Best Indian mystery movies to watch
Indian cinema has a long history of crafting compelling mystery films that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, the genre continues to evolve. Prepare to dive into a world of suspense, twists, and unforgettable reveals.



The world of Indian mystery cinema is a fascinating one, offering intricate plots and surprising twists that often blend suspense with social commentary or character-driven drama. Over the decades, filmmakers have mastered the art of misdirection and suspense, proving that a good mystery transcends language and culture.
From the golden age classics that relied on atmospheric tension and classic detective tropes to contemporary films that push boundaries with non-linear narratives and complex psychological profiles, the genre is incredibly diverse. You'll find stories ranging from gritty urban investigations to isolated thrillers, each offering a unique flavor of suspense.
Some films have become benchmarks, redefining audience expectations with their audacious plotting and memorable characters. The cleverness lies not just in the 'who' but the 'how' and 'why', often exploring deeper themes beneath the surface of the crime.
Whether it's a seemingly simple case that unravels into a tangled web or a psychological puzzle box designed to challenge perceptions, Indian mystery films consistently deliver thrilling cinematic experiences.
14. Talaash: The Hunt Begins (2003)
Directed by Suneel Darshan, 'Talaash: The Hunt Begins' is an action-thriller with a mystery element concerning a man searching for his kidnapped sister. Starring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, the film follows the protagonist's journey into the criminal underworld to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. While it contains aspects of investigation and suspense, it leans more towards action and drama compared to a pure mystery film.

13. Raat (1992)
While primarily a horror film, Ram Gopal Varma's 'Raat' incorporates a central mystery surrounding supernatural occurrences. A family moves into a new house, and strange, terrifying events begin to unfold, seemingly linked to a past tragedy. Revathi delivers a chilling performance as the young woman affected by the malevolent presence. The film relies heavily on atmosphere and sound design to create dread, as the characters try to understand the source of the haunting and find a way to survive.

12. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
'Karthik Calling Karthik' blends psychological drama with a puzzling mystery. Farhan Akhtar stars as a shy, under-confident man whose life changes when he starts receiving calls from someone claiming to be himself, guiding him to success. However, when he tries to stop the calls, his life spirals into chaos. Directed by Vijay Lalwani, the film explores themes of identity, mental health, and manipulation, leaving the audience to wonder about the true nature of the calls and the person making them.

11. Gumnaam (1965)
A classic from the golden age of Bollywood, 'Gumnaam' is a delightful adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None'. Directed by Raja Nawathe, the film brings together a group of strangers on a deserted island where they start getting murdered one by one. Starring Manoj Kumar, Nanda, and Prem Chopra, among others, the film perfectly captures the suspense of the original story while adding Bollywood flair, including iconic songs like 'Jaan Pehchaan Ho'. It's a foundational film for the isolated-location mystery trope in Indian cinema.

10. Table No. 21 (2013)
'Table No. 21' presents a unique and thrilling premise centered around a deadly game. A young couple wins a trip to Fiji and is offered a chance to win a huge sum of money by participating in a game hosted by a mysterious man played by Paresh Rawal. The game involves answering questions and performing tasks that become increasingly disturbing and dangerous. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is a suspenseful and thought-provoking watch that delves into themes of morality, consequences, and the dark side of the internet.

9. Samay: When Time Strikes (2003)
Sushmita Sen leads this procedural thriller as a tough police officer racing against time to catch a serial killer. 'Samay: When Time Strikes' is notably influenced by the David Fincher film 'Se7en', featuring a killer who targets victims based on a specific, cryptic pattern. Directed by Robby Grewal, the film builds suspense as the detective tries to decipher the killer's motives and predict their next move. It's a dark and intense ride focused on the cat-and-mouse game between the cop and the elusive murderer.

8. Rahasya (2015)
Drawing inspiration from real-life events, 'Rahasya' is a chilling and intricate murder mystery. Directed by Manish Gupta, the film features a superb performance from Kay Kay Menon as the CBI officer investigating the death of a teenage girl and her family's servant. The plot navigates the complex relationships and secrets within a seemingly affluent family, exposing uncomfortable truths. While echoing a famous case, the film constructs its own narrative, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere as the investigation unfolds.

