Beyond Bollywood Blockbusters A Treasure Trove of Thrillers
When we think of Indian thrillers, the first few names that come to our mind are Andhadhun, Kahaani, or Drishyam. But the mainstream box office blockbusters aside, there is a dark, shadowy underworld of gritty, dark and masterfully executed thriller films that were off the radar and never turned into the silver screen legend they should have been. So here’s a list of these not-so-popular Indian thriller movies that have some gripping storylines backed by a good direction, and commendable performances to make cinematic experiences that can give international content a run for its money.
In this article, we explore 11 hidden gems—Indian thriller films that are highly underrated, criminally overlooked, and absolutely worth your time. Whether you’re a fan of psychological mysteries, crime thrillers, or socio-political suspense, this curated list has something for every thrill-seeker.
Why Explore Lesser-Known Indian Thrillers?
1. Fresh Perspectives & Unique Storylines
Unlike mainstream thrillers that often rely on formulaic templates, lesser-known movies tend to take creative risks. They introduce new storytelling formats, unusual protagonists, and non-linear narratives.
2. Realistic Settings, Relatable Characters
Many hidden gems are rooted in regional or indie cinema, offering authenticity, cultural depth, and characters that resonate more deeply with the audience.
3. Underrated Performances
You’ll often find actors delivering career-best performances in these overlooked films—performances that deserve more attention and acclaim.
Top 11 Lesser-Known Indian Thriller Movies You Shouldn’t Miss
### 1. Gurgaon (2017)
- Language: Hindi
- Directed by: Shanker Raman
This neo-noir crime thriller exposes the dark underbelly of urban India through the story of a dysfunctional family. With a chilling performance by Pankaj Tripathi, Gurgaon is unsettling, gritty, and deeply psychological.
2. 19(1)(a) (2022)
- Language: Malayalam
- Directed by: Indhu V. S.
This political thriller revolves around a printing press worker whose life changes when she comes across a controversial manuscript. Featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen, the film subtly critiques power, censorship, and courage.
3. Ugly (2013)
- Language: Hindi
- Directed by: Anurag Kashyap
Often overshadowed by Kashyap’s more popular works, Ugly is a disturbing psychological thriller about a missing child. The film’s raw narrative and moral ambiguity leave a lingering impact.
4. Kuruthi (2021)
- Language: Malayalam
- Directed by: Manu Warrier
A tense, single-location thriller that explores themes of communal tension, religious identity, and revenge. With top-notch performances and haunting cinematography, Kuruthi is a suspenseful ride.
5. Dhrusti (2019)
- Language: Telugu
- Directed by: Ram Abbaraju
A visually minimalistic yet engaging thriller involving a wedding videographer entangled in a murder mystery. With its clever twists and layered characters, Dhrusti is a must-watch for Telugu cinema fans.
6. Joseph (2018)
- Language: Malayalam
- Directed by: M. Padmakumar
Part police procedural, part psychological drama, Joseph follows a retired cop drawn into a case with deep personal stakes. The film’s narrative finesse and emotional gravity make it a standout.
7. Thadam (2019)
- Language: Tamil
- Directed by: Magizh Thirumeni
A gripping whodunit revolving around a murder case with twin suspects. Thadam keeps viewers guessing till the final frame and has a masterfully executed plot twist.
8. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
- Language: Hindi
- Directed by: Navdeep Singh
An ode to noir cinema, this film is often referred to as India’s answer to Chinatown. Abhay Deol plays an amateur detective unraveling secrets in a small desert town.
9. Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005)
- Language: Telugu
- Directed by: Chandra Sekhar Yeleti
Ahead of its time, this thriller about a woman who loses a day of her memory is suspenseful and cerebral. It’s an early showcase of narrative innovation in Indian cinema.
10. Evaru (2019)
- Language: Telugu
- Directed by: Venkat Ramji
Loosely inspired by The Invisible Guest, Evaru delivers a complex, layered thriller experience. A murder investigation reveals dark truths, with clever plot shifts and unexpected reveals.
11. Aamis (2019)
- Language: Assamese
- Directed by: Bhaskar Hazarika
A genre-defying film that slowly evolves from a love story into something disturbingly thrilling. Aamis explores obsession, taboo, and human desire in ways you’ve never seen before.
What Makes These Movies “Hidden Gems”?
These films didn’t benefit from massive marketing campaigns or star-studded casts. Many of them found niche audiences through film festivals, OTT platforms, or word-of-mouth. Their modest release, experimental styles, or regional language focus contributed to their low profile—yet their artistic merit and storytelling are exceptional.
Distribution Challenges
Many of these films had limited theatrical release or were overshadowed by commercial giants during release.
Critical vs. Commercial Divide
Despite receiving rave reviews from critics and cinephiles, these films failed to capture mainstream attention due to a disconnect between critical acclaim and box office success.
Where to Watch These Hidden Gems?
Most of these movies are now available on popular OTT platforms like:
- Netflix (Ugly, Thadam, Joseph)
- Amazon Prime Video (Kuruthi, 19(1)(a))
- ZEE5 (Evaru, Gurgaon)
- Hotstar (Manorama Six Feet Under)
Always check your regional catalog for availability.
How These Films Reflect the Future of Indian Thrillers
Rise of Regional Cinema
Malayalam and Telugu thrillers are currently pushing boundaries with content-rich, nuanced storytelling. They reflect the growing appetite for regional narratives that break the Bollywood mold.
Audience Evolution
Today’s viewers seek layered characters, realistic plots, and morally complex stories. These hidden gems match those expectations and foreshadow the next evolution in Indian cinema.
OTT Platforms as Equalizers
Digital platforms have become game-changers, allowing indie and regional thrillers to find global audiences without relying on big studios or mass marketing.
Don’t Miss Out on These Masterpieces
Thrillers deal with more than just suspense they’re reflections into human nature, the chinks in society and moral grayness. The films here highlight the fact that you don’t always need big bucks or an ensemble of stars to tell edge-of-the-seat stories. And by digging into these more obscure Indian thriller movies you are not only broadening your cineastic horizons, but also helping the kind of filmmaking that ought to reach a wider audience, to do just that.
So, the next time you’re scrolling through Netflix or Prime, skip the obvious and go for one of these hidden treasures. They just might become your new favorite.
FAQs: Lesser-Known Indian Thriller Movies You Shouldn’t Miss
Q1: Why haven’t I heard of these movies before?
Many of these films had limited releases or belong to regional industries with less mainstream exposure. However, they are critically acclaimed and beloved by niche audiences.
Q2: Are these films available with subtitles?
Yes, most of them are available on OTT platforms with English subtitles, making them accessible to non-native speakers.
Q3: Are these thrillers family-friendly?
While some are suitable for family viewing, others like Ugly or Aamis deal with mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
Q4: Which one should I start with?
If you enjoy crime and moral ambiguity, start with Ugly or Thadam. For more cultural depth, Joseph or Aamis offer rich experiences.
Q5: How do these films compare to Western thrillers?
In many cases, they offer equally compelling—if not superior—storytelling rooted in local contexts. They’re often more character-driven and emotionally nuanced.
