21 Best Hindi Suspense Movies
11 min read
Suspense is a genre that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, hearts racing, and minds guessing until the very last frame. Hindi suspense movies have carved a niche for themselves, offering a captivating blend of storytelling, intriguing characters, and spine-tingling mysteries.
Prepare to be captivated, enthralled, and surprised as we unlock the suspenseful world of Hindi cinema’s best offerings. Join us as we navigate through the twisting plots, unmask the hidden secrets, and celebrate the artistry behind the best Hindi suspense movies. Your quest for to immerse into the vortex of the best Hindi suspense movies rests here. Explore these movies and have a great time.
Best Hindi Suspense Movies
Ugly
Director: – Anurag Kashyap
Cast: – Rahul Bhat, Ronit Roy, Girish Kulkarni, Siddhanth Kapoor, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Vineet Kumar Singh, Surveen Chawla
Release Date: – 2014
IMDB: – 7.9/10
Anurag Kashyap weaves an immersive, powerful, and gut-wrenching story that stays with you after the credit rolls. The plot moves forward with different unreliable narratives that keep you guessing and wandering. The plot revolves around the girl who is lost and its aftermath. This movie explores dark human natures, and ignorance, and deals with various sad issues.
The ending of this movie is cinematically beautiful but morally it is gut-wrenching. It makes you question life, the intention, and overall human nature. And considered as best Hindi suspense movie.
Andhadhun
Director: – Sriram Raghavan
Cast: – Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan
Release Date: – October 5, 2018
IMDB: – 8.2/10
This movie features complex characters, a well-crafted plot, and humor that makes you laugh and manages to amaze you, baffle you, and sometimes make you laugh. But the strong point of this movie is its plot. The plot ignites when a blind pianist witnesses a murder. But is he blind? Various sinister characters, different motives, and the overall crux of the story glue you to the screen. The pacing of the movie is great with various twists and turns that keep you guessing and engaged.
The perfect blend of suspense, humor, thriller, and captivating characters, this film disturbs you and it is a perfect example of a suspense thriller well done.
Raat Akeli Hai
Director: – Honey Trehan
Cast: – Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi, Aditya Srivastava, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shivani Raghuvanshi
Release Date: – July 31, 2020
IMDB: – 7.2/10
This movie twists the monotonous and basic formula of Whodunit Murder and makes a thrilling and nail-biting experience. Raat Akeli Hai revolves around a murder mystery that unfolds during a wedding night. When a wealthy family’s patriarch is found dead under mysterious circumstances, a small-town cop is called in to investigate.
The puzzling plot, the grey characters, and the eerie mood make you keep guessing till the very end of the movie. And it has one of the most powerful endings in Indian cinema history.
Kaun?
Director: – Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: – Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, Sushant Singh
Release Date: – 26 February, 1999
IMDB: – 7.8/10
A cinematic gem and the signature movie of legendary director Ram Gopal Varma, Kaun is a real treat to watch. It is often regarded as one of the best suspense movies in Indian cinema.
It is known for its minimalist setting, taking place almost entirely within a single house during a rainstorm. This confined setting creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere, enhancing the suspense.
For me, it’s one of the best cinematic experiences. What happens after a single doorbell, is a truly brilliant display.
Talvar
Director: – Meghna Gulzar
Cast: – Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi
Release Date: – 2 October, 2015
IMDB: – 8.1/10
Inspired by the 2008 Noida double murder case, this movie explores what happened and the consequences of the incidents. Meghna Gulzar does not conclude the movie and introduce us to the killer rather she lets the audience decide.
A true mixture of real-life murder cases with compelling storytelling, strong performances, and social commentary make it a great cinema experience. Its ability to engage viewers in a complex web of facts and interpretations while addressing larger societal issues has contributed to its reputation as a standout in the suspense genre.
Aamir
Director: – Raj Kumar Gupta
Cast: – Rajeev Khandelwal, Vasan Bala, Gajraj Rao
Release Date: – 6 June, 2008
IMDB: – 7.6/10
To be honest, one of the underrated suspense movies Amir is a true portrayal of urban life in Mumbai. The film captures the city’s bustling streets and crowded locales, adding an authentic backdrop to the suspenseful events.
The film’s plot centers around a UK-based doctor, Dr. Aamir Ali (played by Rajeev Khandelwal), who returns to India and becomes unwittingly embroiled in a web of terrorism and crime. The suspense builds as Aamir finds himself in increasingly dire situations.
Amir takes a minimalist approach to storytelling, relying on tension, pacing, and character development rather than elaborate action sequences or special effects.
