19 Indian Thriller Films Full of Tension with Interesting Plot Twists: Inspired by True Stories

Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't know Indian films, or as we more commonly call it Bollywood? These films always offer unique and interesting stories, just as exciting as Hollywood films. If you are a fan of the thriller genre, then Bollywood films must be on your watchlist, KLovers!

Some of the best Indian films in this genre not only have thrilling scripts but often present surprising plot twists. It's not uncommon for the stories in these films to be inspired by true events or to raise complex psychological issues. Be prepared to be confused and shocked by unexpected endings!

Behind all that, the performances of the actors and actresses are also stunning, adding to the appeal of these films. So, which Indian films are worth watching? Here are 19 recommendations for the best Indian thriller films that will make your heart race and experience extraordinary tension. Let's check out the list, KLovers!

1. MOM

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One of the best Indian films that must be watched for thriller enthusiasts is MOM, released in 2017. In this film, we will witness the heart-wrenching struggle of a stepmother, Devki, who fights tirelessly to seek justice for her daughter, Arya, who becomes a victim of abuse. Although she is not Arya's biological mother, Devki loves her wholeheartedly, and she does not hesitate to take bold steps, even against the law, with the help of a private detective.

Driven by pain and anger, she targets the criminals who have destroyed her daughter's life, and her quest for revenge is filled with unexpected tension. "MOM" will take the audience through an exhilarating emotional journey, making it one of the Indian thriller films that is hard to miss!

2. CHEHRE

One of the Indian thrillers worth watching is CHEHRE, released in 2021 and inspired by the classic German novel, A Dangerous Game, by Friedrich Dürrenmatt. The story begins when Sameer Mehra gets caught in a dangerous game with four brilliant retired lawyers.

They hold a unique game that involves reconstructing legal cases, and Sameer is chosen as the defendant. However, the tension escalates as he realizes that among the players is a dangerous executioner, who is using this game as a cover to hide the murder of his former boss. With a plot full of intrigue and tension, CHEHRE promises an unforgettable viewing experience!

3. HOTEL MUMBAI

Don't miss the film HOTEL MUMBAI released in 2018, a work based on a gripping true story! It tells the tale of the terrorist attack on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai in 2008, and is a collaboration between India, Australia, and America inspired by the 2009 documentary Surviving Mumbai. The story focuses on Arjun, a new employee at the hotel under the guidance of Hemant Oberoi.

That night, as Arjun carries out his duties, terror strikes when the Lashkar E-Taiba group launches its brutal attack. With remarkable courage, Arjun fights to save the guests, while the dramatic stories of other foreign visitors unfold, creating thrilling tension. HOTEL MUMBAI is one of the best Indian thrillers that you must watch!

4. PIHU

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Don't miss the film PIHU released in 2018, an emotionally stirring and tension-filled Indian thriller! Unlike most thrillers filled with brutal action, "PIHU" presents a touching story about a two-year-old child struggling to survive alone in her home.

Based on a true story that occurred in Delhi in 2004, the film follows PIHU as she tries to wake her mother without receiving a response. Throughout this journey, we will feel deep anxiety as PIHU nearly swallows floor cleaner and gets trapped in dangerous situations. Witness the extraordinary struggle of a little child fighting against loneliness and danger, a thrilling experience that is not to be missed!

5. DRISHYAM

For detective story enthusiasts, the film DRISHYAM is a must-watch! The story follows Vijay Salgaonkar, a simple husband who runs a cable TV service and lives happily with his two beloved daughters. However, that happiness is threatened when his daughter becomes entangled in a tragic incident involving a man named Sameer, which leads to a death.

To protect his child from legal repercussions, Vijay, who only finished elementary school and is a movie buff, devises a brilliant strategy to erase the traces of the crime. With Sameer having a mother who is a well-known police chief, the tension escalates. Prepare yourself to be shocked by the unexpected twist at the end of the story that will leave you spellbound!

