Discover hidden gems in Bollywood thrillers that go beyond the famous. Explore these underrated films that will keep you on the edge of your seat and blow your mind.
More than its bright colors, its epic drama and its grand musical numbers, Bollywood is home to a treasure trove of thrilling movies that are far too under the radar. Though a few Bollywood thrillers that were widely accepted like Kahaani or Drishyam have won over critics, there are innumerable underrated gems in the genre that can leave you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything. If you’re in the mood to move away from the mainstream titles and discover some lesser-known gems, these underrated Bollywood thrillers
In this piece, we will take a closer, in-depth perspective of ultra underrated Bollywood thrillers that will leave you mind-blown and give you chills down your spine with plot twists, characters, and a lot tension filled ambience. The following films — some thrillers and others crime dramas — deserve far more love than they’ve gotten. Why these movies should be on your list to watch.
Why Bollywood Thrillers Deserve More Attention
Bollywood has often been pigeonholed for its larger-than-life musicals, dramatic love stories, and family sagas. However, the thriller genre in Bollywood is constantly evolving, bringing together unpredictable plotlines, complex characters, and unique storytelling. Despite this evolution, many great thrillers remain overshadowed by their mainstream counterparts. The underrated thrillers from Bollywood tend to stand out because of their intricate plots, unexpected twists, and a gritty realism that challenges the traditional tropes of Indian cinema. For viewers who enjoy an adrenaline-pumping, suspense-filled experience, these films are a hidden treasure. For viewers who enjoy an adrenaline-pumping, suspense-filled experience, these films are a hidden treasure.
The Criteria for an Underrated Thriller
Before we get on to the films, let us settle on what is considered an underrated thriller in the Bollywood sense. These are the films that:
- Are underrated or underrated And Treaty.
- A unique narrative or a twist in the story makes them different.
- Are notable films that tend to get forgotten, either under-marketed or under-performing at the box office.
To give a new life to the thriller genre in Bollywood.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most underrated Bollywood thrillers that are guaranteed to blow your mind.
1. Talaash (2012) – A Supernatural Thriller with a Twist
Plot:
Talaash – Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena KapoorWaar ka aakhir kaise pata chalega? Starring the legendary triplet with a pinch of thrill and economical crime. It follows Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan), who has been put on a high profile case regarding the death of a well known film star. As the investigation unfolds, he gets pulled deeper into the seedy underbelly of the world and has to confront his own demons. Plot of the film ends with stunning twist which opens the whole story in new way.
Why It’s Underrated:
Despite stellar performances and a captivating storyline, Talaash didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Many viewers didn’t fully grasp the layered storytelling, making it seem like a typical crime drama. However, the film’s dark atmosphere, psychological depth, and unexpected conclusion make it an outstanding thriller that gets better with each watch.
2. Ugly (2014) – A Raw, Intense Thriller
Plot:
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Ugly is a raw and gritty thriller that explores the darkness lurking beneath the surface of everyday lives. The film revolves around the abduction of a young girl and the subsequent investigation. It showcases the impact of greed, betrayal, and ego on the characters as they race against time to solve the mystery.
Why It’s Underrated:
Despite its critical acclaim, Ugly was largely overlooked by the mainstream audience. Its stark portrayal of human emotions, tense atmosphere, and unpredictable storyline set it apart from typical Bollywood thrillers. Kashyap’s distinct direction and the film’s unflinching portrayal of flawed characters make it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
3. Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016) – A Sequel That Surpasses Expectations
Plot:
A sequel to the immensely popular Kahaani (2012), Kahaani 2 stars Vidya Balan as Durga Rani Singh, a woman with a troubled past who is entangled in a series of crimes. As she tries to escape her dark history, she becomes involved in a mystery that takes unexpected turns. The film cleverly incorporates elements of suspense, crime, and human emotion.
Why It’s Underrated:
While Kahaani was a blockbuster hit, its sequel didn’t enjoy the same level of success, despite being a more intense and layered thriller. The film’s complex narrative and strong performances, particularly by Vidya Balan, deserve more recognition. Kahaani 2 is a psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
4. A Wednesday! (2008) – A Mind-Bending Cat-and-Mouse Game
Plot:
In A Wednesday!, Naseeruddin Shah plays a common man who orchestrates a series of bomb threats across Mumbai, causing chaos and forcing the police to find him. Anupam Kher stars as a cop who is trying to outsmart the perpetrator. What makes this film unique is the deep exploration of human emotion, societal frustrations, and the moral dilemmas that come with crime and justice.
Why It’s Underrated:
Despite being a low-budget film, A Wednesday! earned widespread critical acclaim. However, its unique premise and the understated performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher did not translate into the box office success that many expected. This film is a brilliant mix of suspense, social commentary, and an unconventional thriller.
5. Raat Akeli Hai (2020) – A Dark, Twisted Murder Mystery
Plot:
This crime thriller directed by Honey Trehan is set in a small Indian village and revolves around the mysterious murder of a wealthy family’s patriarch. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to the crime than meets the eye. The film is rich in character development and presents a tense atmosphere full of secrets, lies, and betrayals.
Why It’s Underrated:
Despite being released on a popular streaming platform, Raat Akeli Hai didn’t make much noise among Bollywood thrillers. The film is a gripping and dark take on murder mysteries with a unique cultural backdrop. The stellar performances, especially by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and the film’s ability to maintain tension make it a compelling watch.
6. Bose: The Forgotten Army (2020) – A Suspenseful Tale of Courage
Plot:
Bose: The Forgotten Army is not your typical thriller, but its combination of historical drama and suspense offers a fresh take on the genre. The film is based on the real-life story of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army, focusing on the military’s hidden and lesser-known stories. The suspense builds as the film unfolds the courage, strategy, and secrets of a forgotten army during World War II.
Why It’s Underrated:
While Bose: The Forgotten Army garnered attention for its historical value, it didn’t receive the widespread recognition it deserved as a thriller. The way it blends historical facts with tense moments of suspense makes it a gripping watch that is often overlooked by traditional thriller fans.
Bollywood thrillers have much more to offer than just the famous blockbusters. The films listed above showcase a wide variety of storytelling techniques, from psychological depth and supernatural elements to crime investigations and moral dilemmas. They stand as a testament to Bollywood’s ability to craft narratives that go beyond the mainstream, offering viewers an unforgettable, edge-of-the-seat experience.
These underrated thrillers deserve more attention and recognition for their unique plots, compelling performances, and gripping twists. So, if you’re a fan of suspenseful storytelling, it’s time to dive into these hidden gems. They will keep you guessing, challenge your perceptions, and, most importantly, blow your mind!
FAQ
Q1: What makes a Bollywood thriller underrated?
An underrated Bollywood thriller is one that has not received enough recognition despite its engaging plot, impressive performances, and unique direction. These films often struggle with marketing and may not perform well at the box office, but they still offer a top-notch cinematic experience.
Q2: Are Bollywood thrillers more focused on action or psychological suspense?
Bollywood thrillers vary in style. Some focus on fast-paced action sequences, while others delve into psychological suspense and emotional depth. Both types of thrillers offer exciting and engaging storytelling that can captivate different kinds of audiences.
Q3: Can I find these underrated thrillers on streaming platforms?
Yes, many of these underrated Bollywood thrillers are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar. You can easily watch them online and enjoy their gripping stories.
Q4: What is the appeal of underrated thrillers in Bollywood?
Underrated thrillers often stand out due to their unique narratives, unexpected twists, and deeper explorations of human nature. These films tend to be more nuanced and less formulaic, providing an experience that’s different from mainstream Bollywood fare.
