Crime thriller movies have always held a special place in Bollywood. They have been captivating audiences with their gripping narratives, suspenseful twists, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences. Over the years, the Hindi film industry has produced several remarkable crime thrillers that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. In this blog, we will dive into the intriguing world of crime thriller Bollywood movies of all time, exploring their captivating stories, memorable characters, and the impact they have had on the genre.
Best Crime Thriller Movies in Bollywood
Sholay (1975)
Considered a timeless classic, “Sholay” is a crime thriller that redefined the genre in Bollywood. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film follows the story of two criminals hired to capture a ruthless dacoit. With its iconic characters, memorable dialogues, and intense action sequences, “Sholay” remains one of the most influential crime thrillers in Indian cinema.
Don (1978)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role, “Don” is a cult crime thriller directed by Chandra Barot. The film revolves around the titular character, a notorious criminal, and his doppelgänger who is tasked with impersonating him. With its stylish execution, suspenseful plot twists, and powerful performances, “Don” became a landmark film in the crime thriller genre.
Kaun (1999)
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, “Kaun” is a psychological crime thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Starring Urmila Matondkar, the film revolves around a woman alone in her house who encounters a mysterious stranger. With its minimalist setting and eerie atmosphere, “Kaun” masterfully builds tension and suspense, making it a standout in the genre.
Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
“Johnny Gaddaar,” directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a neo-noir crime thriller that weaves a tale of betrayal and deceit. The film follows a group of small-time criminals involved in a heist, but things take unexpected turns as trust is shattered. With its stylish storytelling, engaging screenplay, and stellar performances, “Johnny Gaddaar” became a critical success and garnered a cult following.
There are many actors who give only single shots. Read our article on “Exploring the Artistry of Single-Take Actors in India“
A Wednesday! (2008)
“A Wednesday!” directed by Neeraj Pandey is a gripping crime thriller that takes place in a single day. The film portrays a common man who takes matters into his own hands to teach a lesson to the corrupt system. Starring Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, this thought-provoking movie resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim for its engaging storyline and strong performances.
Kahaani (2012)
Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, “Kahaani” is a suspenseful crime thriller that revolves around a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. Vidya Balan delivers a captivating performance as the determined protagonist, with the film offering a riveting narrative filled with twists and turns. “Kahaani” received critical acclaim for its intriguing plot and strong storytelling.
Special 26 (2013)
“Special 26,” directed by Neeraj Pandey tells the story of a group of con artists who pose as CBI officers to conduct daring heists. Starring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and Kajal Agarwal, the film blends elements of crime and drama, creating a gripping narrative that keeps audiences hooked till the end. With its smart writing and commendable performances, “Special 26” emerged as a standout crime thriller.
Drishyam (2015)
“Drishyam,” directed by Nishikant Kamat, is a captivating crime thriller that revolves around a common man who takes extreme measures to protect his family from a crime they accidentally commit. Starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu, the film skillfully builds tension and suspense, keeping viewers guessing till the climax. With its strong performances and compelling storyline, “Drishyam” garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
Read our the List of Expensive Movies of India “From RRR to Prithviraj: Most Expensive Movies Made in India“
Andhadhun (2018)
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, “Andhadhun” is a dark and twisted crime thriller that centers around a visually impaired pianist who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events. With its unpredictable plot, brilliant performances by Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu, and masterful storytelling, “Andhadhun” garnered critical acclaim and became a box office success.
Article 15 (2019)
Directed by Anubhav Sinha, “Article 15” is a hard-hitting crime thriller that addresses social issues in India. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, the film revolves around a police officer investigating a missing persons case that uncovers deep-rooted social inequalities and caste discrimination. “Article 15” received widespread praise for its thought-provoking theme and powerful narrative.
Conclusion
Crime thriller Bollywood movies have continuously pushed the boundaries of storytelling and captivated audiences with their suspenseful plots, intriguing characters, and intense action sequences. The films mentioned above represent a diverse range of crime thrillers that have made a significant impact on Indian cinema.
From the classics that shaped the genre to the modern-day masterpieces that continue to push boundaries, these movies have proven that the crime thriller genre in Bollywood is a force to be reckoned with, delivering gripping narratives that keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
