Bollywood Thriller movies are very much unlike their western counterparts. They accompany social themes, romance, and sometime slip into a song. Still, they maintain the grip over their viewers’ mind, insofar that the musical they just say start haunting them long after they have finished the Indian thriller movies.
From suspenseful tales of deception to intense psychological dramas, these films have set new standards in the thriller genre. Over the past decade, movies like “Andhadhun,” “Badla,” and “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic excellence.
In this article, we explore ten standout Bollywood thriller movies that have left audiences on the edge of their seats and showcase the best of what Indian cinema has to offer.
10. Special 26 (2013): A Heist Bollywood Thriller Movie Better Than Ocean’s 11
Special 26 is one of the most riveting Bollywood thriller movies set in the 1980s, directed by Neeraj Pandey. The story follows a group of con artists, led by Ajay Singh (Akshay Kumar), who execute meticulously planned heists by posing as CBI officers. Their modus operandi involves conducting fake raids on corrupt politicians and businessmen, seizing their black money under the guise of law enforcement.
However, their operation faces a major hurdle when a real CBI officer, Wasim Khan (Manoj Bajpayee), becomes determined to catch them. The film builds up to a thrilling climax, culminating in a final, audacious heist that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. “Special 26” is a masterclass in suspense, filled with twists, turns, and stellar performances.
Watch the Special 26 movie trailer here:
9. Ek Villain (2014): The Best I-Saw-The-Devil Ripoff
“Ek Villain,” directed by Mohit Suri, is a dark romantic Bollywood thriller movie that intertwines love, loss, and vengeance. The plot centers on Guru (Sidharth Malhotra), a hardened criminal seeking redemption after falling in love with the vivacious Aisha (Shraddha Kapoor).
Their blissful life takes a tragic turn when Aisha is brutally murdered by Rakesh (Riteish Deshmukh), a seemingly ordinary man with a hidden, sinister side. Consumed by grief and rage, Guru embarks on a relentless quest to hunt down Aisha’s killer. As he delves deeper into Rakesh’s psyche, Guru confronts his own demons, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Ek Villain is a gripping Indian Bollywood movie of love and retribution, marked by intense performances and a haunting narrative.
Watch the Ek Villain movie trailer here
8. Raazi (2018): An Intense Bollywood Espionage Thriller
Raazi directed by Meghna Gulzar, is an intense espionage Bollywood thriller movie set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This Indian thriller movie follows the journey of Sehmat Khan (Alia Bhatt), a young Indian woman who is thrust into the world of espionage. To fulfill her ailing father’s wish and serve her country, Sehmat marries Iqbal Syed (Vicky Kaushal), a Pakistani military officer, and moves to Pakistan as an undercover agent.
Living a dual life, Sehmat gathers critical intelligence for India while navigating the complexities and dangers of her new role as a wife in a foreign land. Her mission is fraught with peril, requiring her to make heart-wrenching sacrifices and face moral dilemmas. Raazi is a compelling Bollywood thriller movie of patriotism, bravery, and the high cost of duty, anchored by Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance and a tightly woven narrative that keeps the audience engaged till the very end.
Watch Raazi movie trailer here:
7. No One Killed Jessica (2011): A Story That Changed India
No One Killed Jessica, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, is a gripping Bollywood thriller movie inspired by the real-life Jessica Lal murder case. The film portrays the relentless quest for justice following the cold-blooded murder of Jessica Lal, a model and bartender, who is shot dead at a high-profile party by Manish Bharadwaj, the son of a powerful politician, after she refuses to serve him a drink.
The Indian Bollywood movie focuses on two strong women: Sabrina Lal (Vidya Balan), Jessica’s determined sister, who tirelessly fights against the corruption and apathy of the Indian judicial system, and Meera Gaity (Rani Mukerji), a fiery, outspoken journalist who takes up the cause, turning it into a nationwide movement.
As the case gets manipulated and the prime witnesses turn hostile, the culprits are initially acquitted, leading to public outrage. Meera’s investigative journalism, combined with Sabrina’s unwavering resolve, reignites the case, eventually leading to a retrial and the conviction of the guilty.
