Crime thrillers have captivated audiences around the world for decades, and Indian cinema has undoubtedly contributed some of the most gripping films in the genre. These movies are a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and intricate storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. From the heart-pounding chase scenes to the shocking plot twists, Indian crime thrillers offer a wide array of stories that are both unique and thrilling. In this article, we’ll explore India’s best crime thriller movies that are filled with mystery, intrigue, and, of course, mind-blowing twists.
1. Kahaani (2012): A Masterclass in Suspense
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Kahaani is often regarded as one of the finest crime thrillers in Indian cinema. The film follows the journey of Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman who travels to Kolkata to search for her missing husband. As the investigation unfolds, the audience is led down a winding path filled with hidden truths, mistaken identities, and unexpected revelations. Vidya Balan’s impeccable performance and the film’s shocking twist make it an absolute must-watch for crime thriller enthusiasts.
2. Drishyam (2015): A Thrilling Game of Wits
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan
Drishyam is an intense Malayalam crime thriller that explores the lengths a father will go to protect his family. The story follows Georgekutty, who becomes involved in a series of lies and deception after an accident threatens his family’s safety. The film masterfully plays on the idea of outsmarting the law and keeping the truth hidden. With its cleverly crafted narrative and suspenseful pacing, Drishyam will keep you guessing until the very end.
3. Andhadhun (2018): A Dark Comedy Wrapped in Mystery
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte
In Andhadhun, a blind pianist becomes unwittingly entangled in a crime when he witnesses a murder. What makes this film stand out is not just its clever plot but its infusion of dark humor and twists that will leave you breathless. Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance as the oblivious protagonist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already thrilling storyline. The film’s unpredictability and suspense make it a standout in the genre.
4. Talaash (2012): A Psychological Thriller with a Supernatural Touch
Director: Reema Kagti
Starring: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
Talaash is a psychological crime thriller that takes you on a journey filled with mystery and the supernatural. Aamir Khan plays a cop investigating the mysterious death of a film star, all while dealing with his own personal struggles. The film delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, loss, and grief, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. The unexpected twist at the end ties the film together beautifully, adding an eerie, supernatural element to the crime genre.
5. Badlapur (2015): Revenge that Will Leave You Stunned
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi
Badlapur is a dark and gritty crime thriller about revenge and redemption. The story follows Raghav, a man who embarks on a brutal quest to seek revenge for the murder of his wife and child. The film delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, exploring how grief and vengeance can warp one’s sense of morality. With compelling performances and a shocking conclusion, Badlapur is a thriller that will keep you glued to your seat until the very last moment.
6. Vikram Vedha (2017): A Battle of Morality and Crime
Directors: Pushkar-Gayathri
Starring: R. Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, Shraddha Srinath
Vikram Vedha is a Tamil crime thriller that revolves around a cop, Vikram, who is determined to capture a notorious gangster, Vedha. However, as the story progresses, Vedha narrates a series of tales that challenge Vikram’s understanding of right and wrong. The moral complexities and the cat-and-mouse game between Vikram and Vedha make this film a fascinating exploration of good versus evil. Vikram Vedha is a standout in Indian cinema due to its gripping storyline and powerful performances.
7. Raat Akeli Hai (2020): A Whodunit with a Dark Atmosphere
Director: Honey Trehan
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi
Set against the backdrop of a wealthy family, Raat Akeli Hai follows the investigation of a murder that occurs during a wedding. As the detective digs deeper, he uncovers secrets that lead to a shocking and twisted conclusion. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a powerhouse performance as the small-town cop trying to solve the case. The film’s tense atmosphere, combined with a well-crafted whodunit storyline, keeps the audience engaged throughout.
8. Special 26 (2013): A Heist Thriller with Style
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee
Special 26 is a heist thriller based on real events, where a group of conmen posing as CBI officers carry out a series of robberies. The film is cleverly paced and full of suspense, as the criminals outsmart their victims while keeping their identities hidden. The film’s stylish direction and strong performances, particularly from Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher, make it a compelling watch for fans of crime thrillers.
9. Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016): A Sequel that Delivers More Suspense
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal, Jugal Hansraj
The sequel to Kahaani, Kahaani 2 follows Vidya Bagchi on a new mission to uncover the truth about a woman named Minnie. The film stays true to the suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat storytelling of the first installment, while adding new twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Vidya Balan once again delivers an outstanding performance, and the narrative keeps you captivated from start to finish.
10. The Lunchbox (2013): A Subtle Thriller with Emotional Resonance
Director: Ritesh Batra
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
While not a conventional crime thriller, The Lunchbox has an underlying sense of mystery and intrigue. The story revolves around a misplaced lunchbox that sparks an unlikely bond between two strangers. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of loneliness, fate, and human connection. With its understated suspense and emotional depth, The Lunchbox is a subtle yet powerful thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Indian Crime Thrillers
Indian crime thrillers are unique in their ability to blend mystery, suspense, and human emotions into compelling narratives. From the dark twists of Kahaani to the morally complex dilemmas in Vikram Vedha, these films explore a wide range of themes that resonate with audiences. The brilliant performances, tight storytelling, and unexpected plot twists make these films unforgettable, ensuring their place in the pantheon of great crime thrillers.
5 FAQs About Indian Crime Thrillers
- Which Indian crime thriller has the best plot twist? Kahaani and Andhadhun are widely regarded as having some of the best plot twists in Indian cinema.
- Are Indian crime thrillers available in languages other than Hindi? Yes, many of the best crime thrillers are made in regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali, such as Drishyam and Vikram Vedha.
- What sets Indian crime thrillers apart from others? Indian crime thrillers often explore deep emotional and moral complexities, which add layers to the suspense and intrigue.
- Which Indian crime thriller should I watch first? If you’re new to Indian crime thrillers, Kahaani is a great starting point due to its strong narrative and memorable twists.
- Are there any Indian crime thrillers based on real events? Yes, Special 26 and Talaash are inspired by real events, adding a layer of authenticity to the stories.