Bollywood psychological thrillers have become a dominant force in the Indian film industry, captivating audiences with their gripping narratives and exploration of the human psyche. These films, often blending genres, are united by their focus on psychological fiction and their ability to weave social commentary about the impact of mental health. While rooted in reality, these stories present characters grappling with extraordinary situations that create a unique blend of tension and psychological intrigue.
If you’re ready for a thrilling binge-watching experience, here’s a curated list of Bollywood psychological thrillers, both movies and shows, that will keep you on the edge of your seat:
Gupt (1997)
This timeless classic, boasting a phenomenal soundtrack, follows the intertwined lives of Sahil, Sheetal, and Isha. Isha (Kajol) and Sahil (Bobby Deol) are deeply in love and plan to marry, but their dreams are shattered when Sahil is arrested for the murder of his stepfather. Determined to prove his innocence, Sahil escapes prison with the help of Sheetal (who also harbors feelings for him). However, Inspector Udham Singh is relentless in his pursuit of justice, creating a thrilling game of cat and mouse. You can stream ‘Gupt’ on Zee5.
Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
Initially appearing as a romantic film, this Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone starrer dives into the complexities of a troubled mind. Karthik Narayan (Akhtar) is a bright but timid man burdened by childhood trauma. His lack of confidence makes him vulnerable to manipulation, exacerbating his struggles with self-worth. One morning, he receives a mysterious call from someone claiming to be Karthik himself. This enigmatic caller transforms him into a confident and successful man, even helping him win over his crush, Shonali Mukherjee (Padukone). But as Karthik tries to uncover the identity of the caller, a shocking revelation awaits. ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’ is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Talaash (2012)
Aamir Khan leads this dark and suspenseful tale as Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat, who is tasked with investigating the fatal accident of a prominent actor. However, Surjan is emotionally burdened by the recent death of his 8-year-old son, causing friction in his marriage to Roshni (Rani Mukherji). Despite his personal struggles, Surjan dives into the investigation, uncovering a trail of money connected to the deceased actor and the involvement of various individuals, including an escort named Rosie (Kareena Kapoor Khan). The mystery surrounding the accident deepens with each revelation, ultimately leading to a shocking twist that exposes the dark underbelly of Mumbai. ‘Talaash’ is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Kahaani (2012)
Vidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan), a heavily pregnant software programmer from London, arrives in Kolkata to search for her missing husband. With the help of a dedicated cop, Rana (Parambrata Chattopadhyay), she embarks on a desperate search, only to find that her husband has vanished without a trace. There are no school records, no relatives, and no immigration records—as if he never existed. ‘Kahaani’ is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Phobia (2016)
Mehak (Radhika Apte), a talented artist struggling with severe agoraphobia following a traumatic sexual assault by a taxi driver, moves into a new apartment hoping to regain control over her condition. However, her crippling anxiety keeps her isolated and paranoid. As she adjusts to solitary life, Mehak encounters new neighbours who seem untrustworthy. Adding to her distress, she discovers a diary belonging to the apartment’s former tenant, who mysteriously disappeared. This unsettling discovery fuels her fears, and she begins experiencing vivid visions of intruders and murder. Her loved ones struggle to determine if her anxieties are real or the result of her trauma. ‘Phobia’ is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Bhram (2018)
Alisha Khanna (Kalki Koechlin), a bestselling author, suffers a near-fatal car accident that leaves her with severe PTSD. Seeking refuge, she moves to her sister’s house in Shimla. However, things take a dark turn when she starts seeing a young girl around the property. Initially dismissing these sightings as hallucinations due to her trauma, Alisha soon learns that a child died in the area 20 years ago. On the pretense of writing a new book, Alisha delves into the hills’ mysterious past, uncovering evidence that implicates powerful individuals, some of whom begin to die under mysterious circumstances. ‘Bhram’ is available on ZEE5.
Damaged (2018)
The disappearance of a renowned painter sets off a series of investigations that expose a vicious serial killer. The culprit is revealed to be Lovina (Amruta Khanvilkar), a seductive woman who manipulates and murders her male victims. Abhay Singh Pariyar (Amit Siyal), a ruthless and determined cop, takes on the case and utilizes his skills to track down Lovina. But Lovina is a cunning adversary, possessing numerous tricks up her sleeve that threaten to outsmart the authorities. ‘Damaged’ is available on MX Player.