No One Killed Jessica is a powerful narrative about truth, justice, and the fight against systemic corruption, bolstered by stellar performances from Balan and Mukerji. The Indian Bollywood movie underscores the impact of media and public opinion in demanding accountability and justice.
Watch the No One Killed Jessica trailer here:
6. Ugly (2014): Dark, Gritty, Chilling Bollywood Thriller Movie
“Ugly,” directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a dark, gripping Bollywood thriller movie that delves into the murky depths of human nature. The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Kali (Anishika Shrivastava), a young girl, which sets off a series of events exposing the ugly side of everyone involved.
Kali’s estranged parents, struggling actor Rahul Kapoor (Rahul Bhat) and his depressed, alcoholic ex-wife Shalini (Tejaswini Kolhapure), are forced to confront their own failures and moral corruption. The investigation into Kali’s disappearance is led by Shalini’s current husband, Police Chief Shoumik Bose (Ronit Roy), whose relentless pursuit of the truth is marred by personal vendettas and a lack of empathy.
As the search intensifies, hidden secrets, deceit, and betrayal come to light, revealing the selfish and destructive motives of each character. The Indian Bollywood movie’s narrative is complex and non-linear, adding to the sense of chaos and despair.
“Ugly” is a stark, unflinching portrayal of the darkness within people, underscored by powerful performances and Kashyap’s masterful direction. The film leaves a lasting impact, challenging viewers to confront the unsettling realities of human nature.
Watch the Ugly theatrical trailer here.
5. Kahaani (2012): Don’t Miss the Ending Of This Riveting Indian Thriller Movie
“Kahaani,” directed by Sujoy Ghosh, is a taut, suspenseful Bollywood thriller movie set in the vibrant city of Kolkata. The film follows Vidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan), a heavily pregnant woman who arrives in the city during the Durga Puja festival to search for her missing husband, Arnab.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Vidya remains resolute in her quest. She enlists the help of earnest police officer Satyoki “Rana” Sinha (Parambrata Chatterjee), and together they navigate the chaotic streets of Kolkata, uncovering a web of deception and intrigue.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Bob Biswas (Saswata Chatterjee), a seemingly innocuous insurance agent with a sinister side, and Khan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), an abrasive intelligence officer. As the narrative progresses, Vidya’s determination and resourcefulness are put to the test, leading to a shocking and cleverly crafted climax that reveals the true extent of her mission and her husband’s disappearance.
“Kahaani” is celebrated for its strong storytelling, atmospheric setting, and Vidya Balan’s powerful performance, making it one of the standout Indian thriller movies. The film keeps audiences engaged with its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and emotional depth.
Watch the Kahaani movie trailer here:
4. Drishyam (2015): An Accidental Murder Followed An Intentional Cover Up
“Drishyam,” directed by Nishikant Kamat, is a gripping Bollywood thriller movie that revolves around Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn), a cable TV operator and devoted family man living in the small town of Goa. Vijay’s peaceful life is upended when his teenage daughter, Anju (Ishita Dutta), inadvertently kills a young boy, Sam, in self-defense after he tries to blackmail her with an inappropriate video.
Sam turns out to be the son of IG Meera Deshmukh (Tabu), a tough and relentless police officer. To protect his family, Vijay devises an intricate plan to cover up the crime, using his extensive knowledge of movies to create an airtight alibi. He orchestrates a series of events, including taking his family on a trip, ensuring that all their actions are accounted for during the time of the boy’s disappearance.
As Meera intensifies her investigation, Vijay’s calm and calculated demeanor is put to the test. The cat-and-mouse game between Vijay and Meera escalates, with Meera using every resource at her disposal to break Vijay’s story, while Vijay remains steadfast in his resolve to protect his family at all costs.
“Drishyam” is a masterclass in storytelling, with Ajay Devgn and Tabu delivering powerful performances. The Indian Bollywood movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with its clever plot twists and moral ambiguities, raising questions about justice, truth, and the lengths one will go to for family.
