Best Indian Thriller Movies have a unique way of gripping audiences, keeping them guessing with every twist and turn. In Indian cinema, thrillers have left an indelible mark with their intricate storytelling, powerful performances, and atmospheric settings.
But what goes on behind the scenes to bring these masterpieces to life? This article dives into the making of some of India’s most iconic thriller movies, revealing the hard work, creativity, and innovative techniques that made them unforgettable.
1. Drishyam (2013/2015)
Drishyam, in both its Malayalam original and Hindi remake, is a classic tale of a family man outwitting the police.
The Vision: Director Jeethu Joseph’s idea for the story came from real-life events, which he reimagined to create a gripping narrative.
Attention to Detail: The film’s meticulous planning required the lead actors to master subtle expressions that hinted at their hidden emotions. Mohanlal (Malayalam) and Ajay Devgn (Hindi) were carefully directed to portray characters whose strength lies in their silence.
Set Design: The house and surrounding areas were designed to look like an ordinary middle-class home but were strategically placed to align with the story’s clues and twists.
2. Andhadhun (2018)
This dark comedy-thriller was a visual and narrative masterpiece that left audiences questioning what they had just seen.
Casting Innovation: Director Sriram Raghavan was adamant about Ayushmann Khurrana playing the blind pianist. Ayushmann spent months learning how to play the piano convincingly, ensuring authenticity in every scene.
Cinematography Tricks: To convey the protagonist’s “blindness,” the camera often stayed static, mimicking his limited perspective, while dynamic camera movements highlighted scenes of chaos and suspense.
Improvised Scenes: Tabu’s iconic character had several improvised lines and actions that were left in the final cut, adding a layer of unpredictability to the story.
3. Kahaani (2012)
Set in the bustling streets of Kolkata, Kahaani redefined thrillers with its unique storytelling and a surprise twist ending.
Shooting in Crowds: Many scenes were filmed guerrilla-style on the streets of Kolkata to capture the city’s authentic vibe. Vidya Balan, in her role as a pregnant woman, walked through actual crowds to ensure realism.
The Twist Ending: The climactic twist was kept secret from most of the crew, ensuring genuine reactions during filming. Director Sujoy Ghosh revealed the entire story only to key actors.
Cultural Integration: The film’s climax, set during Durga Puja, used the festival’s symbolism to reflect the protagonist’s strength and resilience.
4. Ratsasan (2018)
This psychological thriller pushed boundaries with its chilling portrayal of a serial killer.
Villain Design: The antagonist’s unsettling appearance was achieved through extensive makeup and prosthetics. Hours of effort went into creating a look that struck fear into audiences.
Sound Design: The eerie background score played a significant role in building tension. Composer Ghibran used unconventional instruments to create haunting melodies.
Practical Effects: To maintain authenticity, many of the suspense scenes were shot using practical effects rather than CGI, making the sequences feel more grounded.
5. Ugly (2014)
Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly was a dark exploration of human greed and moral decay, told through the lens of a child’s disappearance.
Raw Performances: Kashyap encouraged his actors to delve into their characters’ flaws. Many scenes were unscripted, with actors improvising to bring out genuine emotions.
Location Scouting: The film was shot in the chaotic streets of Mumbai, with the locations reflecting the gritty and grim tone of the story.
Method Acting: Several actors stayed in their characters even when off-camera, enhancing the realism of their performances.
6. Vikram Vedha (2017)
Inspired by the folktale of Vikram and Betaal, this Tamil thriller stood out for its moral ambiguity and gripping storytelling.
Dual Narratives: Directors Pushkar-Gayathri spent months refining the screenplay to balance the parallel stories of Vikram (the cop) and Vedha (the gangster).
Character Chemistry: Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi rehearsed extensively together to ensure their on-screen chemistry was natural and intense.
Stylized Action: The action sequences were choreographed to highlight each character’s personality, with Vedha’s moves being unpredictable and Vikram’s being calculated.
7. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
This Malayalam thriller broke new ground in the serial killer genre with its intricate plot.
Detailed Research: Director Midhun Manuel Thomas consulted with criminologists and psychologists to create a believable serial killer and profiler dynamic.
Visual Symbolism: The use of shadows and low lighting was deliberately employed to create a sense of unease throughout the film.
Dynamic Storyboarding: Many of the tense sequences were storyboarded in detail before filming, ensuring the pacing remained tight.
8. Black Friday (2004)
Based on the true events of the 1993 Bombay bombings, Black Friday is a hard-hitting and realistic thriller.
Real Locations: The film was shot in many of the actual locations where the events took place, lending it a documentary-style authenticity.
Candid Performances: Non-professional actors were cast in several roles to maintain the film’s realistic tone.
Unflinching Direction: Anurag Kashyap didn’t shy away from showing the grim realities of the events, making the movie both impactful and chilling.
Conclusion
The making of iconic Indian thrillers involves meticulous planning, innovative techniques, and the unwavering dedication of directors, actors, and crew members. These behind-the-scenes efforts often remain hidden but are integral to creating the nail-biting suspense and emotional depth that make these movies unforgettable.
The next time you watch a thriller, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making every twist and turn come alive.
