Over the course of a film industry inundated with masala entertainers and blockbuster epics, the thriller genre of Hindi cinema is left unexplored and underappreciated. But for every Andhadhun, Kahaani and Talaash there are innumerous gems that got left behind, as the commercial releases took centre-stage and the rest fell out of the limelight. This listicle is about ten lesser-known Hindi thrillers that provide more than just thrills and edge-of-the-seat moments, driving a point or two home steeped in sleekisms in the form of technical zest and, most importantly, the tinsel-tace.
Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a curious viewer hungry for something new, these obscure thrillers are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Why Hindi Thrillers Deserve More Attention
The Strength of Storytelling in Indian Cinema
India has a rich storytelling tradition, and its thrillers when done right carry unique emotional and cultural depth. From socio-political undercurrents to psychological insights, Hindi thrillers often explore themes that are globally resonant yet distinctly Indian.
Lack of Promotion and Box Office Bias
Many great thrillers remain obscure simply because of poor marketing, limited theatrical releases, or being overshadowed by star-driven films. Yet, these movies offer a gripping narrative experience, often with stronger storytelling than many commercial hits.
10 Underrated Hindi Thrillers That Deliver
1. 404: Error Not Found (2011)
Director: Prawaal Raman Starring: Rajvvir Aroraa, Imaad Shah, Nishikant Kamat
This psychological thriller is a chilling exploration of hallucination, ragging, and mental health. Set in a medical college, the film blends suspense and horror in a realistic manner that’s unsettling yet intellectually stimulating.
2. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Director: Navdeep Singh Starring: Abhay Deol, Raima Sen, Gul Panag
Often hailed as India’s answer to Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, this neo-noir thriller excels in layered storytelling. With its dusty Rajasthan setting and complex mystery, it’s an absorbing watch that rewards attentive viewers.
3. Ugly (2013)
Director: Anurag Kashyap Starring: Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhat, Tejaswini Kolhapure
Despite critical acclaim, Ugly remains one of Kashyap’s lesser-known works. A grim and gripping tale of a missing child, the film peels back layers of human selfishness and police indifference with searing realism.
4. NH10 (2015)
Director: Navdeep Singh Starring: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam
This edge-of-your-seat survival thriller was ahead of its time in terms of its feminist undertones and portrayal of rural crime. Anushka Sharma’s gritty performance elevates this violent but important narrative.
5. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Director: Anurag Kashyap Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
Inspired by a real-life serial killer, this film is not for the faint of heart. The psychological cat-and-mouse game between a psychopath and a morally ambiguous cop is disturbing, yet fascinating.
6. A Death in the Gunj (2016)
Director: Konkona Sen Sharma Starring: Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin
Set in 1970s McCluskieganj, this slow-burn thriller teases out its horror through atmosphere and character dynamics rather than jump scares. A deeply haunting film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
7. Phobia (2016)
Director: Pavan Kirpalani Starring: Radhika Apte
Radhika Apte shines in this psychological thriller that tackles agoraphobia in an intensely claustrophobic setting. Blurring the lines between reality and imagination, Phobia is a masterclass in tension-building.
8. Tumbbad (2018)
Director: Rahi Anil Barve Starring: Sohum Shah
While Tumbbad did gain a cult following, it remains underrated in mainstream circles. A mythological horror-thriller that’s as visually stunning as it is narratively gripping. A rare gem that transcends genres.
9. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018)
Director: Vasan Bala Starring: Abhimanyu Dassani, Radhika Madan
Though not a traditional thriller, this action-comedy hybrid plays with genre conventions in a refreshingly original way. Its quirky tone and stylized action sequences make it an underrated entertainer with a suspenseful twist.
10. Game Over (2019)
Director: Ashwin Saravanan Starring: Taapsee Pannu
A psychological thriller with horror and video game elements, Game Over keeps viewers guessing till the very end. Taapsee Pannu delivers a powerhouse performance that anchors this cerebral narrative.
Common Traits of These Hidden Gems
Strong Female Leads
Many of these films feature complex female protagonists who defy Bollywood stereotypes.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
From non-linear timelines to unreliable narrators, these thrillers break the mold.
Real-World Relevance
Whether tackling social issues, mental health, or systemic corruption, these films are grounded in reality, making their suspense all the more impactful.
How to Discover More Underrated Thrillers
- Follow film festivals like MAMI, TIFF, or Busan where indie Indian films are often showcased.
- Explore OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Zee5 for lesser-known titles.
- Join online communities such as r/bollywood or Film Companion’s Discord for recommendations.
Formulaic whodunits in Hindi have transformed into more layered psychological narratives that manages to challenge audiences and subvert what we understand about Indian storytelling. These 10 underappreciated movies show that cinematic amazingness exists outside of box office statistics or A-listers on call. What they provide is food for thoughts, plenty of emotion and suspense that keeps you on the tips of your toes.
If you’ve had enough of the usual suspects and are hungry for stories that stay with you after the credits role, then these hidden gems are your next must-watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where can I watch these underrated Hindi thrillers?
Most of these films are available on major OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Zee5.
Q2: Why are these thrillers considered underrated?
They received limited publicity or commercial success despite strong storytelling and critical acclaim.
Q3: Are these films suitable for international audiences?
Yes, many offer subtitles and contain universal themes that resonate globally.
Q4: Do these thrillers include supernatural elements?
Some do (Tumbbad, Phobia), while others are grounded in psychological or real-world themes.
Q5: What makes a good Hindi thriller?
A compelling narrative, atmospheric tension, character complexity, and thematic depth are key components.
