Experience the thrill with these 10 must-watch Bollywood crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Discover gripping plots, stellar performances, and unexpected twists in this curated list.
Bollywood has mastered the art of storytelling, especially in the crime thriller genre. With suspenseful narratives, mind-bending twists, and stellar performances, Bollywood crime thrillers have captivated audiences for decades. Whether you’re a fan of intense action, psychological drama, or investigative mysteries, this list of 10 must-watch Bollywood crime thrillers will keep you hooked until the very end.
1. Drishyam (2015)
Director:Â Nishikant Kamat
Starring:Â Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran
Synopsis: A gripping tale of deception and survival, Drishyam follows a simple family man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his loved ones after they become entangled in a criminal investigation. With masterful storytelling and a shocking climax, this film is a must-watch.
2. Andhadhun (2018)
Director:Â Sriram Raghavan
Starring:Â Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte
Synopsis: This neo-noir thriller follows a blind pianist who unwittingly becomes involved in a murder. With unpredictable twists and a gripping narrative, Andhadhun is a masterpiece that keeps the audience guessing till the very end.
3. Kahaani (2012)
Director:Â Sujoy Ghosh
Starring:Â Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Synopsis: A pregnant woman arrives in Kolkata searching for her missing husband. As the investigation unfolds, deep conspiracies emerge, leading to an astonishing revelation. Kahaani is an edge-of-the-seat thriller driven by a powerful performance from Vidya Balan.
4. Talaash (2012)
Director:Â Reema Kagti
Starring:Â Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji
Synopsis: A police officer investigating a high-profile car accident stumbles upon supernatural elements and a deeper conspiracy. Talaash blends mystery, emotion, and suspense, making it a compelling watch.
5. Special 26 (2013)
Director:Â Neeraj Pandey
Starring:Â Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee
Synopsis: Inspired by real-life events, Special 26 follows a group of con artists posing as CBI officers to execute heists. The film’s thrilling cat-and-mouse chase keeps audiences engaged till the very last scene.
6. Badlapur (2015)
Director:Â Sriram Raghavan
Starring:Â Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi
Synopsis: A revenge drama packed with psychological depth, Badlapur tells the story of a man seeking justice for his family’s tragic loss. The film’s raw emotions and intense performances make it an unforgettable thriller.
7. Ugly (2014)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Starring:Â Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhat, Tejaswini Kolhapure
Synopsis: A gripping crime thriller about the dark side of human nature, Ugly follows the disappearance of a young girl, revealing disturbing truths about those involved. The film’s intense realism and unpredictability make it a must-watch.
8. A Wednesday! (2008)
Director:Â Neeraj Pandey
Starring:Â Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Sheirgill
Synopsis: A common man challenges the system in this high-stakes thriller. A Wednesday! is a socially relevant and thought-provoking film that keeps viewers engrossed till the very last moment.
9. Rahasya (2015)
Director:Â Manish Gupta
Starring:Â Kay Kay Menon, Tisca Chopra, Ashish Vidyarthi
Synopsis: Inspired by true events, Rahasya revolves around a mysterious murder case that shocks an entire nation. With its intelligent script and compelling performances, the film stands out as one of Bollywood’s finest crime thrillers.
10. Ek Hasina Thi (2004)
Director:Â Sriram Raghavan
Starring:Â Urmila Matondkar, Saif Ali Khan
Synopsis: A woman’s journey from innocence to vengeance takes center stage in this gripping thriller. With brilliant storytelling and stellar acting, Ek Hasina Thi is a classic revenge drama that remains impactful.
Bollywood crime thrillers have a unique way of blending suspense, drama, and emotions, making them some of the most compelling films in cinema. Whether you prefer intense psychological thrillers, investigative mysteries, or action-packed revenge dramas, this list offers something for every thriller enthusiast. If you haven’t watched these masterpieces yet, it’s time to embark on a thrilling cinematic journey.
FAQ
1. What is the best Bollywood crime thriller of all time?
While opinions vary, Drishyam, Andhadhun, and Kahaani are often considered among the best Bollywood crime thrillers due to their gripping plots and powerful performances.
2. Are Bollywood crime thrillers inspired by real-life incidents?
Yes, films like Special 26 and Rahasya are inspired by real events, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
