Best Indian Thriller Movies The Indian film industry with all its enormous and eclectic storytelling has evolved in leaps and bounds in terms of the thriller genre over the last ten years.
Whether psychological suspense or nail-biting action thrillers, modern Indian cinema has offered some compelling narratives that are bound to keep audiences at the edge of their seats. Here’s a handpicked guide to some of the best Indian thriller films from the past decade that have redefined the genre and left a lasting impression.
- Andhadhun (2018)
Andhadhun was directed by Sriram Raghavan, and is a masterclass in suspense and dark humor. Afther the film follows a blind pianist (Ayushmann Khurrana) who gets embroiled in a murder mystery. Loaded with unpredictable turns of events and a tight narrative, Andhadhun has set a new benchmark among contemporary Indian thrillers and garnered several awards, including a National Film Award.
- Drishyam (2015 & 2022)
Drishyam and its sequel are cinematic triumphs that delve into the lengths a man will go to protect his family. Starring Ajay Devgn, this Malayalam-originated remake is known for its meticulous storytelling and intense performances. The sequel, released in 2022, further solidified the series as a modern classic.
- Ratsasan (2018)
This Tamil psychological thriller, directed by Ram Kumar, meets a rookie cop in hot pursuit of a serial killer who is preying on young girls. With suspense on the edge of the seat, a riveting screenplay and sleeves full of performance Ratsasan indeed is an Indian pioneer in the thriller genre.
- Kahaani (2012)
Vidya Balan’s powerhouse performance as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata is the heart of Kahaani. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, the film’s taut screenplay and unforgettable climax earned it a cult following and paved the way for women-centric thrillers in Indian cinema.
- Badla (2019)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, Badla is an engaging tale of betrayal, revenge, and deception. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, this Hindi adaptation of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest kept viewers guessing until the very end.
- Evaru (2019)
This Telugu thriller, inspired by the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, adds its own layers of intrigue and complexity. Evaru features riveting performances and a storyline full of twists that make it a standout entry in modern Indian thrillers.
- Thani Oruvan (2015)
This Tamil action-thriller directed by Mohan Raja centers on a righteous cop’s cat-and-mouse game with a brilliant and manipulative criminal mastermind. With high-octane drama and intellectual battles, Thani Oruvan remains a fan favorite.
- Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Directed by Reema Kagti, Talaash blends supernatural elements with a police investigation to craft an unforgettable thriller. Starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor, the film explores themes of grief, loss, and redemption in a unique way.
- U Turn (2016 & 2018)
Originally a Kannada film, U Turn was remade in multiple languages, including Tamil and Telugu. This supernatural thriller revolves around a series of mysterious deaths tied to traffic violations on a flyover. Directed by Pawan Kumar, U Turn stands out for its fresh concept and gripping execution.
- \Vikram Vedha (2017)
This Tamil neo-noir thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri is inspired by the Indian folktale of Vikram and Betaal. Featuring Vijay Sethupathi and R. Madhavan in stellar roles, the film explores morality and justice through a series of compelling flashbacks.
Honorable Mentions
While these films have set benchmarks, other notable mentions like Article 15 (2019), Mumbai Police (2013), and Game Over (2019) showcase the depth and variety of Indian thrillers.
Conclusion
The last decade has witnessed Indian filmmakers pushing boundaries to create thrillers that rival global standards. With innovative storytelling, top-notch performances, and unpredictable plots, these films reflect the evolving tastes of Indian audiences and the industry’s commitment to delivering world-class cinema. Whether you’re a fan of psychological suspense or high-stakes drama, these modern masterpieces are a must-watch for any thriller enthusiast.