7. Ittefaq (2017)
'Ittefaq' offers a fresh take on the mystery thriller by presenting two conflicting accounts of the same night. This remake of the 1969 Rajesh Khanna film, produced by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, stars Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Akshaye Khanna. The film follows a writer and a young woman who are the prime suspects in a double murder. The narrative structure, inspired by the Rashomon effect, forces the audience to question who is telling the truth. Akshaye Khanna is particularly compelling as the investigating officer trying to piece together the puzzle.

6. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015)
Step back in time to 1940s Kolkata with 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!'. This stylish period mystery is based on the iconic Bengali literary character created by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. Sushant Singh Rajput stars as the young, astute detective solving his first case amidst the turmoil of World War II and the Quit India movement. Director Dibakar Banerjee meticulously recreates the era, from the costumes to the streetscapes, immersing you in a fascinating historical setting. The film combines classic detective work with a complex plot involving opium rings, political intrigue, and hidden identities.

5. Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
A true 90s classic, 'Gupt: The Hidden Truth' is a thrilling whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end! Directed by Rajiv Rai, the film stars Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala, and Kajol in a murder mystery set against a backdrop of family secrets and betrayal. The film was a massive success, not just for its suspenseful plot but also for its chartbuster music by Viju Shah. Kajol's performance as the obsessive Isha is particularly noteworthy and broke her typical on-screen persona at the time, earning her a Filmfare award for Best Villain – one of the first actresses to win in that category.

4. Talaash (2012)
Dive into the atmospheric and psychologically rich world of 'Talaash'. Directed by Reema Kagti, this film stars Aamir Khan as a police inspector investigating a mysterious car crash that leads him into the city's dark underbelly. The film beautifully weaves together elements of police procedural, personal drama, and even touches of the supernatural. Aamir Khan delivers a nuanced performance as a man grappling with grief and professional duty, while Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor Khan add depth to the narrative. The mood is consistently melancholic and intriguing, making it a unique entry in the mystery genre.

3. Drishyam (2015)
'Drishyam' is a masterclass in how to protect your family against all odds, using sheer wit and knowledge of cinema! This remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film sees Ajay Devgn as a cable operator whose family gets entangled in a crime. What follows is a gripping tale of a common man using techniques learned from movies to outsmart the police investigation led by a formidable IG played by Tabu. The film is less about who did it and more about how the protagonist covers their tracks and creates an airtight alibi. It's a clever, tense, and emotionally resonant thriller that highlights the lengths a parent will go to for their children.

2. Kahaani (2012)
'Kahaani' is an absolute triumph of suspense cinema! Vidya Balan gives a career-defining performance as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in the chaotic streets of Kolkata during the Durga Puja festival. Director Sujoy Ghosh uses the city itself as a character, creating an incredibly atmospheric and tense backdrop. The film is a slow burn that builds expertly, dropping clues and red herrings that will keep you completely invested. It's a rare Bollywood thriller that relies heavily on its protagonist's vulnerability and determination rather than typical action sequences. The climax is famously shocking and redefines everything you thought you knew.

1. Andhadhun (2018)
Prepare for a mind-bending journey with 'Andhadhun'! Directed by the brilliant Sriram Raghavan, this film stars Ayushmann Khurrana as a seemingly blind pianist who witnesses a murder. But is he really blind? The movie constantly plays with your perceptions, blending dark comedy, romance, and nail-biting suspense. Tabu delivers a powerhouse performance as the enigmatic femme fatale, and Radhika Apte is equally captivating. Raghavan is known for his love of classic thrillers, and 'Andhadhun' is a masterclass in subverting genre tropes. It's loosely inspired by the French short film 'L'accordeur' (The Piano Tuner), but Raghavan expands it into something truly unique and unpredictable. You'll be guessing until the very last frame!
