Unknown but Exceptional Indian Thriller Films Every Film Lover Should Watch
In the vast landscape of Indian cinema, there lies a treasure trove of underrated thrillers that offer a refreshing break from typical Bollywood fare. These films stand out for their unique narratives, bold storylines, and compelling performances that break away from conventional thriller tropes.
For newcomers to Indian thrillers, A Wednesday and Drishyam are excellent starting points. Their compelling stories and relatable characters make them an engaging introduction to this genre. For cinephiles who prefer physical copies, these films are often available for purchase or rent on DVD and Blu-ray. For those with streaming subscriptions, they can be found on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar.
Some of these films, like Ugly and Visaranai, feature mature themes and intense violence, so they might not be suitable for younger viewers. Ugly, a dark thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap, tells the story of a young girl's disappearance and the unraveling of several adults' lives. It offers a gritty portrayal of human nature and shocking twists. Emraan Hashmi delivers a compelling performance in The Body, a Spanish remake directed by Jeethu Joseph, which follows a widower's frantic search for his wife's body, mysteriously disappeared from the morgue. The film keeps the audience guessing with its unpredictable plot, shocking twists, and gripping conclusion.
Other underrated Indian thrillers that deserve recognition include Tumbbad (2018), Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016), Talvar (2015), and Raman Raghav 2.0. These films are distinguished by their unique storytelling approaches, gripping suspense, and strong performances that often explore darker, complex themes beyond typical Bollywood formulas.
Tumbbad uniquely blends folklore, horror, and suspense with intricate narrative layers, creating a rare cinematic experience with stunning visuals. Kahaani 2 delves deeply into themes like identity theft, child abuse, and emotional trauma, delivering a tightly wound narrative that holds emotional weight alongside suspense. Talvar examines a real murder case with a keen eye on investigative procedure and ambiguity, showcasing nuanced storytelling devoid of Bollywood-style melodrama.
Many underrated South Indian thrillers like Raya 24 Ghanta and Kola also emphasize suspense with tight screenplays, smaller-town atmospheres, and unconventional crime narratives, differentiating themselves from mainstream Bollywood’s formulaic thrillers.
In summary, these underrated Indian thrillers are notable for their complex and unconventional storylines, psychological depth and darker themes, realistic and grounded treatment of crime and suspense, avoidance of typical Bollywood predictability and melodrama, and strong performances and atmospheric storytelling. This combination creates a distinct and engaging experience often missing in mainstream Bollywood thriller films. So, the next time you're in the mood for a thrilling watch, consider exploring these hidden gems of Indian cinema.
- Action-packed and suspenseful South Indian films like "Raya 24 Ghanta" and "Kola" offer unique crime narratives that set them apart from formulaic Bollywood thrillers.
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- A blend of animation and drama, the film "Tumbbad (2018)" presents a cinematic experience like no other, featuring stunning visuals and intricate narrative layers.
- Cinephiles looking for romance can find numerous films on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar, but don't forget about the underrated Indian thrillers that offer psychological depth and darker themes.
- The horror genre in Indian cinema boasts films like "Ugly" and "Visaranai," which contain mature themes and intense violence, making them more suitable for mature audiences.
- For entertainment enthusiasts interested in movies and TV shows that go beyond conventional storytelling, consider exploring the underrated Indian dramas like "Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016)" and "Talvar (2015)" for their unique narratives and nuanced approach to real-life issues.
