Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking' is perhaps the most unconventional film on this list, a surreal psychological thriller that defies easy categorization. It follows a chain-smoking businessman who checks into a bizarre rehabilitation center where quitting comes at a terrifying price. The film is highly symbolic and abstract, drawing inspiration from various sources, including a Stephen King short story. John Abraham plays the protagonist in a role unlike any other he's done. The film was not well-received upon release due to its experimental nature but has since gained a cult following for its audacious vision and unique narrative style. It's a challenging watch, more of an experience than a straightforward thriller, leaving the audience to interpret its many layers.

'Tumbbad' is a visually stunning and atmospheric film that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and thriller. Set in rural Maharashtra, the story revolves around a family's obsession with a hidden treasure and a malevolent deity. While often categorized as horror, the film's constant sense of dread and the protagonist's dangerous pursuit of wealth provide strong thriller elements. The film took many years to complete, showcasing the dedication to its unique vision and incredible production design. It's a film that creates a rich, mythological world and uses its dark folklore to build suspense and explore themes of greed and consequence. It's a truly original piece of Indian cinema.

'Karthik Calling Karthik' is a psychological thriller centered around a shy, introverted man who starts receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be himself, offering him advice that transforms his life. However, the calls soon take a sinister turn. Farhan Akhtar plays the lead role, portraying his character's journey from timid to confident, and then to paranoid. Deepika Padukone plays his love interest. The film builds suspense around the mystery of the caller's identity and the protagonist's deteriorating mental state. Directed by Vijay Lalwani, it's a film that delves into themes of identity, self-worth, and the potential dangers of relying on external validation. The twist is central to the film's thriller element.

'Table No. 21' presents a unique and thought-provoking premise wrapped in a thriller package. A young couple wins a trip to Fiji and is invited to play a game for a large sum of money, answering questions about their lives with increasingly dangerous consequences if they lie. Paresh Rawal plays the enigmatic host of the game, delivering a captivating performance. The film starts like a fun game but quickly turns into a tense psychological battle, forcing the couple to confront hidden truths. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film uses its high-stakes scenario to explore themes of morality and the consequences of past actions. It's a thriller that keeps you engaged by constantly raising the stakes.

Set in the dusty, intriguing landscape of Rajasthan, 'Manorama Six Feet Under' is a neo-noir mystery thriller often compared to Roman Polanski's 'Chinatown'. The story follows a small-town engineer and amateur detective who is hired by a woman to investigate her husband's alleged affair. This seemingly simple task leads him down a rabbit hole of corruption, secrets, and danger. Abhay Deol gives a nuanced performance as the reluctant detective. The film's atmospheric setting and complex plot make it a compelling watch. Directed by Navdeep Singh, it's a film that relies on mood and intricate plotting rather than high-octane action, offering a more cerebral thriller experience.

'Ek Hasina Thi' is a gripping revenge thriller that sees a young woman's life fall apart after she gets involved with a charismatic but sinister man. Imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit, she plots her elaborate escape and retribution. Urmila Matondkar delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist, showcasing her transformation from naive victim to determined avenger. Saif Ali Khan plays the antagonist, effectively portraying his manipulative nature. Directed by Sriram Raghavan (yes, him again!), this was his directorial debut and already showed his knack for dark, suspenseful storytelling. The film's second half is particularly tense and satisfying as the protagonist turns the tables on those who wronged her.

Sriram Raghavan makes his third appearance on this list with 'Johnny Gaddaar', a stylish neo-noir thriller about a gang of five who plan a major heist. When one member double-crosses the others, a chain reaction of deception and violence ensues. The film is a clever homage to classic crime capers and features a non-linear narrative structure, adding to its intrigue. Neil Nitin Mukesh made his debut in this film and received praise for his performance. Dharmendra, a Bollywood legend, also plays a key role. The film's slick direction and tight screenplay make it a compelling watch, showcasing Raghavan's early mastery of the thriller genre. It's a film that keeps you guessing about who will come out on top in this dangerous game.

'Talaash' blends a police procedural with supernatural elements to create a unique mystery thriller. Aamir Khan plays a police inspector investigating a mysterious death, which leads him into the city's underbelly and unexpected encounters. The film has a brooding, atmospheric tone and explores themes of grief, guilt, and the paranormal. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukerji provide strong supporting performances. Directed by Reema Kagti, the film was noted for its slow-burn suspense and unconventional narrative structure. The film's exploration of Mumbai by night adds another layer to its mysterious vibe. It's a thriller that relies less on jump scares and more on building a sense of dread and unraveling a complex puzzle.

