Unearthed Gems of Thrill: Overlooked Indian Thriller Films You Shouldn't Miss Out On
In the realm of Indian cinema, thrillers have been steadily gaining ground, offering fresh perspectives, unique storytelling, and compelling narratives that are worth exploring. Here are some underrated gems that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
First up is "Like Aani Subscribe" (2024), a Marathi thriller that has been praised for its superb screenplay and engaging plot. This film masterfully builds tension through multiple intersecting narratives, keeping viewers guessing until the unexpected climax. It deftly blends mystery and dark comedy, with standout performances and a memorable background score. "Like Aani Subscribe" breaks away from typical thrillers to offer a fresh genre experience that appeals broadly, making it a must-watch in regional cinema.
Another noteworthy thriller is "The Diplomat" (2025), a Hindi action-thriller starring John Abraham. This film maintains tension and emotional engagement, offering a gripping political thriller experience that elevates it beyond standard fare.
The year 2025 also saw a series of South Indian suspense thrillers being released. These films are noted for their intricate suspense, emotional depth, and strong investigation themes. They combine crime with emotional layers and a gripping atmosphere that keeps audiences hooked. They stand out due to their clever storytelling and innovative twists, often available in dubbed Hindi versions, making them accessible to a wider audience.
One of the most gripping suspense thrillers is "A Wednesday" (2008), directed by Neeraj Pandey. This underrated gem features a gripping plot about bomb threats in Mumbai and themes of terrorism, justice, and systemic corruption.
Another standout is "Drishyam" (2013), a Malayalam thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph. This film tells the story of a man who goes to great lengths to protect his family after they accidentally commit a crime, offering nail-biting suspense and unexpected twists.
"Talvar" (2015), directed by Meghna Gulzar, is a crime thriller based on the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case, questioning the roles of the media, law enforcement, and the justice system.
"Game Over" (2019) is a bilingual psychological thriller starring Taapsee Pannu, blending suspense, psychological elements, and intense drama for a gripping experience.
"The Body" (2019) is a thriller that offers clever misdirection and a shocking ending. Although details about the film were not provided in the excerpt, it is available with English subtitles on streaming platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience.
"Ugly" (2013), directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of human relationships and the investigation of a missing girl.
Lastly, we have "Black Friday" (2004), directed by Anurag Kashyap. This crime thriller offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of terrorism and the pursuit of justice in the 1993 Bombay bombings.
These recommendations highlight the growing range of quality thrillers in Indian cinema that offer fresh and compelling storytelling distinct from more commercial thriller productions. They provide innovative narratives, strong performances and direction, regional cinema flavours, unexpected twists, and layered characters, making the viewing experience engaging and thought-provoking.
- The realm of entertainment includes movies-and-tv shows from various genres, such as the underrated Marathi thriller, "Like Aani Subscribe" (2024), which offers a blend of mystery, dark comedy, and compelling action.
- In addition to "Like Aani Subscribe", "The Diplomat" (2025), a Hindi action-thriller featuring John Abraham, is also a notable gem that engages viewers with its gripping political plot.
- South Indian cinema, particularly suspense thrillers, is another source of creative storytelling, combining crime, emotional depth, and intricate suspense, as seen in several films released in 2025.
- Beyond these recent releases, "A Wednesday" (2008) and "Drishyam" (2013) are two underrated gems that continue to stand out due to their gripping plots and suspenseful twists, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.
