INDIA: The mystery thriller is a genre in movies that can easily hook the viewers if executed with perfection. Usually centered around a series of events or incidents that have a huge impact on the story, having a mysterious approach narrated through linear or non-linear storytelling.
When it comes to mystery thrillers, Bollywood has created a few good films, but the South Indian film industry has developed a wide range of films dedicated to the genre, each with its unique plot and setting.
Here’s a list of south Indian mystery thrillers that every movie buff should watch.
7th Day
7th Day is a 2014 Indian Malayalam film starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Syamdhar (on his directorial debut). When two friends run across David, an IPS agent, they describe a tragic tragedy that impacted their lives forever. On the surface, a simple enigma unfolds the entire story, drastically altering the movie’s topic or the way you see it.
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru
A massive story revolves around the question of what constitutes justice. Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru is a convoluted story renowned for its back-and-forth storytelling. A simple murder that has a significant influence on the lives of 16 characters connected to it. After losing his leg in a confrontation, Inspector Deepak tells his story about his background, which unfolds strangely.
U-Turn
U-Turn is a 2018 film written and directed by Pawan Kumar, based on the Kannada film of the same name. With the help of a crime reporter, Rachana, an intern at a major newspaper, investigates incidents on a flyover. Till the end movie takes a deep dive into the supernatural mystery-thriller genre. This movie perfectly depicts how breaking traffic regulations can affect someone’s life.
Also Read: Sunflower Review: A Murder Mystery Thriller Turned Into A Mixed Bag Of Errors
Vikram Vedha
Vikram Vedha is a 2017 Tamil film written and directed by Pushkar–Gayathri. Vikram, a logical cop, and his partner Simon are on the lookout for Vedha who is considered to be a deranged gangster and a drug smuggler. The film, like its title, follows the same theme of Vikram and Betal’s stories. With its neo-noir touch, this film is a modern version of the ancient story.
Ratsasan
Ratsasan is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Ram Kumar. After his father’s death, Arun abandons his dream of becoming a filmmaker and becomes a police officer. He then goes on the quest for a crazed killer who preys on schoolgirls, using his filmmaking knowledge acquired from the past of various types of serial killers.