16 Underrated Bollywood Thrillers That Will Keep You Glued To Your Seat Till The Credits Roll

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    Mugdha Kusray
    by Mugdha Kusray

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. A Death in the Gunj (2017)

    Vikrant Massey
    Moh Maya Films

    Starring Bollywood's thriller staple, Vikrant Massey, A Death in the Gunj is a layered masterpiece about a young man who feels alienated and suffers unfortunate consequences despite his gentle nature and belief in the goodness of people.

    Available on - Prime Video

    2. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)

    Abhay Deol peering over a piece of paper with a magnifying glass
    Shemaroo Entertainment

    Manorama Six Feet Under is an intriguing neo-noir mystery where a wannabe crime writer, played by the brilliant Abhay Deol, finds himself investigating a well-known politician at the request of his wife. It's unpredictable, smartly made, and sends an important message. This one's highly recommended.

    Available on - Netflix

    3. Khamosh (1985)

    A young Naseeruddin Shah in a checkered shirt and black aviators
    Vinod Chopra Films

    A quintessential murder mystery made way ahead of its time. You should give Khamosh a go for its melange of seasoned actors like Amol Palekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Pankaj Kapoor.

    4. Shahid (2013)

    A still from the movie. Rajkummar Rao and Kay Kay Menon are in prison garb.
    Anurag Kashyap Films

    Directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Rajkummar Rao, Kay Kay Menon, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, this biographical drama revolves around the life of lawyer and human rights activist, Shahid Azmi, who championed the rights of wrongfully convicted terrorists. Rajkummar Rao and Hansal Mehta won National Awards for Shahid, so it's a certified must-watch.

    Available on - SonyLiv

    5. Being Cyrus (2005)

    Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and Naseeruddin Shah talking in a doorway
    Times Infotainment Media Limited

    This clever psychological thriller is the perfect choice for people who love movies replete with dark humour, suspense, and strong performances. 

    6. Lootcase (2020)

    Kunal Khemu resting his head and hands on an open suitcase filled with cash
    Fox Star Studios / Via Disney+ Hotstar

    Nandan Kumar, a middle-class man finds a suitcase filled with cash and takes it home, believing it to be the answer to all his woes. But hilarity and chaos ensue when a police officer, politician, and gangster want the suitcase too and are hellbent on procuring it for themselves. With a cast consisting of stellar actors like Kunal Khemu, Rasika Dugal, Gajraj Rao, and, Vijay Raaz, "Lootcase" will be a wild ride.

    Available on - Disney+ Hotstar

    7. Bluffmaster! (2005)

    Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh
    Entertainment One Pvt. Ltd

    Roy Kapoor, played by Abhishek Bachchan, is a conman who decides to mend his ways after his girlfriend dumps him and he's diagnosed with a brain tumour. Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh's comic timing is on point and the film has a surprising twist. 

    Available on - Lionsgate Play

    8. No Smoking (2007)

    John Abraham lying on a pile of snow with a cigarette in his mouth
    Big Screen Entertainment and Eros International

    Another Anurag Kashyap marvel, starring John Abraham and Paresh Rawal.

    Available on - JioCinema

    9. Parinda (1989)

    Nana Patekar laughing while holding a landline phone receiver to his ear
    Vinod Chopra Films

    Set against the backdrop of Mumbai's underbelly and crime lords, Parinda is the story of two orphaned brothers who find themselves on rival sides of a gang war. A turning point in cinematic realism, Parinda has won two National Awards and five Filmfare Awards. 

    Available on - Netflix 

    10. 99 (2009)

    Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Broacha pointing towards each other. Kunal Khemu has a neck brace and one of his arms is in a cast.
    People Pictures

    Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Broacha play two small-time crooks who end up in the midst of gambling, wagers, and goons. All they want is an out. Gripping? Uh-huh. Hilarious? You bet.

    Available on - YouTube

    11. Shaitan (2011)

    Kalki Koechlin and Shiv Panditt talking and laughing against a backdrop of string lights
    AKFPL / Via Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

    A group of friends run over and kill two people while driving rashly in an intoxicated state. They try to run away and hide but get embroiled in sinister blackmails, killings, drugs, fake kidnappings, and violence. The performances feel very real and the plot is skilfully crafted. Raw and entertaining, to say the least. 

    Available on - Netflix

    12. Aamir (2008)

    Rajeev Khandelwal talking on a mobile phone
    UTV Motion Pictures

    A man's entire life is turned upside down when he receives a phone call from an unknown number. Aamir is gritty, heartbreaking, and one of Rajeev Khandelwal's finest performances. 

    Available on - Netflix

    13. Bandit Queen (1994)

    Phoolan Devi
    Kaleidoscope Entertainment

    Bandit Queen narrates the harrowing and stirring tale of Phoolan Devi, who, after being exposed to barbaric brutality and abuse, rightfully seizes control of her life and decisions. The film is powerfully written and seethes with her anger. An extremely real and eye-opening watch.

    14. Kaun? (1999)

    Urmila Matondkar with a terrified expression on her face
    Kshitij Production Combines

    A serial killer is looming around and a woman hears her doorbell ring. Kaun will keep you guessing till the very end. I can't reveal anything else! This is a spoiler-free zone! All I can say is anything with Manoj Bajpayee is unmissable. 

    15. NH10 (2015)

    Anushka Sharma with a bruised face
    Phantom Films / Via Eros International

    Anushka Sharma and Neil Bhoopalam are at the top of their game. Period.

    Available on - JioCinema

    16. The Stoneman Murders (2009)

    Kay Kay Menon
    Bobby Bedi and Sheetal V. Talwar

    The Stoneman Murders is loosely based on the real life Stoneman serial killings that took place in Mumbai in the early 1980s. A cinematic classic that's crisp, spine-chilling, and Hitchcockian.

    Available on - Disney+ Hotstar 

    Which ones did we miss? Comment below!