Top 10 Must-Watch Underrated South Indian Thrillers (2025 Update)
South Indian cinema has produced some of the most gripping thrillers in Indian film history, yet not every gem gets the recognition it deserves. From edge-of-your-seat crime dramas to haunting psychological stories, many thrillers have flown under the radar. Here is a list of underrated South Indian thrillers that you must watch if you’re a fan of the genre.
These thrillers are not only critically acclaimed but also highly entertaining, making them perfect additions to your watchlist.
đź“‹ Quick List of Movies with Posters
| Poster | Movie Name | Language(s) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kuruthi | Malayalam | 2021 |
 | Nishabdham | Telugu/Tamil | 2020 |
 | Rorschach | Malayalam | 2022 |
 | Vikram Vedha | Tamil | 2017 |
 | Visaranai | Tamil | 2015 |
 | Kavaludaari | Kannada | 2019 |
 | Thambi | Tamil | 2019 |
Click on the movie names below for details:
Top 10 Must-Watch Underrated South Indian Thrillers
1. Kuruthi (2021) – Malayalam
A tense, claustrophobic thriller that explores themes of revenge and forgiveness. Set almost entirely in one house, the film keeps you on edge with its brilliant performances and tight screenplay.
Why Watch?
- Powerful performances by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Roshan Mathew.
- A moral dilemma that stays with you.
- Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Nishabdham (2020) – Telugu/Tamil
A suspense thriller with an intriguing plot involving a mute artist and a mysterious mansion. Despite mixed reviews, it’s a good pick for fans of murder mysteries.
Why Watch?
- Anushka Shetty’s rare thriller outing.
- Beautiful cinematography.
- Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Rorschach (2022) – Malayalam
A dark psychological thriller about a man seeking closure after his wife’s death. The film is layered with symbolism and demands your full attention.
Why Watch?
- Mammootty in one of his boldest roles.
- A haunting background score.
- Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
4. Vikram Vedha (2017) – Tamil
While it gained critical acclaim, it still deserves more mainstream attention globally. A cop-and-gangster cat-and-mouse game that flips moralities on their head.
Why Watch?
- Vijay Sethupathi and R. Madhavan’s unforgettable face-off.
- Inspired storytelling and music.
- Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
5. Visaranai (2015) – Tamil
A hard-hitting thriller based on true events. It’s not for the faint-hearted but is an essential watch for how it portrays police brutality and systemic corruption.
Why Watch?
- National Award-winning film.
- Dinesh’s raw and emotional performance.
- Streaming on Netflix.
6. Kavaludaari (2019) – Kannada
A neo-noir thriller about a traffic cop investigating an old case. A slow burn that rewards patient viewers.
Why Watch?
- Smart writing with twists.
- Rishi delivers a strong performance.
- Available on Amazon Prime Video.
7. Thambi (2019) – Tamil
A family drama wrapped in a thriller, with sibling relationships and hidden motives. It keeps you guessing till the end.
Why Watch?
- Karthi and Jyothika’s engaging chemistry.
- A mix of emotions and suspense.
- Streaming on Netflix.
Final Thoughts
If you love thrillers, these South Indian films deserve a spot on your watchlist. Some are deeply emotional, some are action-packed, but all will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
These are the Top 10 Must-Watch Underrated South Indian Thrillers showcase the brilliance of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. With gripping plots and stellar performances, they deserve a spot on your binge-watch list.
Which underrated South Indian thriller have you watched? Which one would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
