Edge of Your Seat: A Journey Through Bollywood’s Finest Crime Thrillers

Bollywood’s foray into the realm of who-done-it has produced some of the finest and most riveting films of Indian Cinema. Intricate plots, in-depth characterisation and a suspenseful storyline, have not only captured the box-office but also have had fans watch it on their televisions screens on repeat.

Deception, revenge, unprecedented situations, these thrillers offer a diverse range of storytelling that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

So let us delve into 10 relatively latest crime thrillers that many of us have watched and enjoyed on repeat mode.

“Drishyam” (2015) – Directed by Nishikant Kamat, is a masterpiece that stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran. Originally adapted from the Malayalam blockbuster with the same title, this is a riveting tale of a man determined to protect his family after an accidental crime committed by them.

The story revolves around Vijay (Ajay Devgn) and his family who live a simple happy life until they become the prime suspect in a missing case of Sameer Deshmukh (Risabh Chaddha) the son of IG, Meera Deshmukh (Tabu). The story further shows how Vijay and his family deal with this situation.
The film’s strength lies in its ingenious plot, which keeps the viewers guessing.
Devgn’s portrayal of a simple but cunning man and Tabu’s role as a determined police officer, whose son has gone missing, creates a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.

“Andhadhun” (2018) – Directed by Sriram Raghavan: This film is a brilliant blend of dark comedy and suspense. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu and Radhika Apte, “Andhadhun” narrates the story of a blind pianist who involuntarily gets caught in a web of murder, lies and deceit.
Ayushmann’s character as a pianist is both intriguing and unpredictable.

The film’s narrative is cleverly crafted, and the viewer does not know who to believe and how far will the narrative go to confirm the suspicions of the main antagonist Tabu.

Tabu delivers an exceptional performance as femme fatale. The movie is a masterclass in storytelling and keeps the audience at the edge of their seats from the start to finish.

“Kahaani” (2012) – Directed by Sujoy Ghosh: Vidya Balan stars in this gripping thriller as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. The film is a brilliant mix of mystery and raw emotions with a strong female protagonist at its heart.
Balan’s character, the atmospheric setting of Kolkata creates a suspenseful and engaging drama. The storytelling is tight and gives no clues to the audience. The unexpected twists and the climactic revelation showcases Ghosh’s prowess in storytelling, making “Kahaani” a landmark film in Indian cinema.

“Talaash” (2012)- Directed by Reema Kagti: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor Khan lead this psychological thriller.
The story revolves around a police offer (Aamir) investigating a mysterious car accident in Mumbai. The film explores themes of loss, grief and the supernatural.

The star cast delivers a stellar performance, and Aamir leads the pack with a superb performance as a troubled cop.

The film’s moody, atmospheric setting adds to its haunting quality. “Talaas” stands out for its emotional depth and its twist in the ending.

“Badla” (2019) – Directed by Sujoy Ghosh: This murder mystery, staring Amitabh Bachchan and Tapsee Pannu, is a tale of revenge and deception. The narrative unfolds through a conversation between a lawyer and his client, creating a tense and engaging drama. Bachchan’s commanding presence and Pannu’s nuanced performance make for a captivating watch. The plot is clever and full of twists and turns.

“Black Friday” (2004) – Directed by Anurag Kashyap: This film is a hard hitting portrayal of the events leading up to the 1993 Bombay bombings. It’s a raw and realistic depiction of the investigation and its aftermath, based on a book by S. Hussain Zaidi.
The film’s gritty narrative and powerful performances by the ensemble cast brings to life the chaos and complexity of those tumultuous times.

“Black Friday is lauded for its uncompromising storytelling and is considered a land mark film.

“Special 26” (2013) – Directed by Neeraj Pandey: Starring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee and Jimmy Shergil, this film is based on a real life heist. It follows a group of con artists posing as CBI officers to execute a series of fake raids. The movie is a thrilling ride with an intelligent screenplay and excellent performances. The urgency in body language, short crisp dialogs lead the viewers into the world of make belief. The blend of humour, suspense and drama along with a twist ending makes “Special 26” a repeat watch time and again.

“A Wednesday!” (2008) – Directed by Neeraj Pandey: A second Neeraj Pandey film in this list has Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher starring in the lead. The film is a gripping narrative about a common man’s extraordinary plan to fight terrorism.
The story unfolds over the course of a single day and is a tight well-paced thriller. Shah’s performance as the anonymous caller orchestrating a series of events is both powerful and poignant, while Kher’s role as the police commissioner adds depth.
The film’s commentary on justice and the common man’s role in society is thought provoking and relevant.

“Johnny Gaddaar” (2007) – Directed by Sriram Raghavan. A 2nd Sriram film on this list, the film is a stylish neo-noir thriller, that marked the debut of Neil Nitin Mukesh. It revolves around a gang involved in numerous nefarious activities, and a young member (Mukesh) who betrays them owing to circumstances beyond his control.
The film is known for its fast-paced plot, retro style and an engaging narrative. It pays tribute to the noir genre and is filled with references to classic films, making it a treat for cinema lovers.

“Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) – Directed by Anurag Kashyap: A 2nd Aunurag Kashyap film on this film, this 2-part saga delves into the coal mafia and politics of Jharkhand.

Starring Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Richa Chadda, it’s a gritty, raw portrayal of power, betrayal, and revenge.

It charts seventy years in the lives – and spectacular deaths – of two mafia-like families fighting for control of the coal-mining town of Wasseypur, India.
Its graphic depiction of violence and revenge, along with strong performances and a gripping storyline, make it a landmark film in the crime genre.

Apart from these films Manorama Six Feet Under (2007), Samay (2003), Karthik Calling Karthik (2010), Kaun (1999), Ugly (2013), Gumnaam (1965), Mahal (1949), Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986), Ek Hasina Thi (2004), Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007) and Jewel Thief (1967), Shalimaar (1978) are some other memorable crime thrillers.