Discover hidden gems of Indian cinema with these mind-bending thrillers you haven’t heard of but should definitely watch. Experience gripping plots, unexpected twists, and psychological brilliance.
Indian cinema is often synonymous with colorful musicals and grand romantic dramas, but beyond the mainstream lies a treasure trove of mind-bending thrillers that deserve global recognition. If you are a fan of unpredictable narratives, psychological tension, and jaw-dropping twists, this list is for you. Here, we dive into some of the best Indian thrillers you probably haven’t heard of but must watch.
1. U Turn (2016, Kannada)
Director: Pawan Kumar
Why You Should Watch: A gripping supernatural thriller with a unique premise.
This Kannada-language thriller follows a journalist investigating a series of accidents at a particular road intersection. As she delves deeper, she becomes entangled in a web of supernatural events and eerie coincidences. U Turn keeps the audience guessing with its eerie atmosphere and unexpected revelations.
2. Tumbbad (2018, Hindi)
Director: Rahi Anil Barve, Adesh Prasad
Why You Should Watch: A visually stunning psychological horror-thriller with mythological elements.
Tumbbad is an atmospheric thriller that explores greed, mythology, and fear. Set in colonial India, the film follows a young boy who stumbles upon a secret that connects his family to an ancient curse. The movie’s haunting cinematography and eerie storytelling make it one of the most unique thrillers in Indian cinema.
3. Ratsasan (2018, Tamil)
Director: Ram Kumar
Why You Should Watch: A chilling crime thriller with a terrifying antagonist.
This psychological thriller revolves around a rookie cop investigating a series of brutal murders of schoolgirls. As he inches closer to the truth, he faces a serial killer with a haunting modus operandi. The film keeps viewers on edge with its intense screenplay and psychological horror elements.
4. Andhadhun (2018, Hindi)
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Why You Should Watch: A masterclass in dark humor, suspense, and unpredictable storytelling.
Starring Ayushmann Khurrana as a blind pianist, Andhadhun is a twisted thriller that takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of deceit, murder, and illusion. With multiple layers to its narrative, the film keeps you guessing until the very last scene.
5. Evaru (2019, Telugu)
Director: Venkat Ramji
Why You Should Watch: A gripping whodunit thriller with unexpected twists.
Reminiscent of The Invisible Guest, Evaru follows the story of a corrupt cop investigating a murder case where nothing is as it seems. The film slowly unravels the truth through a series of flashbacks, creating a suspenseful narrative that challenges audience perception.
6. Vikram Vedha (2017, Tamil)
Director: Pushkar-Gayathri
Why You Should Watch: A cleverly written neo-noir thriller inspired by folklore.
Based on the Indian folktale Vikram and Betaal, this film explores the moral complexities of crime and justice. It follows a hardened cop hunting down a notorious gangster, only to be drawn into a psychological battle that questions the very nature of good and evil.
7. Game Over (2019, Tamil/Hindi)
Director: Ashwin Saravanan
Why You Should Watch: A psychological thriller with elements of horror and gaming.
Starring Taapsee Pannu, Game Over blends psychological trauma with supernatural horror. The film follows a video game designer suffering from PTSD who is trapped inside her home, battling unseen forces that blur the lines between reality and illusion.
8. Awe! (2018, Telugu)
Director: Prasanth Varma
Why You Should Watch: A unique multi-genre thriller with a shocking climax.
Awe! is an unconventional thriller featuring multiple storylines that intertwine in an unexpected way. With elements of psychological drama, fantasy, and horror, the film’s climax leaves viewers astounded, making it one of the most original thrillers in Indian cinema.
Indian cinema offers a plethora of mind-bending thrillers that go beyond mainstream Bollywood. These hidden gems deliver gripping narratives, psychological depth, and shocking twists that rival international thrillers. If you are looking for films that challenge your perception of storytelling, these thrillers are a must-watch.
FAQ
1. Are Indian thrillers as good as Hollywood thrillers?
Absolutely! Many Indian thrillers are on par with, if not better than, Hollywood thrillers in terms of storytelling, direction, and suspense.
2. Where can I watch these Indian thrillers?
Most of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and Zee5.
3. Do Indian thrillers have English subtitles?
Yes, most Indian thrillers released internationally come with English subtitles.
4. Which Indian thriller has the most shocking twist?
Films like Andhadhun and Evaru are known for their unexpected twists that leave audiences stunned.
5. Are there any underrated Indian sci-fi thrillers?
Yes! Films like Cargo (2019) and 13B (2009) blend science fiction with psychological thrills.
These mind-bending Indian thrillers offer an incredible cinematic experience for anyone looking to explore gripping and intelligent storytelling. Grab your popcorn and start watching!
