Thrillers have always held a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts, offering an enticing escape from reality. While romcoms and comedies have their charm, sometimes they just don’t cut it when it comes to exercising our minds. A well-crafted thriller can provide the perfect dose of excitement and suspense. Interestingly, a good storyline doesn’t always require extravagant budgets, shiny cars, or star-studded ensembles. In fact, some low-budget Indian thrillers have managed to captivate audiences more than their high-budget counterparts. Here are 10 heart-racing low-budget Indian thrillers that left us spellbound, surpassing mindless 100 crore blockbusters.
1. 13B
This underrated gem stands as a must-watch for those craving a captivating story. Made on a mere budget of Rs 6 crores, “13B” tells the tale of a family moving into a new apartment, only to encounter a series of disturbing events. With gripping scenes, masterful storytelling and Madhavan’s great acting skills, this film proves that quality trumps extravagant budgets.
2. Manorama Six Feet Under
“Manorama Six Feet Under” is a captivating thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish, all made with a budget of around Rs 13.4 crores. Get ready for an exciting ride as we follow the story of Satyaveer, an engineer facing allegations of bribery. Just when things couldn’t get more complicated, Satyaveer gets tangled up in a web of mystery when a woman named Manorama seeks his help to investigate her possibly unfaithful husband.
But here’s the twist: Satyaveer isn’t your average investigator. He’s a failed crime novelist with a shady reputation. As he jumps headfirst into this intriguing case, his life takes a dark and thrilling turn. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as Satyaveer unravels the secrets and twists in a story that will remind you of the classic noir thrillers we all love.
3. Samay
This Sushmita Sen-starrer demonstrates that a strong script can shine regardless of financial limitations. Made with a budget of less than Rs 4 crores, “Samay” revolves around an ACP’s relentless pursuit of a serial killer, unraveling murder mysteries that grip the entire town.
4. Kahani
Vidya Balan’s brilliance shines once again in the first installment of the “Kahani” franchise. With a budget under Rs 8 crores, this super hit film takes us on a suspenseful journey with a pregnant woman (played by Vidya Balan) searching for her missing husband amidst the bustling streets of Kolkata. The exceptional performances and gripping narrative keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. Badla
Despite its modest budget of Rs 10 crores, “Badla” surprises audiences with its compelling storyline. This crime thriller, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, leaves a lasting impression without relying on elaborate sets or a star-studded cast. The strong performances keep viewers yearning for more.
6. Kantara
Made on a mere budget of 16 crores, Kantara defied all expectations, raking in over 400 crores at the box office. This action-thriller delves into the critical issue of land politics and the eternal battle between man and nature. Centered around the local folklore and beliefs in Daivas, regional demigods, the film follows the story of Shiva, a rebellious Kambala champion, who finds himself at odds with Murali, a forest officer.
The movie explores the theme of human versus nature, as Shiva leads the war between villagers and malevolent spirits. With stunning visuals, a gripping narrative, and powerful performances, Kantara captivates audiences, reminding us of the delicate balance between mankind and the wild. This blockbuster success showcases the triumph of storytelling and proves that a limited budget is no hindrance to creating a cinematic masterpiece.
7. Tumbbad
This film deserves special mention for its enthralling narrative and ability to captivate audiences with limited resources. “Tumbbad” showcases the power of storytelling, proving that a well-crafted tale can create a lasting impact regardless of the budget.
8. Stree
Made on a mere budget of ₹20 crores, “Stree” proves that a unique storyline, impactful performances, and quality humor can leave a lasting impression. Starring Shraddha Sharma and Raj Kumar Rao, this horror comedy impressed audiences, entering the prestigious ₹100 crore club with an Indian collection of ₹130 crores.
9. Andhadhun
This dark comedy thriller, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu, defied expectations and became an unexpected hit. Despite its budget of ₹32 crores, the film earned ₹74.6 crores, leaving audiences in awe of its intriguing plot and stellar performances. This is definitely one of the finest thrillers that Bollywood has created in recent times.
10. D-16 (a.k.a. D-16)
This Tamil sleeper hit revolves around a police officer who faces a life-altering incident during the investigation of a mysterious murder. Years later, he is forced to confront his past, unveiling shocking twists and turns. “D-16” is a critically acclaimed suspense thriller available to enjoy on Disney+Hotstar.
These heart-racing low-budget Bollywood thrillers have proven that a captivating storyline, skilled performances, and masterful direction can overshadow mindless 100 crore blockbusters. While big budgets may add aesthetic appeal, these movies showcase that a compelling narrative can engage audiences without the need for extravagant resources. So, the next time you seek an enthralling cinematic experience, give these underrated gems a chance to take your breath away.