6. UGLY

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UGLY, a film released in 2013, will take you deep into the darkness of the human heart and the greed that plagues the world. The story begins with the disappearance of a child due to the negligence of their parents, but the search opens a larger Pandora's box. Along the way, they are confronted with the complexities of a police system full of intrigue and personal interests.

Amidst the tension, there are parties trying to exploit the situation for ransom in pursuit of wealth, while others are caught up in revenge. When the child is finally found, a shocking plot twist will leave you stunned, evoking a deep sense of sorrow and regret. UGLY is one of the best Indian thrillers that you must watch!

7. KURANGU BOMMAI

One Indian thriller film that is worth watching is KURANGU BOMMAI. The story centers around Sundaram, a family head who works in a factory owned by Ekambaram. Sundaram has a son named Kathir who lives in Chennai and works as a driver. One day, Sundaram is asked to deliver a bag containing stolen goods to an agent in Chennai.

Unexpectedly, the bag falls into the hands of Kathir, who is unaware that it contains stolen items and a large sum of money. With his honest demeanor, Kathir is determined to find the original owner of the bag, while the agent tries to deceive Ekambaram by making Sundaram the scapegoat. The tension and intrigue deepen as the truth begins to unfold!

8. KAHAANI

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In a tense atmosphere, the Kolkata metro is suddenly attacked with toxic gas that takes the lives of the passengers inside. Two years after the tragedy, Vidya Bagchi, an engineer who has traveled a long way from London, arrives in Kolkata with one goal: to find her husband, Arnab, who has disappeared without a trace.

In her search, she collaborates with a policeman named Satyoki Rana Sinha, and together they trace leads at the National Data Center (NDC) to find information about Arnab. However, their progress is hindered by Bob Biswas, a hitman assigned to seize that valuable information.

This story narrates the struggle of a pregnant woman tirelessly searching for her husband, amidst various shocking plot twists that pique curiosity. The film "KAHAANI" not only presents an exhilarating drama but also showcases the authenticity of Indian society, making this story even richer and more engaging.

9. SPECIAL 26

The film SPECIAL 26 is one of the gems in the Indian film industry that should be on your watchlist, especially for thriller enthusiasts. Based on a true story of a clever heist at the Mumbai Opera House in 1987, the film depicts a group of con artists posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers to conduct a fake income tax raid at Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri & Sons Jewellers.

With a production cost of 5.5 million dollars, "SPECIAL 26" managed to rake in a fantastic 18 million dollars globally, making it the 10th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2013. With such achievements, this film is definitely worth watching and should not be missed!

10. KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK

Need a thought-provoking thriller? Don't miss Karthik Calling Karthik! In this gripping tale, we meet Karthik, a man who has spent his life trapped in loneliness, with no friends, and always feeling alienated in the crowd. The mistreatment from his boss only adds to his burdens.

However, behind his introverted nature, Karthik harbors feelings for his beautiful coworker, Shonali. One night, his life takes a drastic turn when he receives a mysterious phone call from someone also named Karthik. This caller is not just a voice on the other end of the line; he becomes a mentor for Karthik, guiding him to gain confidence and approach his true love, Shonali. Witness Karthik's thrilling journey to change his fate!

11. TALAASH

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One of the must-watch Indian thriller films is TALAASH. The story begins with a horrific tragedy when Armaan Kapoor, a famous actor, dies in an accident. Shortly after that, Inspector Surjan Singh, who is struggling to cope with the deep sorrow of losing his child, along with his assistant Devrath Kulkarni, is assigned to investigate the mystery of Armaan's death.

However, the emotional burden that Surjan carries traps him in a world of hallucinations, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. The tension escalates as his investigation progresses, leading the audience to a truly unexpected plot twist.

12. TIGER ZINDA HAI

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In a thrilling mission, secret agent Tiger from RAW must collaborate with Zoya to rescue a group of nurses trapped in the grip of a terrorist organization. The meeting of these two agents from different backgrounds creates extraordinary tension amidst the turmoil of armed conflict and global political intrigue.

This film highlights the importance of cross-country collaboration in facing threats that endanger humanity, depicting their brave struggle to save lives in a high-risk situation.

