Discover the Bollywood thrillers that flew under the radar but deserve more recognition. These gripping films offer suspense, depth, and unforgettable performances.
Bollywood’s forte lies in its colorful songs, dances, and majestic storylines, and yet, it has some of the most gripping thrillers under its belt. Yet a handful of such Bollywood thrillers have been undervalued, even with their raunchy plots and strong performances, compared with mainstream blockbusters. Overlooked by critics and audiences, these hidden delights deserve so much love. Featured image courtesy of Variety The writer looks at eight Hindi thrillers — from well-known films to lesser remembered fare — that he believes deserve more recognition.
The Underrated Art of Bollywood Thrillers
What Makes a Great Thriller?
Thriller movies, by their very nature, are made to keep eyes glued to the screen. They are defined by cliffhangers, high stakes, and twists that keep viewers on their toes. We have seen and read Hollywood thrillers and gossiped about them but Bollywood also has its share of thrillers that created similar if not more thrilling thrills. What often distinguishes Bollywood thrillers is their knack for mixing suspense with powerful emotional subtexts and social textures.
But even with this unique proposition, most Bollywood thrillers stay in the dark. Why is this the case? Mainstream Bollywood is mostly known for family dramas, romance and musicals and thriller films fall by the wayside, the audiences become a niche. Moreover, these films generally don’t have the kind of wide-scale marketing and fanfare that major blockbusters do.
The Evolution of Bollywood Thrillers
Bollywood thrillers have diverted from the traditional of suspense-driven stories into multiple complex plots with psychological depth, crime, and horror over the years. Films such as Kahaani (2012) and Talaash (2012) stepped out of the usual template and were celebrated for introducing novelty to the thriller space. But that is the exception to the rule. And even though there are plenty of others that fly under the radar of successful films, these awesome flicks are left away claiming the crown for storytelling, characters, plot twists, intensity, and suspense.
Hidden Gems: Bollywood Thrillers That Deserve More Credit
Here’s a list of Bollywood thrillers that, despite their excellence, have not received the recognition they deserve.
1. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Manorama Six Feet Under is a noir thriller that is widely overshadowed by more mainstream Bollywood fare. Curtsey of Ritesh Sidhwani and Navdeep Singh, it’s a story where drama meets crime meets mystery, in noir-esque fashion. Abhay Deol stars as a small-town investigator in the film who gets embroiled in a web of lies and deceit. The film’s moody, atmospheric tone, as well as the engaging narrative, is a textbook representation of how Bollywood can play with a noir palette
2. Raat (1992)
A psychological thriller by Ram Gopal Varma, Raat explores the supernatural and psychological horror themes. The film’s eerie atmosphere and chilling narrative set it apart from other thrillers in Bollywood at the time. It focuses on the story of a young girl possessed by a vengeful spirit. Despite its innovative approach to horror and psychological thrills, it wasn’t widely acknowledged and was often overshadowed by other blockbuster releases in the early ’90s.
3. Ek Hasina Thi (2004)
This film, starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan, is a perfect example of a gripping revenge thriller. Ek Hasina Thi tells the story of a woman who gets wrongfully accused of a crime and seeks revenge after being betrayed by her lover. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, it is a tightly woven thriller with a powerful performance by Urmila. Unfortunately, despite the film’s tight screenplay and exceptional acting, it didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time of its release.
4. The Stoneman Murders (2009)
Based on real-life events, The Stoneman Murders is a chilling account of a serial killer who terrorizes Mumbai in the 1980s. Directed by Manish Gupta, the film follows the investigation led by a cop trying to piece together the mystery behind the killer’s motives. With an outstanding performance by Kay Kay Menon, this film is an exceptional crime thriller, but it didn’t attract the commercial attention it truly deserved.
5. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
Starring Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone, Karthik Calling Karthik is a psychological thriller that explores themes of identity and mental health. The film follows Karthik, a man who begins receiving mysterious phone calls from a person claiming to be himself. As Karthik delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers shocking truths. While Farhan Akhtar’s performance is commendable, the film received a lukewarm response from the audience and failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
6. Aamir (2008)
Aamir is a taut, suspenseful thriller that follows a man who returns to India only to find himself caught in a terrorist conspiracy. Starring Rajeev Khandelwal in the lead, this film offers a gripping narrative with powerful themes about identity, morality, and survival. It was a standout in terms of its writing and direction but didn’t achieve the recognition it deserved because of its limited release and lack of marketing.
7. B.A. Pass (2013)
A dark and gritty thriller, B.A. Pass explores the life of a young man drawn into the world of exploitation, lust, and crime after the death of his parents. The film touches on deep and taboo subjects with a raw and unflinching approach. Despite its shocking portrayal of a morally ambiguous world, it didn’t receive the widespread acclaim it deserved.
Why These Thrillers Deserve More Attention
Unique Storytelling
Many of these films stand out due to their unique narratives, often stepping away from conventional Bollywood formulas. They explore uncharted territories, such as noir, psychological horror, and real-life crime, which were fresh and bold for the time they were released.
Stellar Performances
The actors in these films gave outstanding performances that should have been more widely recognized. From Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of a troubled man in Karthik Calling Karthik to Abhay Deol’s nuanced detective role in Manorama Six Feet Under, the depth and skill shown in these films often went unnoticed by mainstream audiences.
Unconventional Directorial Approach
Directors like Ram Gopal Varma, Sriram Raghavan, and Manish Gupta introduced unconventional cinematic techniques, making their thrillers stand out from the usual Bollywood offerings. Their ability to maintain suspense, create complex characters, and weave intriguing plots speaks volumes about their skill, but the lack of mass appeal left these films relegated to the shadows.
The Hidden Treasures of Bollywood Thrillers
Bollywood has always been a land of storytelling diversity. While commercial successes tend to dominate, these lesser-known thrillers are hidden treasures that deserve a closer look. They provide something different—raw, gritty narratives and complex characters that appeal to those seeking depth and suspense.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a thriller, consider diving into these underrated films. You’ll not only be treated to a rollercoaster of suspense, but you’ll also discover how Bollywood has been delivering exceptional thrillers for years, waiting to be uncovered.
FAQ
1. What makes Bollywood thrillers different from Hollywood thrillers?
Bollywood thrillers often incorporate cultural nuances, emotional depth, and melodrama, which set them apart from the typical Hollywood thrillers. They blend suspense with music, romance, and drama, creating a unique cinematic experience.
2. Are these underrated Bollywood thrillers available on streaming platforms?
Yes, many of these films can be found on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others. It’s worth checking out their catalogs to discover these hidden gems.
3. Why are Bollywood thrillers often overshadowed by other genres?
Bollywood thrillers are often overshadowed by more commercially viable genres such as romance, family dramas, and musicals. Moreover, thrillers tend to have niche audiences, which limits their mass appeal and marketing reach.
4. How can these Bollywood thrillers be recognized more?
Greater promotion, recognition in film festivals, and more critical discussions could help these films gain the attention they deserve. Additionally, more collaborations between filmmakers and streaming platforms could also bring these thrillers to a wider audience.
5. Which Bollywood thriller has the best twist?
Manorama Six Feet Under is often considered to have one of the best twists in Bollywood thriller cinema. The film’s narrative intricately weaves suspense, mystery, and surprise, making it a must-watch for fans of plot twists.
This comprehensive guide highlights Bollywood thrillers that have long deserved recognition for their excellence in storytelling, performances, and innovation. These films are proof that Bollywood is home to some exceptional thrillers waiting to be appreciated by a broader audience.
