Though Bollywood is heavily criticized for making junk movies, no one can deny that it has made some great crime thrillers in recent years. These crime thrillers have been nominated for prestigious awards. Since we now watch most movies on OTT platforms, we have compiled some great crime thrillers that are sure to keep you glued to your television screen.
Here is a list of the top Bollywood crime thrillers that delve into the darker aspects of humanity and will make you question humanity:
1. Talvar (2015)
hard-hitting crime thriller Talvar is based on the real-life double murder case that happened in Noida in 2008. The film explores the different perspectives of the case and leaves the audience questioning the justice system and the truth. The movie is a powerful portrayal of how the criminal justice system can be flawed and biased. It shows how organizations and institutions can fail to uphold justice and protect the innocent. The film is also a reminder of the dark side of human nature, showing us that some people are capable of committing heinous crimes, and others are willing to cover them up or manipulate the truth for their own gain. But, at the same time, Talvar presents a glimmer of hope by showing how a small group of dedicated investigators and advocates can work tirelessly to uncover the truth and seek justice. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
2. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Raman Raghav 2.0 is a psychological thriller based on the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, who operated in Mumbai in the 1960s. The film is a chilling portrayal of the mind of a psychopath, exploring themes such as violence, insanity, and the breakdown of morality. It also sheds light on the social and economic inequalities that exist in contemporary Indian society. The film’s portrayal of the police force and their methods of dealing with crime raises questions about the efficacy of law enforcement and the justice system in India.You can stream it on Zee5.
3. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
No One Killed Jessica is based on the true story of the murder of Jessica Lal, a bartender in Delhi. The film exposes the corruption and manipulation of the justice system and the power of the media in exposing the truth. The film raises important questions about the Indian justice system, power dynamics in society, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. It highlights the corrupt practices of politicians, the inadequacies of the legal system, and how social privilege can be used to evade justice. Additionally, the film highlights the problem of violence against women in India and the societal norms and biases that perpetuate such violence. You can stream it on Netflix.
4. Udta Punjab (2016)
Udta Punjab is a crime thriller that explores the drug problem in Punjab. The film shows the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals and society. It is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of addiction and how drug abuse can destroy lives and tear families apart. It also highlights the complicity of those in power in perpetuating the drug trade and the corrupt practices that allow it to thrive. Through its characters, the film raises important questions about the societal pressures that lead people to turn to drugs and the lack of support and resources available to help those struggling with addiction. The film also sheds light on the political and social issues that contribute to the drug epidemic in Punjab, including poverty, unemployment, and the breakdown of traditional values and social structures. You can stream it on Netflix.
5. Black Friday (2004)
Black Friday is a must-watch film that delves into the events leading up to the 1993 Bombay bombings and their aftermath. Based on the book “Black Friday – The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts,” the movie showcases the consequences of religious extremism, terrorism, and violence. It raises important questions about how individuals and groups can be driven to commit heinous acts and the failures of the justice system. The film also portrays the human toll of terrorism and how it affects innocent lives, survivors, and their families. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
6. Ugly
Ugly is another gritty thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The film follows the abduction of a young girl and the events that ensue afterward. It showcases the worst of human behavior and the complexities of human relationships. Ugly highlights the power dynamics at play in society and how individuals can be manipulated and coerced into making decisions that have far-reaching consequences. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
7. Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
Manorama Six Feet Under is a neo-noir thriller that follows an amateur detective embroiled in a complex web of deceit, corruption, and murder in a small town in Rajasthan. The film raises important questions about power, corruption, and the human condition. It portrays how individuals can be driven to extremes in their pursuit of power and wealth, and the impact this can have on those around them. The movie also highlights the difficulties of navigating a corrupt system and sheds light on societal and cultural issues such as caste-based discrimination and gender inequality. You can stream it on Netflix.
8. Kahaani (2012)
Kahaani is about a pregnant woman who’s looking for her missing husband in Kolkata, but as she unravels the truth, she’s faced with tough questions about truth, justice, and human nature. The film explores how society’s power dynamics can manipulate people, and how we’re defined by our past but can break free from those labels to find new paths. The movie also touches upon cultural issues like corruption, bureaucracy, and the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
9. Shootout at Lokhandwala
Shootout at Lokhandwala is a movie that depicts the true events of a police encounter that took place in 1991 in the Lokhandwala complex in Mumbai, India. The movie shows how a group of gangsters, led by Maya Dolas, operated in the city with impunity and engaged in criminal activities such as extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The gang had become so powerful that they were considered untouchable by law enforcement agencies.
The movie portrays the challenges faced by the police force in their efforts to bring these criminals to justice. The corrupt practices and red-tapism in the system are also highlighted. The film shows how the police force is often left with no choice but to use force and violence to curb criminal activities. The shootout scene in the movie is one of the most intense and violent depictions of an encounter in Indian cinema.
Through its portrayal of the events leading up to the encounter, the film exposes the darker side of human nature, including greed, corruption, and the lust for power. The movie also highlights the price that society pays for the crimes committed by individuals and the toll it takes on the lives of innocent people. It also raises important questions about the role of the police force in maintaining law and order in society and the challenges they face in doing so. Overall, Shootout at Lokhandwala is a thought-provoking and gripping film that sheds light on the dark realities of the criminal world and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating them. You can stream it on Disney+Hotstar.
Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.Â