Watch Drishyam movie trailer here:
3. Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012): A Rare Aamir Khan Bollywood Thriller Movie
“Talaash: The Answer Lies Within,” directed by Reema Kagti, is a psychological Bollywood thriller movie that masterfully blends elements of crime, mystery, and the supernatural. The film stars Aamir Khan as Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat, a brooding police officer grappling with personal demons following the accidental drowning of his young son, Karan.
The plot kicks off with the mysterious death of a popular film actor, Armaan Kapoor (Vivan Bhatena), who drives his car into the sea under inexplicable circumstances. As Surjan delves into the investigation, he uncovers a seedy underbelly of Mumbai’s nightlife, filled with shady characters and hidden secrets.
During his investigation, Surjan encounters Rosie (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a mysterious sex worker who seems to hold crucial information about the case. As he gets closer to uncovering the truth, Rosie guides him through a labyrinth of clues, leading to startling revelations that intertwine with his own unresolved grief.
Rani Mukerji plays Surjan’s wife, Roshni, who is also struggling with their son’s death and seeks solace through supernatural means, further deepening the film’s eerie atmosphere.
“Talaash” skillfully combines a gritty crime narrative with a hauntingly emotional storyline, culminating in a twist that challenges the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. Aamir Khan’s intense performance, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan’s enigmatic presence and Rani Mukerji’s poignant portrayal, make this Indian thriller movie a compelling exploration of loss, redemption, and the search for answers that lie beyond the visible.
Watch the Talaash Aamir Khan movie trailer:
2. Badla (2019): Spain’s The Invisible Guest Goes Bollywood Thriller Movie Mode
“Badla,” directed by Sujoy Ghosh, is a gripping suspense Bollywood thriller movie adapted from the Spanish film “The Invisible Guest.” The story revolves around Naina Sethi (Taapsee Pannu), a successful businesswoman accused of murdering her lover, Arjun (Tony Luke). She finds herself in a locked room with top-notch defense attorney Badal Gupta (Amitabh Bachchan), who has never lost a case in his 40-year career.
The narrative unfolds in a series of flashbacks as Naina recounts her version of events leading up to the murder. She claims that she and Arjun were being blackmailed and were attacked in a hotel room, resulting in Arjun’s death. As Badal meticulously interrogates her, it becomes apparent that there are inconsistencies in her story.
Badal’s relentless questioning peels away layers of deception, revealing shocking twists and hidden motives. The cat-and-mouse dialogue between Naina and Badal keeps the tension high, as he pushes her to confront the truth and admit her culpability.
As the plot thickens, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, with every new revelation challenging their perception of guilt and innocence. The Indian thriller movie culminates in a jaw-dropping climax that redefines the boundaries of truth and deception.
“Badla” stands out for its tight script, powerful performances by Bachchan and Pannu, and its ability to keep the audience guessing until the very end. The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with each twist adding to the intrigue, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
Watch the Badla movie trailer here:
1. Andhadhun (2018): A Blind Witnesses a Murder In This Best Bollywood Thriller Movie To Date
“Andhadhun,” directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a masterfully crafted dark comedy Bollywood thriller movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable twists and turns. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Akash, a seemingly blind pianist who becomes embroiled in a series of bizarre and violent events.
As the story unfolds, Akash’s deception leads him deeper into a web of crime and corruption. His life spirals out of control as he tries to maintain his facade while dealing with Simi’s increasing suspicion and the ruthless tactics of Manohar.
The film skillfully blends dark humor with suspense, creating a tense yet entertaining atmosphere. Tabu’s portrayal of the cunning and manipulative Simi is particularly noteworthy, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a standout performance, capturing Akash’s vulnerability and cunning.
“Andhadhun” is celebrated for its tight screenplay, unexpected plot twists, and memorable performances. The Indian Bollywood movie’s climax is both shocking and thought-provoking, leaving audiences questioning what they’ve just seen and craving more. It is a testament to Raghavan’s directorial prowess and his ability to craft a thriller that is both thrilling and darkly comedic.
What do you think about our list? Did we get them all, or did we miss something? Let us know down below in the comments, and if you’re looking for more amazing Bollywood news updates, come join us at Bollywood Junkies!
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