Andhadhun (2018)
Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana), a blind pianist, finds his life thrown into chaos when he unwittingly becomes entangled in a murder. Invited to perform at the home of a wealthy man, he stumbles upon a crime scene involving the man’s wife, Simi (Tabu), and her lover, Inspector Manohar (Manav Vij). Despite initially pretending to be oblivious due to his blindness, it’s revealed that Akash is actually faking his disability. This deception plunges him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Simi and Manohar, all while trying to navigate his burgeoning relationship with Sophie (Radhika Apte). ‘Andhadhun’ is available on Google Play.
Abhay (2019)
This gripping crime drama, now in its third season, follows SP Abhay Pratap Singh (Kumal Khemu), a brilliant but unorthodox cop who goes to extreme lengths to solve cases in his crime-ridden city. Abhay’s ability to think like a criminal sets him apart, but his skills also pit him against some of the most dangerous criminals while confronting his own inner demons. The show delves into the darkest corners of the human mind, challenging viewers’ perceptions of morality and the boundaries of justice. ‘Abhay’ is available on ZEE5.
Game Over (2019)
As the anniversary of her sexual assault approaches, Swapna (Taapsee Pannu) finds her nyctophobia—an extreme fear of the dark—threatening her sanity. A talented game designer, she feels crippled by her mental limitations. After a traumatic accident, Swapna becomes wheelchair-bound, just as news of a serial killer targeting young women in her area spreads. Tragically, the murderer sets his sights on her next. In her vulnerable state, Swapna must overcome her trauma and fight for survival. ‘Game Over’ was initially released in Tamil and Telugu, and later dubbed in Hindi. It is available on Netflix.
Asur (2020)
This gritty thriller merges mythology and murder, taking place in the holy city of Varanasi. The story revolves around Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti), a forensic expert turned teacher, who returns to his job at the CBI as a twisted serial killer terrorizes the city. He teams up with Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi), his former mentor, to unravel the case, but they find themselves constantly outmaneuvered by the brilliant and enigmatic killer. ‘Asur’ is available on Voot Select.
Breathe: Into the Shadows (2020)
This tense thriller follows Dr. Avinash Sabharwal (Abhishek Bachchan), a renowned psychiatrist, whose 6-year-old daughter is kidnapped by a masked man. The kidnapper demands a chilling ransom: Avinash must murder several people to secure his daughter’s release. Desperately wanting to see his child again, Avinash reluctantly agrees. As he carries out his first kill, Inspector Kabir Savant (Amit Sadh) takes charge of the investigation. Avinash cunningly joins the probe as a psychiatric expert, using his knowledge to mislead the authorities. But the ultimate revelation of the original kidnapper’s identity completely flips the narrative on its head. ‘Breathe: Into the Shadows’ is available on Amazon Prime Video.
The Girl on the Train (2021)
This adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel follows Mira Kapoor (Parineeti Chopra), a washed-up lawyer battling amnesia after a car crash and dealing with a messy divorce. Her struggles lead her to alcoholism, and she finds solace in observing a seemingly perfect couple—a life she could have had—from her daily train commute. Her fascination quickly turns into obsession, and she begins stalking the woman. After another bout of amnesia, she discovers that her fantasy woman has been murdered, and she becomes the prime suspect. ‘The Girl on the Train’ is available on Netflix.
Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022)
An official remake of the British series ‘Luther,’ ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ dives into the gritty underbelly of Mumbai, offering a chilling glimpse into the minds of psychopathic criminals. DCP Rudraveer Pratap Singh (Ajay Devgan), a ruthless and dedicated cop, is driven to stop at nothing to fulfill his duty. However, Rudra’s fatal flaw is his tendency to become consumed by the darkness of the crimes he investigates, blurring the lines between right and wrong. ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ is available on Disney+ Hotstar.
Jaane Jaan (2023)
Kareena Kapoor Khan made her OTT debut in this Sujoy Ghosh film based on the Japanese novel ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ by Keigo Higashino. She portrays Maya D’Souza, a single mother living in Kalimpong, who faces a turbulent situation when her abusive ex-husband unexpectedly reappears. The plot thickens when Maya, with the help of her neighbour Naren (Jaideep Ahlawat), attempts to cover up the murder of her ex-husband as a Mumbai cop (Vijay Varma) investigates his disappearance. ‘Jaane Jaan’ is available on Netflix.
So, buckle up and prepare for a thrilling journey into the minds of these intriguing characters. From classic suspense to modern twists, this list has something for every psychological thriller fan.
