Unmissable Indian Thrillers of Today: A Compilation of Mind-Bending Excellence
In the realm of modern psychological thrillers, India is making a significant mark on the global stage. These gripping narratives, filled with suspense and unforgettable twists, are captivating audiences worldwide.
Leading the charge is the Netflix Hindi series, "Mandala Murders" (2025), starring Vaani Kapoor. Based on the novel The Butcher of Benaraz, this series masterfully blends mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller elements. Its global success is evident, as it entered Netflix’s weekly global list for non-English shows, garnering 1.9 million views in its first three days after release on July 25, 2025[2][4].
Another series worth mentioning is the "Special OPS" series (2020–2025), which has gained widespread recognition on streaming platforms like Jio Hotstar[5]. Though primarily an espionage thriller, its intense psychological elements have made it a standout.
Recent Hindi Crime-Thrillers of 2025, such as Dahek: A Restless Mind and Pune Highway, are notable for their psychological thriller and crime drama narratives[1]. While specific global recognition details aren’t provided, their critical acclaim within India suggests growing international interest.
In the South Indian space, psychological thrillers like the 2025 film Detective Ujjvalan have gained appreciation for their suspenseful storytelling and complex characters.
Among these, "Mandala Murders" stands out as the most explicitly recognized on the global stage due to its Netflix exposure and chart performance[2][4]. Other series and films are noteworthy but currently have more regional acclaim or emerging global audiences.
The Tamil neo-noir film, "Vikram Vedha" (2017), directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, featuring R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi, pits a righteous cop against a cunning gangster. "Ratsasan" (2018), a Tamil psychological thriller directed by Ram Kumar, follows a rookie cop tracking a serial killer who preys on young girls. "Andhadhun" (2018), directed by Sriram Raghavan, features Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu, about a blind pianist entangled in a murder mystery. "U Turn" (2018) is a supernatural thriller that creatively blends mystery and a social message.
"Mumbai Police" (2013) is a Malayalam thriller known for its jaw-dropping climax, while "Evaru" (2019) is a Telugu adaptation of the Spanish thriller The Invisible Guest, directed by Venkat Ramji. "Super Deluxe" (2019) is a film by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, featuring multiple interwoven storylines filled with suspense and surprises. "Article 15" (2019) is a socio-political drama with an investigative storyline that adds a thrilling edge. "Thadam" (2019) is a film directed by Magizh Thirumeni, presenting a murder investigation complicated by identical twins, leaving the police and audience guessing.
Filmmakers in India are pushing creative boundaries, crafting stories that resonate universally while retaining their unique cultural essence. "Drishyam 2" (2022) is a sequel to the 2015 film, directed by Jeethu Joseph, featuring Ajay Devgn and continuing the story of Georgekutty battling new challenges to protect his family. "Badla" (2019) is a film featuring Taapsee Pannu and Amitabh Bachchan, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, about a complex web of deceit and revenge.
"Game Over" (2019) is a psychological thriller directed by Ashwin Saravanan, starring Taapsee Pannu as a woman dealing with trauma and survival. Modern Indian thrillers are captivating audiences with their fresh perspectives, layered narratives, and strong performances. These nail-biting masterpieces not only redefine the genre but also leave an indelible mark on viewers.
"Kahaani" (2012) is a film directed by Sujoy Ghosh, set in Kolkata, featuring Vidya Balan as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband. These modern Indian thrillers offer a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance for fans of suspense, with captivating plots and unforgettable twists.
- The global success of Indian psychological thrillers extends beyond Netflix's "Mandala Murders" to other series like "Special OPS" and films such as "Ratsasan", "Vikram Vedha", "Andhadhun", and "U Turn", each offering unique narratives that captivate audiences both regionally and internationally.
- In the realm of comedy, entertainment enthusiasts appreciate the fusion of suspense and unexpected humor in movies like "Game Over" and "Mumbai Police", adding a fresh twist to the traditional thriller genre.
- For those with an interest in lifestyle, home-and-garden, and movies-and-tv, popular platforms like Netflix, Jio Hotstar, and others provide a diverse range of Indian entertainment options, from psychological thrillers like "Kahaani" to the socio-political drama "Article 15".
