Unveiling Hidden Gems: Underestimated Indian Suspense Films Worth Discovering
Underrated Indian Thrillers: A Hidden Gem in Bollywood
In the world of Indian cinema, there exists a group of films that, despite being less commercially successful, have a dedicated fanbase. These underrated Indian thrillers stand out from typical Bollywood movies, offering unique storylines, unexpected twists, and compelling characters.
One such film is The Body (2019), a suspenseful drama directed by Jeethu Joseph. The plot revolves around a widower searching for his wife's missing body after it mysteriously vanishes from the morgue. Starring Emraan Hashmi and Rishi Kapoor, this film keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Another notable film is Ugly (2013), directed by Anurag Kashyap. This dark psychological thriller explores tangled lives connected to a missing girl. The movie showcases an ensemble cast brought to their best by Kashyap's direction, and its gritty, realistic portrayal of human emotions and unpredictable plot twists make it an unforgettable watch.
Tumbbad (2018) is another underrated gem that combines folklore, horror, and suspense with multi-layered storytelling and striking visuals. This film explores a cursed treasure hunt in 20th century India, offering a rare cinematic experience beyond conventional plots and song-dance routines.
Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016) delves into identity theft, child abuse, and an intense manhunt. The film is emotionally charged and focuses on intricate narratives not often explored in Bollywood's commercial fare.
In the South Indian film industry, films like Raya 24 Ghanta and newer releases like Paichi bring gripping suspense, layered narratives, and strong local cultural contexts, distinct from Bollywood's formulaic storytelling.
A Wednesday (2008), directed by Neeraj Pandey, is a low-budget thriller with a powerhouse performance by Naseeruddin Shah. Meanwhile, Talvar (2015), directed by Meghna Gulzar, is a meticulously crafted crime thriller based on the infamous Aarushi Talwar murder case.
Visaranai (2015), a Tamil thriller, offers a brutal and hard-hitting commentary on police brutality and systemic corruption. On the other hand, Karthik Calling Karthik (2010) delves deep into the mind of an introverted man.
Drishyam (2013), a suspenseful Malayalam film directed by Jeethu Joseph, redefined the thriller genre. Lastly, Black Friday (2004), directed by Anurag Kashyap, chronicles the events surrounding the 1993 Bombay bombings.
Many of these underrated thrillers, including The Body and Ugly, are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar. These lesser-known films stand out by taking creative risks, delivering nuanced performances, and presenting stories with authenticity and depth seldom found in mainstream Indian cinema.
The underrated Indian thrillers offer an exciting alternative to mainstream Bollywood movies, providing action, suspense, and intricate storylines that captivate audiences. Tumbbad blends folklore, horror, and suspense, while Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh tackles issues like identity theft and child abuse.
Several South Indian films, such as Raya 24 Ghanta and Paichi, bring unique flavors with gripping suspense, layered narratives, and strong cultural contexts. A Wednesday, directed by Neeraj Pandey, delivers a powerful performance by Naseeruddin Shah, and Visaranai, a Tamil thriller, offers a hard-hitting commentary on police brutality.
These underrated thrillers can be found on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hotstar, making it easier for movie enthusiasts to discover these creative, risk-taking films that deliver nuanced performances and stories with authenticity and depth.
From psychological thrillers like Ugly to suspenseful dramas such as The Body, these lesser-known films demonstrate the rich and diverse talent in India's film industries, contributing to the overall entertainment landscape.