Drishyam
Director: – Nishikant Kamat
Cast: – Ajay Devgan, Tabu, Shriyan Saran, Rajat Kapoor
Release Date: – July 31, 2015
IMDB: – 8.2/10
The story of a simple cable operator living in a quiet village with his family who finds himself in a condition to defend his family from a dark crime. A total rollercoaster ride encountered by the family, a brilliant plan to outsmart the police and the criminals, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Drishyam is celebrated as one of the best suspense movies in Hindi cinema due to its gripping plot, strong performances, emotional depth, clever storytelling, and critical acclaim. It’s considered a standout in the genre for its ability to keep viewers engaged while exploring complex moral and ethical dilemmas.
A Wednesday!
Director: – Neeraj Pandey
Cast: – Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepal Shaw, Aamir Bashir
Release Date: – 5 September, 2008
IMDB: – 8.1/10
A Wednesday stands out due to its unique narrative style. The story is presented as a series of events recounted by a retired police commissioner (played by Anupam Kher) in a letter to the police department. This storytelling approach adds depth and intrigue to the plot.
Neeraj Pandey succeeded in maintaining a tight and well-paced screenplay, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The brilliance in the narrative unfolds in real-time, creating a sense of urgency and suspense.
A Wednesday is known for its impactful dialogues, particularly those delivered by Naseeruddin Shah’s character. These dialogues not only enhance the suspense but also leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within
Director: – Reema Kagti
Cast: – Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajkummar Rao, Shernaz Patel
Release Date: – 30 November, 2012
IMDB: – 7.2/10
The story of a police officer investigating a mysterious accident encounters an element of supernatural suspense. Reema Kagti binds us in her cinematic world with her immersive storytelling and powerful narrative with mystery lingering in every frame.
The movie succeeds in keeping the audience engaged in solving the central mystery. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers guessing until the climax.
Kahaani
Director: – Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: – Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Indraneil Sengupta, Saswata Chatterjee
Release Date: – 9 March,2012
IMDB: – 8.1/10
The film features a strong female protagonist Vidya Balan in the lead role and her portrayal of Vidya Bagchi. The story revolves around the backdrop of Kolkata, and the city itself plays a significant role in the narrative. A pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata is widely acclaimed. Vidya Balan’s performance is a standout element of the film and is celebrated for its depth and authenticity.
Kahaani offers a captivating and complex mystery that keeps the audience guessing throughout. As Vidya delves deeper into her search, she unravels a web of secrets and unexpected twists.
No Smoking
Director: – Anurag Kashyap
Cast: – John Abraham, Ayesha Takia, Paresh Rawal, Ranvir Shorey
Release Date: – 26 October, 2007
IMDB: – 7.3/10
Smoking will kill you, but what if smoking kills your whole family? No Smoking is one of the best examples to showcase how skillful and brilliant Anurag Kashyap is. It is an unconventional and surreal psychological suspense thriller that explores addiction, free will, and the consequences of one’s choices. Well known for its unique storytelling style and has gained a cult following for its bold and enigmatic narrative.
Table No: 21
Director: – Aditya Datt
Cast: – Paresh Rawal, Rajeev Khandelwal, Tina Desai
Release Date: – 4 January, 2013
IMDB: – 7.2/10
Table No. 21 revolves around the lives of a married couple, who win an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji. During their vacation, they are lured into participating in a bizarre and high-stakes game by a mysterious host.
The film explores several themes, including trust, morality, the consequences of one’s actions, and the impact of past mistakes.
It is known for its suspenseful and thrilling narrative. The film keeps the audience engaged by gradually revealing the dark secrets and motives behind the game and the host’s intentions.
TE3N
Director: – Ribhu Dasgupta
Cast: – Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vidya Balan, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Padmavati Rao
Release Date: – 10 June, 2016
IMDB: – 7.2/10
The story of a grandfather seeking justice for the abduction and murder of his granddaughter eight years earlier. TE3N is a movie that interweaves the past and present as John Biswas (played by Amitabh Bachchan) tries to solve a case by finding new leads.
The movie is celebrated as a notable suspense movie in Indian cinema due to its compelling plot, strong performances, suspenseful narrative, atmospheric setting, and emotional depth. It is recognized for its ability to engage viewers and deliver a captivating and emotionally resonant story.
Wazir
Director: – Bejoy Nambiar
Cast: – Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manav Kaul, Neil Nitin Mukesh John Abraham
Release Date: – 8 January, 2016
IMDB: – 7.1/10
The story of two individuals, former ATS officers and a chess player, who come together to unravel a complex web of conspiracy and revenge. Seeking answers regarding a traumatic incident in their lives and harboring their dark secrets.
Wazir is known for its suspenseful and tightly woven narrative. The film engages the audience with unexpected twists, clever strategies, and a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between the characters. The chess motif adds a layer of intrigue to the storytelling.
Monica, O My Darling
Director: – Vasan Bala
Cast: – Rajkummar Rao, Radhika Apte, Huma Qureshi
Release Date: – November 11, 2022
IMDB: – 7.4/10
“Monica, O My Darling,” available on Netflix, is a crime suspense thriller with dark humor, a mixture that was famous in vintage movies that were made in Bollywood. The story revolves around a young man who tries everything to make things better around him.
