Top Indian Thriller Films Pushing Boundaries: The Most Exciting Modern Indian Suspense Flicks of the Last Ten Years
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In the past decade, Indian cinema has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the thriller genre, with filmmakers pushing boundaries to create world-class films that captivate audiences and redefine storytelling techniques.
One such film is Andhadhun (2018), a black comedy thriller that gained widespread critical acclaim for its unpredictable plot, nuanced performances, and innovative storytelling style. This film, along with others like Kahaani (2012) and Badla (2019), has redefined the genre by presenting complex characters and blending genres in unprecedented ways.
Kahaani, a suspense thriller revolving around a pregnant woman's quest in Kolkata, is noted for its gripping screenplay, strong female lead, and atmospheric direction. Meanwhile, Badla is a sleek murder mystery thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, known for its tight narrative and strong performances that revitalized the classic whodunit formula.
Another standout entry in modern Indian thrillers is Evaru, a Telugu film inspired by the Spanish film The Invisible Guest. Featuring riveting performances and a storyline full of twists, Evaru showcases the depth and complexity that Indian thrillers are now capable of.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), directed by Reema Kagti, is a thriller that blends supernatural elements with a police investigation, enhancing the genre's emotional depth and commercial appeal. Similarly, U Turn (2016 & 2018) is a supernatural thriller that revolves around a series of mysterious deaths tied to traffic violations on a flyover.
Thani Oruvan (2015), a Tamil action-thriller directed by Mohan Raja, centers on a righteous cop's cat-and-mouse game with a brilliant criminal mastermind. Another Tamil neo-noir thriller, Vikram Vedha (2017), is inspired by the Indian folktale of Vikram and Betaal.
Films like Article 15 (2019), Mumbai Police (2013), and Game Over (2019) are notable mentions in the evolution of Indian thrillers, showcasing the depth and variety of the genre.
While the search results did not explicitly list these films, they are widely recognized by critics and audiences alike as genre-defining in the last ten years. However, contemporary films such as Crazzy (2025) are noted for pushing stylistic boundaries and bold storytelling, indicating evolving trends in Indian thriller cinema.
Therefore, the most acclaimed Indian thriller films from the past decade that have redefined the genre remain those like Andhadhun, Kahaani, and Badla, which have markedly influenced narrative style and genre expectations in Indian cinema. These films serve as a testament to the creativity and innovation that Indian filmmakers bring to the table, elevating Indian cinema to new heights.
- The recent wave of thriller movies and TV shows in the genre, such as "Andhadhun", "Kahaani", and "Badla", have revolutionized storytelling techniques and redefined expectations with their innovative narratives and captivating content.
- Animation has been woven into the thriller genre through movies like "Talaash: The Answer Lies Within" and "U Turn", adding supernatural elements that deepen the emotional resonance and commercially appeal.
- As contemporary entertainment continues to evolve, movies like "Crazzy" (2025) push stylistic boundaries and deliver bold storytelling, further developing the thriller genre in Indian cinema.