Discover 10 underrated Indian psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists, mind-bending suspense, and intense storytelling.
Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, is often associated with romance, action, and masala entertainment. However, the industry has also produced some of the most gripping psychological thrillers that rival even Hollywood’s best. Unfortunately, many of these films remain underrated and undiscovered by mainstream audiences. If you love movies that challenge your perception and keep you guessing, here’s a list of 10 underrated Indian psychological thrillers that deserve your attention.
1. 13B (2009)
Director: Vikram K. Kumar
Starring: R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra, Poonam Dhillon
A psychological horror-thriller, 13B revolves around a man who discovers that a daily soap opera on his newly installed TV eerily mirrors his family’s life. As the story unfolds, he realizes the horrifying connection between the show and real-life tragedies. The film masterfully blends supernatural elements with psychological tension.
2. Phobia (2016)
Director: Pawan Kripalani
Starring: Radhika Apte
Phobia is a psychological thriller that delves into the fears of an agoraphobic woman who believes she is not alone in her apartment. Radhika Apte’s performance is spine-chilling, and the film’s unsettling atmosphere ensures you stay engaged until the very end.
3. Ugly (2013)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Starring: Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhat, Tejaswini Kolhapure
Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that explores human greed, deception, and moral corruption. The film follows the disappearance of a young girl, leading to a twisted journey of revelations and betrayals.
4. Game Over (2019)
Director: Ashwin Saravanan
Starring: Taapsee Pannu
Blurring the lines between reality and illusion, Game Over follows a game designer with PTSD who gets trapped in a terrifying loop of survival. The film keeps viewers second-guessing whether the horrors are real or psychological manifestations.
5. Talaash (2012)
Director: Reema Kagti
Starring: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji
While Talaash had a high-profile cast, it didn’t receive the recognition it deserved as a psychological thriller. The film follows a police officer investigating a mysterious car accident, uncovering deep psychological trauma and supernatural elements along the way.
6. Kahaani (2012)
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee
Vidya Balan delivers a powerhouse performance in this thriller about a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. Kahaani keeps the audience hooked with its layered storytelling and an unforgettable climax.
7. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, this film portrays the chilling mind games between a psychotic murderer and a troubled cop. The film’s dark, gritty tone makes it a must-watch for psychological thriller enthusiasts.
8. Dobaara: See Your Evil (2017)
Director: Prawaal Raman
Starring: Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem
An Indian adaptation of Oculus, Dobaara plays with the concept of memory distortion and psychological horror. It follows two siblings confronting a haunted mirror that warps their perception of reality.
9. Psycho (2020)
Director: Mysskin
Starring: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Nithya Menen
This Tamil psychological thriller, inspired by the legend of Angulimala, revolves around a blind man pursuing a brutal serial killer. With its eerie cinematography and unsettling performances, Psycho is an underrated gem in Indian cinema.
10. Aparichit (2005)
Director: S. Shankar
Starring: Vikram, Prakash Raj, Sadha
Aparichit (also known as Anniyan) explores multiple personality disorder in a highly engaging way. The protagonist, played by Vikram, suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, leading to a gripping conflict between his different personas.
Indian cinema has produced some exceptional psychological thrillers that often go unnoticed amid mainstream blockbusters. These films offer intense narratives, unpredictable twists, and thought-provoking themes that deserve a larger audience. Whether you’re a fan of mind-bending thrillers or just looking for something new, these 10 underrated Indian psychological thrillers will not disappoint.
FAQ
1. What makes a psychological thriller unique?
A psychological thriller focuses on the mental and emotional states of characters, often incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological manipulation.
2. Are Indian psychological thrillers as good as Hollywood thrillers?
Yes! Indian psychological thrillers often bring a unique cultural and narrative depth, sometimes even surpassing Hollywood in storytelling and emotional impact.
3. Which Indian psychological thriller has the best plot twist?
Films like Kahaani and Talaash are known for their shocking plot twists that completely change the narrative.
4. Where can I watch these Indian psychological thrillers?
Many of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar.
5. Are there any upcoming Indian psychological thrillers to look forward to?
Yes! Indian cinema continues to experiment with the genre, with many exciting films in the pipeline. Keep an eye on upcoming releases from directors like Anurag Kashyap and Sujoy Ghosh.
