Discover the most underrated South Indian thrillers that deserve more recognition. Explore hidden gems with gripping plots, stellar performances, and unforgettable twists.
When it comes to Indian cinema, Bollywood often steals the spotlight, but the South Indian film industry—comprising Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema—has consistently delivered some of the most thrilling and engaging stories. From psychological thrillers to intense crime dramas, South Indian films have raised the bar in storytelling, cinematography, and direction.
Yet, despite their brilliance, many South Indian thrillers remain underrated and overshadowed by mainstream blockbusters. In this article, we highlight some of the most underrated South Indian thrillers that deserve more recognition. If you’re a fan of gripping narratives, unexpected twists, and masterful filmmaking, these movies should be on your must-watch list.
1. Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016) – Tamil
Why It Deserves More Recognition
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (also known as D-16) is a neo-noir thriller directed by Karthick Naren. The film follows a retired police officer who recounts a complex murder case that changed his life forever.
- What makes it special: A non-linear narrative, brilliant cinematography, and an unexpected climax.
- Why it was underrated: Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film remained low-key due to its independent production.
2. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020) – Malayalam
Why It Deserves More Recognition
This psychological thriller, directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, revolves around a criminologist helping the police hunt down a serial killer targeting officers.
- What makes it special: A well-researched crime procedural with eerie atmospheres and unexpected twists.
- Why it was underrated: While a hit in Kerala, it didn’t receive the pan-Indian attention it deserved.
3. U Turn (2016) – Kannada
Why It Deserves More Recognition
Directed by Pawan Kumar, U Turn is a supernatural thriller centered around a journalist investigating mysterious accidents at a traffic signal.
- What makes it special: An original plot blending horror and mystery with a socially relevant message.
- Why it was underrated: It gained popularity later but was initially overlooked outside Karnataka.
4. Evaru (2019) – Telugu
Why It Deserves More Recognition
A gripping adaptation of the Spanish thriller The Invisible Guest, Evaru is a fast-paced crime thriller with unpredictable twists.
- What makes it special: Stellar performances and a constantly evolving narrative.
- Why it was underrated: While commercially successful, it didn’t receive much international recognition.
5. Kavaludaari (2019) – Kannada
Why It Deserves More Recognition
This neo-noir thriller follows a traffic policeman who stumbles upon an old crime case that leads him to shocking revelations.
- What makes it special: Engaging storytelling with a mix of suspense and investigative drama.
- Why it was underrated: A slow burn that may not appeal to mainstream audiences but is a must-watch for thriller lovers.
6. Memories (2013) – Malayalam
Why It Deserves More Recognition
A gripping mystery thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph, Memories tells the story of an alcoholic cop investigating a serial murder case.
- What makes it special: A well-paced narrative with strong emotional depth and suspense.
- Why it was underrated: Often overshadowed by the director’s more famous film, Drishyam.
South Indian thrillers have mastered the art of storytelling with their rich narratives, psychological depth, and breathtaking suspense. While many of these films go unnoticed in mainstream cinema discussions, they offer some of the best thrillers India has produced. Whether you are a fan of crime, mystery, or psychological thrillers, the films mentioned above are sure to leave you spellbound.
Give these hidden gems a chance, and you’ll discover a whole new world of cinematic excellence beyond Bollywood.
FAQ
1. Why are South Indian thrillers underrated?
South Indian films often don’t receive as much marketing or pan-Indian promotion as Bollywood films, leading to lower recognition outside their regional audience.
2. Where can I watch these South Indian thrillers?
Many of these movies are available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5.
3. Are South Indian thrillers better than Bollywood thrillers?
South Indian thrillers often feature unique storytelling, tight scripts, and innovative narratives, making them just as compelling—if not better—than many Bollywood thrillers.
4. Which South Indian thriller should I start with?
If you’re new to South Indian thrillers, Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, Anjaam Pathiraa, and Evaru are excellent starting points.
By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll experience a refreshing take on the thriller genre that’s both gripping and unforgettable.
