Thrilling Indian Cinema: Notable Movies of the Indian Film Industry that will Keep Viewers in Suspense, from Hitchcock's Influence to Modern Bollywood
In the realm of Bollywood, a shift towards experimental storytelling and cinematography has elevated the genre, bringing forth a new wave of captivating thrillers. These films, inspired by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, are garnering international recognition, thanks in part to the rise of streaming platforms.
One such example is the Hindi film, Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), directed by Reema Kagti. Starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor, this movie blends supernatural elements with a police procedural, creating a suspenseful and intriguing narrative.
Another notable film is Kahaani (2012), directed by Sujoy Ghosh. Featuring Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this movie is praised for its layered storytelling, atmospheric tension, and shocking climax.
South Indian cinema, particularly the Malayalam and Tamil industries, is also producing exceptional thrillers. Two standout Tamil films, Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) and Moodu Pani (1980), draw heavily on Hitchcockian psychological thriller and suspense elements.
Sigappu Rojakkal, directed by Bharathiraja, is considered Tamil cinema's coming-of-age thriller, with a plot about a businessman who seduces and kills women. Moodu Pani, directed by Balu Mahendra, is often compared to Hitchcock's Psycho for its suspenseful plot and climax, known for its nail-biting sequences and some of the best visuals in Tamil cinema.
More recently, the Hindi web series Twisted 3 by Vikram Bhatt offers a modern take on the Hitchcock-style crime thriller. Combining suspense, murder mystery, and psychological drama in a corporate setting, this series is available to stream on YouTube.
Indian thrillers are known for their unpredictable twists, complex characters, atmospheric tension, and moral ambiguity. Films like Kahaani and Drishyam showcase relatable characters facing extraordinary challenges. Drishyam (2015), directed by Nishikant Kamat, is a remake of a Malayalam classic and is praised for its intelligent writing and moral complexity.
The powerful performances and unexpected twists in Badla (2019) make it a top-tier thriller. A gripping remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, Badla follows a lawyer and his client as they untangle a murder mystery, keeping viewers guessing until the very last frame.
Bollywood's use of haunting scores echoes Hitchcock's collaborations with composers like Bernard Herrmann. Andhadhun (2018), directed by Sriram Raghavan, stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte. Inspired by Hitchcockian themes, this film is noted for its unpredictability and tight screenplay.
As these thrillers continue to captivate audiences, both in India and abroad, it's clear that the influence of Hitchcock's techniques remains strong. To experience these masterpieces, Sigappu Rojakkal, Moodu Pani, and Twisted 3 can be found on various streaming platforms, while Badla and Andhadhun are available in cinemas and on streaming services.
- The realm of Indian entertainment, following the lead of Bollywood, has seen a surge in the production of captivating thrillers, with series like Twisted 3 adopting a modern take on the Hitchcock-style crime thriller.
- In the Malayalam and Tamil industries, standout thrillers like Sigappu Rojakkal and Moodu Pani are praised for their psychological suspense and Hitchcockian influences, with Sigappu Rojakkal particularly noted for its atmospheric tension and nail-biting sequences.
