema has long been synonymous with color, dance, and emotion but over the past decade, it has also carved a niche for itself in the world of thrillers. If you crave suspense, mind-bending plots, and spine-chilling twists, this guide to must-watch Indian thrillers is exactly what you need.
Whether you love a dirty ol’ crime drama, a psychological thriller or a sharp-turning spy story, India’s content machine has something special for everyone with a pulse in need of spikes. And so here we give you the only list of gripping, intense Indian thrillers – both films and web-series – in 2025 that you must add to your watch list (only MBAs would want to work with all those other lists out there).
Why Indian Thrillers Are Gaining Global Attention
In the last few years, Indian thrillers have veered away from clichéd narratives, featuring more realistic storylines, grayer characters and Hollywood-quality production. This increasing clout of platforms, since the inception of Netflix in the country followed after by Amazon Prime Video, and now Disney+ Hotstar, has in turn created a space for the Indian creator to tell, play, take risks, leading to:
- Mindfuck stories with multiple levels of plot twists.
- Thick character arcs and muddy protagonists
- Authentic crime, politics, and psychology
With global audiences becoming more open to international content, Indian thrillers are now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.
Must-Watch Indian Thriller Movies (2025 Edition)
1. Andhadhun (2018) – A Blind Man, a Dead Body, and a Wild Ride
Director: Sriram Raghavan | Platform: Netflix
A pianist pretending to be blind witnesses a murder—or does he? Andhadhun is a dark, witty thriller with unpredictable twists. Ayushmann Khurrana’s award-winning performance elevates this film into a modern classic.
2. Drishyam (2015) & Drishyam 2 (2022) – The Art of Deception
Director: Nishikant Kamat | Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A family man goes to extreme lengths to protect his family after a crime. Drishyam and its sequel are masterclasses in suspense, deception, and emotional depth.
3. Ratsasan (2018, Tamil) – The Hunt for a Serial Killer
Director: Ram Kumar | Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
A failed filmmaker becomes a police officer tracking a brutal serial killer targeting schoolgirls. Ratsasan is one of the most terrifyingly intense thrillers from South India.
4. Tumbbad (2018) – Supernatural Meets Suspense
Director: Rahi Anil Barve | Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Set in pre-independence India, this horror-thriller fuses mythology with greed and curses. Tumbbad is haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable.
5. Talaash (2012) – Secrets Below the Surface
Director: Reema Kagti | Platform: Netflix
A psychological mystery starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor. This film blends the supernatural with emotional depth, making for a gripping narrative.
Must-Watch Indian Thriller Web Series (2025 Update)
6. Paatal Lok (2020) – Descent Into Chaos
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A gritty investigation leads a washed-up cop into the dark underbelly of society. Paatal Lok exposes crime, politics, and media in India’s most unflinching crime drama.
7. Delhi Crime (2019–) – Based on True Events
Platform: Netflix
Inspired by real-life cases, Delhi Crime is a hard-hitting police procedural with international acclaim (including an International Emmy). Emotional, raw, and gut-wrenching.
8. Sacred Games (2018–2019) – India’s Breakout Netflix Hit
Platform: Netflix
An explosive mix of politics, religion, and crime spanning decades. Sacred Games set the gold standard for Indian streaming thrillers.
9. Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side (2020–)
Platform: JioCinema
A mythological serial killer is on the loose. Asur blends Hindu mythology, forensic science, and cybercrime in a way that’s both cerebral and chilling.
10. Aranyak (2021) – Secrets in the Hills
Platform: Netflix
A murder mystery set in the misty hills of Himachal Pradesh. Raveena Tandon shines in this slow-burning but deeply satisfying whodunit.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Thrillers You Might Have Missed
11. Game Over (2019) – Psychological Thriller With a Twist
Platform: Netflix
Taapsee Pannu stars as a game designer battling PTSD and an intruder in this high-concept home invasion thriller.
12. Ugly (2014) – When Grief Turns Into Obsession
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Anurag Kashyap’s bleak, uncompromising tale of a missing child and broken relationships. It’s raw, real, and incredibly disturbing.
13. Yudh (2014) – Big B in a Corporate Crime Drama
Platform: SonyLIV
Amitabh Bachchan’s rare TV venture sees him as a billionaire battling corporate crime and family betrayal. Short, sharp, and underrated.
Regional Thrillers That Deserve More Attention
14. Evaru (2019, Telugu) – Inspired by ‘The Invisible Guest’
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
A mysterious murder, a crooked cop, and layers of deception—Evaru is fast-paced and twist-filled, standing tall among global remakes.
15. Joji (2021, Malayalam) – Shakespeare Meets Crime
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Inspired by Macbeth, this Malayalam noir follows a man’s slow descent into crime and guilt. Fahadh Faasil delivers a chilling performance.
The Future of Indian Thrillers: More Tech, Global Reach & AI Integration
Indian thrillers are no longer just about crime and suspense — they are increasingly dealing in technology, data surveillance, AI and even geo-political themes. As AI, automation, and data analytics play an increasingly central role in storytelling, look for the following to appear in future thrillers:
- Predictive policing & facial recognition as main source of the plot
- Cyberthreats and data leaks that are essentially conflicts in the core
- Real-world dystopias themed towards automated surveillance societies
For instance, upcoming series such as The Freelancer and Project K as well as the reportedly in-the-works Netflix India projects are anticipated to incorporate these cutting-edge.
Just like the future of sales is increasingly dependent on AI and automation, the thriller genre too is being reshaped by data-driven storytelling and futuristic paranoia.
Why These Thrillers Should Be on Your Watchlist
And whether you’re a newcomer to Indian content or a veteran viewer, these thrillers offer more than just shock and suspense but delve into societal concerns, personal trauma and moral ambiguity. Their power is in their great storytelling and incredible realism.
Tip: If you want the raw intensity and the underrated brilliance, go for the regional thrillers!
From mind-bending mysteries to nail-biting crime stories, Indian thrillers are some of the most compelling fare in world cinema today.
FAQ – Indian Thrillers You Need to Know
Q1: What makes Indian thrillers unique?
Indian thrillers often blend crime, emotion, and social commentary with rich storytelling rooted in regional cultures and realities.
Q2: Are Indian thrillers available with English subtitles?
Yes, most are available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar with multiple subtitle and audio options.
Q3: Which Indian thriller is best for beginners?
Drishyam and Paatal Lok are great entry points with universal appeal and gripping narratives.
Q4: Are there any Indian thrillers based on real events?
Yes. Delhi Crime is based on real cases, and several others like Talvar and No One Killed Jessica draw from true stories.
Q5: What are some new Indian thrillers to look out for in 2025?
Keep an eye on The Freelancer Season 2, Asur Season 3, and upcoming OTT originals exploring AI, hacking, and digital crime.
