Discover the most underrated Indian indie thrillers that deserve your attention. These hidden gems deliver gripping narratives, intense suspense, and brilliant storytelling. Watch them now!
When it comes to thrillers, Bollywood often takes the spotlight with big-budget productions featuring star-studded casts. However, India’s indie film scene has been producing some of the most compelling and innovative thrillers in recent years. These films might not have received mainstream recognition, but they offer gripping narratives, unique storytelling, and stellar performances. If you’re a fan of edge-of-the-seat thrillers, here are some underrated Indian indie thrillers you need to watch right now.
1. Tumbbad (2018)
Why You Should Watch It
This atmospheric horror-thriller is a visual and storytelling masterpiece. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, Tumbbad follows a man’s obsession with a hidden treasure and the dark consequences of his greed.
What Makes It Special?
- Unique blend of horror and fantasy thriller elements
- Stunning cinematography and eerie atmosphere
- A powerful allegory on greed and human nature
2. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Why You Should Watch It
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this psychological thriller is loosely based on the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav. The film features an intense cat-and-mouse game between a deranged killer and a troubled cop.
What Makes It Special?
- Outstanding performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Unsettling yet gripping storyline
- Dark and gritty cinematography
3. Aamis (2019)
Why You Should Watch It
This Assamese thriller, directed by Bhaskar Hazarika, is a psychological drama that explores unconventional relationships and forbidden desires with an eerie undertone.
What Makes It Special?
- Unique and unsettling plotline
- Exceptional performances by the lead actors
- A blend of romance and psychological horror
4. Evaru (2019)
Why You Should Watch It
A Telugu-language thriller directed by Venkat Ramji, Evaru is a remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest. It keeps you guessing with its multiple twists and unreliable narratives.
What Makes It Special?
- Intelligent and well-paced storytelling
- Twists that keep you engaged till the very end
- Strong performances, particularly by Adivi Sesh
5. Kaalakaandi (2018)
Why You Should Watch It
Directed by Akshat Verma, Kaalakaandi is a neo-noir dark comedy thriller that intertwines multiple stories of crime, fate, and human ambition over one fateful night in Mumbai.
What Makes It Special?
- An unusual blend of comedy and thriller elements
- Engaging non-linear storytelling
- Saif Ali Khan’s charismatic performance
6. Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (2018)
Why You Should Watch It
While often categorized as a vigilante film, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is a dark thriller that explores corruption and the power of ordinary people to bring about change.
What Makes It Special?
- Realistic take on vigilantism
- Intense action sequences and thrilling plot
- Underrated performance by Harshvardhan Kapoor
7. Trapped (2016)
Why You Should Watch It
A survival thriller starring Rajkummar Rao, Trapped follows a man who accidentally locks himself inside a high-rise apartment without food, water, or electricity.
What Makes It Special?
- Claustrophobic tension and gripping narrative
- Outstanding solo performance by Rajkummar Rao
- Relatable yet terrifying premise
8. Pizza (2014)
Why You Should Watch It
A horror-thriller directed by Akshay Akkineni, Pizza combines supernatural horror with psychological twists, making it an engaging watch.
What Makes It Special?
- A fresh take on horror-thriller storytelling
- Unexpected twists that subvert genre expectations
- Strong cinematography and sound design
9. Ugly (2013)
Why You Should Watch It
Another gem by Anurag Kashyap, Ugly is a dark thriller that delves into human greed and deception, revolving around a missing child case.
What Makes It Special?
- Hard-hitting and brutally realistic storytelling
- Brilliant performances by the ensemble cast
- A disturbing yet gripping narrative
10. Andhadhun (2018)
Why You Should Watch It
This Sriram Raghavan-directed thriller follows a blind pianist who unwittingly gets entangled in a murder mystery. The film masterfully plays with perception and deception.
What Makes It Special?
- Mind-blowing plot twists
- Brilliant performances by Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu
- Perfect balance of dark humor and suspense
Indian indie thrillers have proven time and again that they can deliver edge-of-the-seat experiences without relying on big budgets or mainstream formulas. These underrated films are hidden gems that deserve a wider audience. Whether you love psychological thrillers, neo-noir mysteries, or survival dramas, this list has something for every thriller enthusiast. So, grab some popcorn and start watching these incredible indie thrillers today!
FAQs
1. What makes indie thrillers different from mainstream Bollywood thrillers?
Indie thrillers often focus on unique storytelling, character depth, and realistic narratives, while mainstream Bollywood thrillers tend to have commercial elements like song-and-dance sequences and star power.
2. Where can I watch these Indian indie thrillers?
Most of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and Zee5.
3. Are Indian indie thrillers suitable for international audiences?
Yes! Many Indian indie thrillers have universal themes, gripping storytelling, and minimal cultural barriers, making them appealing to a global audience.
4. What are some other must-watch Indian indie thrillers?
Other great indie thrillers include Bheed (2023), Phobia (2016), and 13B (2009).
5. Are these films based on true stories?
Some, like Raman Raghav 2.0, are inspired by real events, while others are purely fictional but rooted in real-life fears and scenarios.
Which of these underrated indie thrillers are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!