Another intense offering from Anurag Kashyap, 'Raman Raghav 2.0' is a disturbing and visceral thriller loosely based on the infamous serial killer Raman Raghav who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s. The film follows the cat-and-mouse game between a modern-day serial killer and a morally compromised police officer. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a chillingly unforgettable performance as the killer, while Vicky Kaushal plays the troubled cop. The film is stylistically bold and uncompromisingly dark, exploring themes of depravity and obsession. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing its international appeal despite its challenging subject matter. It's a film that lingers in your mind due to its powerful performances and visceral intensity.

Anurag Kashyap's 'Ugly' is a raw, unsettling dive into the dark underbelly of human desperation and corruption. When a young girl goes missing, her estranged father and step-father, along with a host of other characters, become entangled in a frantic search that exposes their own flaws and selfish motives. The film is brutally realistic and uncomfortable to watch at times, reflecting its title. Kashyap's signature style is evident in the film's grim atmosphere and complex characters. The movie took several years to release due to a dispute over anti-smoking disclaimers, highlighting its challenging nature. It's a powerful, albeit bleak, portrayal of how fear and greed can consume people, making it a potent psychological thriller.

'Badlapur' is a dark and intense revenge thriller that doesn't pull any punches. Starring Varun Dhawan in a role that significantly departed from his earlier image, the film explores the devastating impact of loss and the consuming nature of vengeance over fifteen years. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist, showcasing his incredible range. The film's narrative is gritty and unflinching, delving into the psychological toll of its characters' actions. Director Sriram Raghavan (also of Andhadhun fame) once again crafts a compellingly dark world. The film's title means 'change' and also refers to a real place, hinting at the transformation the protagonist undergoes. It's a film that challenges the audience with its morally complex characters and visceral storytelling.

Prepare to be immersed in the bustling, mysterious streets of Kolkata with 'Kahaani'. This thriller follows a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband during the Durga Puja festival. The film is celebrated for its atmospheric setting and taut narrative. Vidya Balan gives a powerhouse performance, carrying the film with her portrayal of vulnerability mixed with unwavering determination. Director Sujoy Ghosh expertly uses the city itself as a character, weaving its sights and sounds into the fabric of the mystery. Interestingly, the film was shot guerrilla-style in many locations to capture the authentic feel of Kolkata. It was a commercial and critical success, praised for its unique premise and surprising twists. 'Kahaani' isn't just a search for a person; it's a journey into the heart of a city and the depths of a woman's resolve.

'Drishyam' is a masterclass in suspense, proving that sometimes the most powerful weapon is not brute force, but sheer intelligence and presence of mind. This film follows a common man who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his family after they inadvertently commit a crime. What makes it so gripping is its focus on the meticulous planning and execution of a cover-up, turning everyday scenarios into crucial pieces of a puzzle. The film was a massive success and has been remade in multiple Indian languages, showcasing the universal appeal of its story. Ajay Devgn delivers a grounded performance as the protagonist, while Tabu appears again in this list, portraying a determined police officer on his trail, adding a layer of intense cat-and-mouse tension. It's a film that keeps you hooked with its clever plot and relatable stakes, demonstrating the lengths a parent will go to safeguard their loved ones.

Get ready for a thrill ride that constantly pulls the rug out from under you! 'Andhadhun' is a masterful blend of dark comedy and edge-of-your-seat suspense, centered around a blind pianist who witnesses a murder. The film is brilliantly unpredictable, with twists and turns arriving when you least expect them. Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his neo-noir sensibilities, creates a world where moral ambiguity reigns supreme. Did you know the film is loosely based on a short French film titled 'L'accordeur' (The Tuner)? Tabu delivers an absolutely captivating performance as a complex and dangerous character, stealing every scene she's in. Ayushmann Khurrana is equally compelling as the protagonist navigating this perilous situation. The film's sharp writing and exhilarating pacing make it a standout in the thriller genre, earning it widespread critical acclaim and several awards, including a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. It's the kind of movie that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll, questioning everything you just saw.