Indian cinema has seen a surge in crime thriller movies that have gripped audiences with their dark and intense storylines. With unexpected twists, complex characters, and high-stakes mysteries, these films offer a perfect blend of suspense and drama. Whether you’re a fan of psychological crime thrillers or gritty murder mysteries, these top 10 Indian crime thriller movies are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. Kahaani (2012): A Pregnant Woman’s Mysterious Quest
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
One of the most iconic Indian crime thrillers, Kahaani follows Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman on a mission to find her missing husband in the bustling city of Kolkata. The film skillfully builds suspense as Vidya navigates a maze of secrets and lies, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax. Vidya Balan’s stellar performance and the film’s masterful use of suspense make it an unmissable experience.
2. Drishyam (2015): A Crime Thriller with a Brilliant Twist
Director: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan
Drishyam tells the gripping story of Georgekutty, a man who will go to extreme lengths to protect his family after they become involved in an accidental crime. This Malayalam thriller keeps you at the edge of your seat with its clever storytelling and surprising twists. The film’s powerful narrative makes it a modern classic in the crime thriller genre.
3. Andhadhun (2018): A Rollercoaster of Thrills and Dark Humor
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte
In Andhadhun, a blind pianist inadvertently becomes entangled in a web of crime, lies, and murder. The film’s dark humor, along with its unexpected plot twists, makes it an exciting and unpredictable watch. Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance as the oblivious protagonist adds an extra layer of intrigue to this taut, suspenseful film.
4. Talaash (2012): A Psychological Thriller with a Twist
Director: Reema Kagti
Starring: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor
Talaash is a psychological crime thriller where Aamir Khan plays a cop investigating a mysterious death while dealing with his own personal struggles. The film takes you on an emotional and suspense-filled journey, blending elements of the supernatural with hard-hitting crime drama. The eerie atmosphere and psychological depth make it one of the most compelling thrillers in recent years.
5. Vikram Vedha (2017): A Battle Between Good and Evil
Directors: Pushkar-Gayathri
Starring: R. Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, Shraddha Srinath
This Tamil film takes the audience on an action-packed ride as a cop, Vikram, chases down a gangster, Vedha, only to be challenged by moral dilemmas that blur the lines between good and evil. Vikram Vedha uses clever storytelling and strong performances to create an intense crime thriller with powerful twists. The moral quandaries presented in the film add depth to the narrative.
6. Badlapur (2015): A Story of Revenge and Redemption
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi
Badlapur is a dark and gritty tale of revenge and redemption. Varun Dhawan plays a man who embarks on a ruthless quest to avenge his family’s death in a brutal robbery. With twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seat, Badlapur explores the consequences of grief, anger, and vengeance in a crime thriller like no other.
7. Raat Akeli Hai (2020): A Gripping Whodunit
Director: Honey Trehan
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi
Raat Akeli Hai is a thrilling murder mystery where a small-town cop, Jatil Yadav, investigates the death of a wealthy family patriarch on his wedding night. The film’s suspenseful narrative and intriguing characters keep the audience guessing throughout. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s strong performance adds a layer of intensity to this dark and atmospheric crime thriller.
8. Special 26 (2013): A Heist Thriller Based on Real Events
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee
Special 26 is a heist thriller inspired by real-life events where a group of conmen posing as CBI officers rob wealthy individuals. The film’s well-paced narrative and clever twists make it a gripping and engaging crime thriller. Akshay Kumar’s charismatic performance as the mastermind adds charm to this thrilling story.
9. The Lunchbox (2013): A Subtle Thriller with Emotional Depth
Director: Ritesh Batra
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
While The Lunchbox is not a conventional crime thriller, it has elements of suspense and intrigue woven into its narrative. The story revolves around a mistakenly delivered lunchbox and the unlikely connection between two strangers. The film’s quiet tension and emotional depth create a subtle yet gripping thriller that explores loneliness, fate, and coincidence.
10. Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016): A Sequel That Delivers
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal, Jugal Hansraj
The sequel to Kahaani continues the story of Vidya Bagchi, who embarks on a new mission to uncover the truth about a girl named Minnie. While Kahaani 2 may not have the same shocking impact as the first, it still manages to maintain suspense and intrigue, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged until the end.
Conclusion: Indian Crime Thrillers That Are Not to Be Missed
From mind-bending mysteries to edge-of-the-seat suspense, Indian crime thrillers offer a variety of stories that captivate the audience with their thrilling plots and unexpected twists. These films not only keep you guessing but also leave you with a lingering sense of excitement and intrigue. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed crime dramas, these top 10 films will keep you hooked from start to finish.
5 FAQs About Indian Crime Thrillers
- Which Indian crime thriller has the best plot twist? Kahaani and Andhadhun are renowned for their brilliant plot twists that completely surprise the audience.
- Are Indian crime thrillers only available in Hindi? No, many Indian crime thrillers are also available in regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali, with Drishyam and Vikram Vedha being notable examples.
- What makes Indian crime thrillers unique? Indian crime thrillers often combine suspense with emotional depth, creating a compelling mix of drama, tension, and unexpected twists.
- Which Indian crime thriller is best for first-time viewers? Kahaani is a great starting point due to its intriguing story and unforgettable twist.
- Do Indian crime thrillers address real-world issues? Yes, many crime thrillers, like Talaash and Badlapur, explore deeper themes such as loss, redemption, and the complexity of human emotions