The movie tries to capture the complexity of mystery, which keeps the audience guessing throughout. The angle of murder is well played in the movie, and storytelling followed by brilliant editing kept that suspenseful taste in the film.
If you love the vintage 60’s mystery and love to guess the story of the movie, this movie is a perfect match.
Manorama Six Feet Under
Director: – Navdeep Singh
Cast: – Abhay Deol,Raima Sen,Gul Panag
Release Date: – 21 September 2007
IMDB: – 7.5/10
Inspired by Chinatown, this movie explores the life of a writer/detective whose life turns into a spiral of lies and surreal revelations. The wife of the irrigation manager comes to visit him and explains about her husband cheating. Now, he must investigate but he gets in the storms of lies, politics, murders, and much more.
This movie grabs you by the hand and takes you to one of the tense and suspenseful cinematic experiences. The characters look familiar yet you can see the mask they are wearing on the screen but as the story unfolds this is one of the satisfying endings.
Drishyam 2
Director: – Abhishek Pathak
Cast: – Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, Tabu, Shriya Saran
Release Date: – 18 November 2022
IMDB: – 8.2/10
Aftermath of Drishyam, this sequel explores the loopholes, the characters’ griefs, and what happened in Vijay Salgaonkar and his family life. After you thought he was safe, god cinematic had a different faith so the story continues.
But this movie is equally gripping and suspenseful as the first one. The proper action, thrill, and the heart of the story always keep you guessing and make you want for more after the end credits.
Ek Hasina Thi
Director: – Sriram Raghavan
Cast: – Urmila Matondkar,Saif Ali Khan,Aditya Srivastava,Seema Biswas
Release Date: – 16 January 2004
IMDB: – 7.5/10
Ek Hasina thi is a movie that I guess properly introduced a neo-noir thriller in Bollywood cinemas. Sriram meticulously weaves a story that picks up slowly and steadily but this movie will challenge you, thrills you, and hooks you through this mythical storytelling and powerful writing.
A common girl falls in love with the wrong man and it has very consequences that she has to encounter. Now she must stand up for herself and get her revenge. Although the plot is very normal, the movie is not. The movie is relentless, with one revelation after another, actions, and interesting characters.
Gumnaam
Director: – Raja Nawathe
Cast: – Manoj Kumar, Nanda, Pran, Helen, Mehmood
Release Date: – 24 December 1965
IMDB: – 6.9/10
Adapted from the great Agatha Christie’s work, Gumnaam is a great Bollywood movie that keeps you hooked to the screen with its mysterious plot and powerful characters that hide the motivations.
After an emergency landing, a group of seven people are stranded on the mysterious island. A mysterious song echoes on the island, they follow the song and they find the mansion.
With its subtle mysterious setting, this movie never loses its grip rather, it makes an intense viewing experience.
Gupt: The Hidden Truth
Director: – Rajiv Rai
Cast: – Bobby Deol,Manisha Koirala,Kajol,Om Puri
Release Date: – 24 December 1965
IMDB: – 7.3/10
‘Is Kajol a killer?’ was the most talked about term during the release of this movie. Rajiv Rain beautifully mixes thriller, action, family drama, and mystery making this movie one of the most influential movies in Hollywood, and rightly so.
The love triangle, politics, and cat-and-mouse chase is the crux of the movie but with its masterful storytelling, the director keeps the audience guessing and puzzled at the end of the movie. So, if you want to watch a nail-biting thriller then this one is for you.
Johnny Gaddaar
Director: – Sriram Raghavan
Cast: – Neil Nitin Mukesh, Dharmendra, Rimi Sen, Vinay Pathak, Zakir Hussain, Dayanand Shetty, Ashwini Kalsekar, Govind Namdeo
Release Date: – 28 September 2007
IMDB: – 7.9/10
Sriram Raghavan is considered the father of this genre in Hollywood. His masterful storytelling and absurd humor make his movie a joyful and sometimes stressful watch. Johnny Gaddaar is no different.
The movie explores the characters who are in the spiral of lies, truths, betrayal, and money. The movie is fast-paced with great actions but the soul of the story is its suspense and mystery.
Karthik Calling Karthik
Director: – Vijay Lalwani
Cast: – Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Vivan Bhatena, Ram Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Vipin Sharm
Release Date: – 26 February 2010
IMDB: – 7.1/10
Vijay Lalwani’s movie is extremely watchable, and joyous, and takes very dark turns in its entirety of the runtime. Farhan Akhtar with his charismatic yet mysterious and dark performance steals the show in this movie.
The movie explores the life of a loner, an unconfident guy whose life changes after he gets a call from a mysterious man. The mysterious man teaches him flair, confidence, and how to talk to women and eventually make a girlfriend.
The music is the heart of the movie with its suspense and its thriller that keeps you hooked.
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