Uncover hidden Bollywood crime and mystery thrillers that deserve more recognition. Explore underrated gems filled with suspense, twists, and gripping narratives.
Bollywood is known for its vibrant musicals and romantic dramas, but the Indian film industry has also produced some of the most gripping crime and mystery thrillers. While big-budget productions and star-studded casts often dominate the limelight, many outstanding Bollywood thrillers remain underrated. These films deliver mind-bending twists, compelling narratives, and masterful storytelling that rival Hollywood thrillers.
In this article, we explore some lesser-known Bollywood crime and mystery thrillers that deserve more recognition. If you are a fan of suspenseful plots and unexpected twists, these films should be on your watchlist.
1. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Director:Â Reema Kagti
Cast:Â Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan
Talaash is a psychological crime thriller that intertwines elements of supernatural horror with an emotional narrative. The film follows Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) as he investigates a mysterious accident that leads to shocking revelations. The gripping screenplay and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack make this movie an unforgettable experience. Despite its strong performances and thought-provoking themes, Talaash remains underrated in global cinema circles.
2. Ugly (2013)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Tejaswini Kolhapure
Anurag Kashyap is known for his dark and gritty storytelling, and Ugly is one of his finest works. This intense thriller revolves around a missing child and the dark secrets that unfold as the investigation progresses. The film showcases the corrupt nature of society, exposing greed, deception, and manipulation. Ugly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with its raw realism and unpredictable narrative.
3. Aamir (2008)
Director:Â Raj Kumar Gupta
Cast:Â Rajeev Khandelwal, Gajraj Rao
Aamir is an engaging thriller that highlights the terrifying reality of terrorism and coercion. The film follows Dr. Aamir Ali, who arrives in Mumbai only to find himself trapped in a deadly game played by unknown forces. With no star-studded cast or extravagant production, Aamir relies on its tight screenplay and Rajeev Khandelwal’s brilliant performance to create a nerve-wracking thriller. The film was widely appreciated by critics but didn’t gain mainstream attention.
4. Kahaani (2012)
Director:Â Sujoy Ghosh
Cast:Â Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Parambrata Chatterjee
Kahaani is a masterclass in storytelling, featuring a strong female protagonist. Vidya Balan plays Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. The film’s unexpected twists and cleverly crafted narrative leave viewers in awe. Despite its success in India, Kahaani still deserves wider global recognition for its unique storytelling and gripping suspense.
5. Drishyam (2015)
Director:Â Nishikant Kamat
Cast:Â Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran
A remake of the Malayalam film of the same name, Drishyam is an intelligent crime thriller that showcases how an ordinary man outwits the law to protect his family. The film masterfully builds suspense and keeps the audience guessing until the very end. While Drishyam received critical acclaim in India, it remains one of the most underrated Bollywood thrillers internationally.
6. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Director:Â Anurag Kashyap
Cast:Â Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
Inspired by real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, this psychological thriller is a dark and disturbing exploration of the human psyche. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist, making the film an unsettling yet compelling watch. With its gritty cinematography and eerie storytelling, Raman Raghav 2.0 deserves more global attention for its unconventional narrative and haunting performances.
7. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
Director:Â Raj Kumar Gupta
Cast:Â Rani Mukerji, Vidya Balan
Based on a true story, No One Killed Jessica is a gripping crime drama that showcases the fight for justice against corruption and power. Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji deliver powerful performances, bringing to life the real struggle behind one of India’s most controversial cases. Despite its social impact, the film remains overshadowed by commercial Bollywood thrillers.
Bollywood has produced some truly remarkable crime and mystery thrillers that often go unnoticed amidst mainstream commercial cinema. These films offer compelling narratives, thought-provoking themes, and masterful storytelling that can rival Hollywood thrillers. If you are a fan of suspense, psychological intrigue, and gripping mysteries, these underrated Bollywood thrillers deserve a spot on your watchlist.
FAQ
1. Which Bollywood thriller has the best plot twist?
Kahaani (2012)Â is often praised for its unexpected and brilliantly executed plot twist that keeps audiences engaged until the final scene.
2. Are Bollywood thrillers as good as Hollywood thrillers?
Yes, Bollywood thrillers offer unique storytelling perspectives, cultural depth, and strong performances, often matching or even surpassing Hollywood thrillers in terms of suspense and narrative depth.
3. Why are some Bollywood thrillers underrated?
Many Bollywood thrillers remain underrated due to limited marketing, lack of international distribution, or competition from mainstream commercial films.
4. Is Drishyam based on a real story?
No, Drishyam is a remake of a Malayalam film of the same name, which was inspired by Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino.
5. Where can I watch these underrated Bollywood thrillers?
Most of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hotstar, depending on regional availability.
If you’re looking for more engaging thrillers beyond Hollywood, these Bollywood films will keep you entertained with their gripping plots and unexpected twists. Happy watching!