13. JAANE JAAN

In a stirring tale, a single mother and her daughter are drawn into the criminal world to survive. In a high-pressure situation, they find unexpected support from a mysterious neighbor who helps them cover up their tracks behind the shadows of a police investigation. This story highlights the heroic struggle of a mother who is forced to swim against the tide for her family's safety, creating unforgettable tension and emotion.

14. RAID 2

In a gripping story, this film takes us to the year 1989 in Rajasthan, where IPS Patnaik leads a dramatic raid on a palace, but unfortunately ends in failure that leads to his transfer.

Upon arriving in his new area, he begins investigating an influential figure named Dada Bhai, and here he becomes entangled in a web of corruption and power plays involving many parties. Set against a backdrop of intense political tension, the film narrates the moral intrigue of a police officer who tirelessly fights against a chaotic system.

15. BADLA

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In this intricate film, we are invited to delve into the story of a young entrepreneur who finds himself trapped in a chilling situation, locked in a hotel room with the body of his lover. To uncover the mystery behind the tragedy, he calls upon a renowned lawyer who is smart and experienced.

Through the thrilling dialogue between the two, layer by layer, lies begin to unravel, leading the audience into a tense psychological game. With a strong blend of crime, mystery, and drama, this film, "Badla", successfully creates a tension that keeps us questioning: who is really the mastermind behind this murder?

16. CTRL

Behind the glittering life of influencer couple Nella and Joe, which appears perfect on social media, lies a dark story as infidelity brings everything crashing down. In despair, Nella turns to an AI application to erase Joe from her life, but instead of freeing herself, the technology takes control, creating a fog between human and machine. This film cleverly reveals the dangers of our dependence on artificial intelligence in personal matters, inviting the audience to reflect on the impact of technology in the relationships we navigate.

17. SHAITAAN

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A family vacation that was supposed to be full of joy suddenly turns into a nightmare when a mysterious man possesses their daughter's body. With an intimidating evil force, this family is trapped in a chilling psychological terror, forcing them to fight to save their child from the grip of darkness. In the film Shaitaan, elements of thriller and psychological horror blend perfectly, creating a tense atmosphere that continually escalates, making every second feel thrilling and unpredictable.

18. RAAT AKELI HAI - THE BANSAL MURDERS

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When the Bansal family is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Inspector Jatil Yadav dives into an investigation that uncovers a web of betrayal and dark secrets involving various authorities. In this film, the murder mystery intertwines with sharp social criticism, revealing how deep the conspiracy surrounding this tragic case is, where each layer of truth brings us closer to the dark side of society.

19. MRS. SERIAL KILLER

In a shocking tale, a doctor becomes entangled in brutal murder accusations, while his wife struggles with an unwavering belief that her husband is the victim of a setup. In a desperate attempt to prove her husband’s innocence, she recklessly dives into darkness, committing similar crimes to attract the attention of authorities. Mrs. Serial Killer depicts the sacrifices and madness of love that drive someone beyond moral boundaries, creating a narrative filled with tension and emotion.

20. QnA Recommendations for the Best Indian Thriller Movies

Q1: Why is the thriller genre becoming increasingly popular in India?

Because audiences are now seeking stories with high tension, plot twists, and character depth that challenge emotions.

Q2: Which movie has the most shocking plot?

Badla is known for its unexpected and clever ending.

Q3: Do Indian thriller films always contain criminal elements?

Most of them do, but some also feature psychological and supernatural themes like Shaitaan.

Q4: Which actor is known for expertly portraying characters in thriller films?

Amitabh Bachchan often appears in roles filled with mystery and high intensity.

Q5: Are there any Indian thriller films that also touch on social issues?

Yes, Raat Akeli Hai and Raid 2 highlight social inequality and corruption as the backdrop of their main stories.

These are some recommendations for the best Indian thriller movies that could be great ideas for your viewing. Not only do they have interesting stories and plot twists, but some of these top Indian thriller films are also based on true stories. Stay updated with the latest celebrity news only at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/nlw)