Hidden Excitement: Obscure Indian Thriller Films Warranting Noteworthy Recognition
In the realm of Indian cinema, the thriller genre has seen a significant evolution, with several lesser-known films and series standing out for their unique storytelling, characters, and direction. These hidden gems differentiate themselves from more conventional, formulaic thrillers in Indian cinema by deeply integrating local culture, mythology, and history with crime narratives.
One such example is 'Mandala Murders' (Netflix, 2025), a mythological-crime thriller set in the eerily still town of Charandaspur. This series, directed by Gopi Puthran, blends crime, myth, and suspense in a genre-bending narrative that intricately weaves fate, faith, and madness. Characters like detectives Rea Thomas and Vikram Singh navigate a complex web of symbolic clues, making the story immersive and richly layered.
Another captivating series is 'Suzhal: The Vortex Season 2' (Prime Video), set in a town called Sambaloor. This series intertwines ancient rituals and local culture with a fresh investigation that exposes personal and communal truths. The storytelling is notable for its blend of mystery and cultural depth, incorporating faith and tradition as key narrative elements alongside suspenseful crime drama.
'Kanneda' (JioHotstar) is a gritty crime drama that explores the life of a 1990s Punjabi immigrant in Canada drawn into a violent world of crime and gang rivalries. Its unique angle lies in portraying identity struggles, ambition, and moral dilemmas in a diaspora setting, blending thriller elements with a socio-cultural exploration rarely seen in mainstream Indian thrillers.
'The Secret of Shiledars' (JioHotstar) is a treasure hunt thriller based on a historical mystery involving Shivaji Maharaj’s hidden treasure. The film/series combines adventure, riddles, and betrayal, uniquely incorporating Indian history and lore into the suspense thriller genre. Dynamic shifting alliances add complexity to the plot.
'Khauf' (Prime Video) is a blend of classic ghost story horror and slow-burning suspense, focusing on a woman uncovering dark secrets after moving into a new hostel room in Delhi. Its uniqueness lies in merging supernatural elements with psychological thriller pacing, creating a chilling, atmospheric experience.
Classic lesser-known Indian thrillers that remain notable for their storytelling include 'Kaun?' (1999) by Ram Gopal Varma, a taut psychological thriller focused on a confined setting and an intense narrative driven by character uncertainty and suspense rather than action or typical thriller tropes.
These films often lack the massive marketing budgets of mainstream releases but shine through strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. For instance, 'Super Deluxe' (2019), a Tamil film, is a bold and unconventional thriller, weaving multiple narratives into a thought-provoking and suspenseful film.
Streaming platforms have made it easier to discover these hidden gems, with subtitles and wider accessibility allowing audiences worldwide to appreciate the brilliance of lesser-known Indian thrillers. Films like 'Talaash' (2012), 'Johnny Gaddaar' (2007), 'Manorama Six Feet Under' (2007), 'A Death in the Gunj' (2016), and 'U-Turn' (2016) are just a few examples of the rich tapestry of Indian thrillers waiting to be explored.
These films feature morally complex or culturally rooted characters navigating both external threats and internal conflicts. They use direction styles that focus on atmosphere, slow suspense-building, and layered storytelling. Sometimes, they adopt unusual settings like diasporic communities or small towns with deep histories, which are less explored in mainstream Indian thrillers.
Viewer discretion is advised as these films contain mature themes and intense scenes. However, they offer a refreshing departure from the norm, providing a deeper, more immersive cinematic experience that transcends cultural boundaries. So, the next time you're in the mood for a thrilling ride, consider delving into these lesser-known Indian thrillers. You might just discover your new favourite film.
- In the realm of Indian entertainment, animation has started to embrace the thrilling and horrifying, as seen in series like 'Rudra: The Edge of Darkness' (Netflix, 2026), an animation-thriller that delves into the dark side of superheroes and villains, offering a fresh take on the genre.
- Beyond movies-and-tv, local Indian theatre productions have also ventured into the thriller genre, with works such as 'The Haunting of Palat' (2025), a horror-thriller play set in a haunted mansion in Tamil Nadu, combining traditional storytelling techniques with modern suspense elements.
