‘Ugly’ to ‘Cargo’: 5 Highly-Rated Hindi Thrillers on OTT That Deserve More Attention
While Bollywood is usually known for its grandiose and large scale productions, some of the most interesting stories have been made recently by small films which quietly made their mark via OTT.
From psychological thrillers to crime stories and even sci-fi movies, there are many examples of how good storytelling can happen without necessarily earning lots of money at the ticket counters.
So if you’re sick and tired of scrolling for long hours just to find something good to watch, here are five Hindi thriller movies on OTT for you.
Ugly (2013): Anurag Kashyap’s Disturbing Masterpiece
Not many Hindi thrillers can drain one emotionally like Ugly does. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the movie opens with a missing young girl but soon becomes an intense drama about the evil within people, their greed, selfishness, and troubled relationships.
What makes Ugly such a great thriller is that the suspense becomes almost a second thought, with more interest in seeing how the damaged characters act as the plot unravels.
The movie gained much critical praise for its screenplay, acting, and realism, but is somehow overlooked in mainstream Bollywood. For viewers who enjoy slow-burning psychological thrillers, Ugly remains one of the finest Hindi films ever made.
Cargo (2019): A Sci-Fi Thriller Unlike Anything Else
Cargo is one such Hindi thriller film on OTT that doesn’t get the due credit that it deserves.
The way Cargo amalgamates science fiction, mythology, and emotion-based storyline gives one an impression of something new and fresh.
In Cargo, the protagonist is an officer who is living on a spaceship and processes humans for their reincarnation. However, the normal life of the protagonist gets disturbed when his new assistant joins him.
Although the storyline seems to be weird initially, Cargo eventually becomes a gripping tale revolving around the concepts of memory and human connections.
Raat Akeli Hai (2020): A Murder Mystery Done Right
Fans of traditional whodunit stories would do well to watch Raat Akeli Hai. Featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as an obsessive policeman investigating the death of a rich landowner on his wedding night, the film builds up as family secrets start emerging, adding a new dimension of mystery to a straightforward murder story.
What makes Raat Akeli Hai so special is that it combines a suspenseful plot with well-written characters who all have their own motive and who all keep changing the plotline as secrets get revealed. It still ranks among the best original Indian Netflix movies in the genre of crime thrillers.
Monica, O My Darling (2022): Stylish, Funny, and Deadly
Every thriller does not have to be grim and gritty. In Monica, O My Darling, murder, dark humor, corporate skulduggery, and surprise twists are combined together in a very entertaining way.
The outstanding performances of Rajkummar Rao, Huma Qureshi, and Radhika Apte ensure that viewers remain entertained while at the same time keeping them guessing.
With its retro-inspired visuals, well-written dialogues, and surprise turns, the film has created quite a cult following. However, despite its rave reviews, it remains overlooked by many people looking for good thrillers.
Vikram Vedha (2017): The Modern Crime Classic
Despite being far more popular than others on this list, Vikram Vedha is an example of one of the most intelligent movies ever made in the country when it comes to the crime thriller genre.
Taking inspiration from the mythological tale of Vikram and Betaal, the movie revolves around a relentless police inspector and a dangerous gangster who engage in a war of wits.
Initially a game of cat-and-mouse, the plot slowly unfolds and becomes a deep philosophical tale of morals, justice, and perception.
Every moment in the movie makes the viewer wonder about the actual hero and the villain of the story.
Why OTT Has Become a Home for Experimental Thrillers
Another factor contributing to the success of these movies is the evolution of streaming mediums.
Theater movies may focus on mass appeal; however, in OTT, stories that can appeal to a specific audience are appreciated more.
This has allowed filmmakers the freedom to explore dark themes and plot ideas that may not have worked well in movie theaters.
A large number of acclaimed Hindi thrillers seen on OTT have been produced thanks to this kind of freedom.
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Conclusion
Thrillers must be unexpected and defy the audience’s imagination and leave lasting impressions even after the movie ends.
Movies such as Ugly, Cargo, Raat Akeli Hai, Monica, O My Darling, and Vikram Vedha do precisely that – providing a fresh perspective on viewing movies in addition to what the conventional Bollywood stories provide.
For those who love something exciting and unusual to watch, these movies can serve as great entertainment options.
Great thrillers may not necessarily be the greatest commercial successes. Sometimes the best stories remain hidden in our OTT watch list.
