- By Ridhi Suri
- Fri, 17 May 2024 03:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
South Indian OTT Crime Thrillers: Over time, thrillers have carved out their own dedicated fanbase, emerging as beloved classics in the world of cinema. South Indian film industries have contributed their fair share of gripping thrillers, captivating audiences with their intense narratives. Here's a list of the top South Indian thriller films available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema, Zee5, Aha and other platforms.
Drishyam (Disney+ Hotstar)
The Malayalam-language crime thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph, stars Mohanlal and Meena alongside Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, and others. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor for Aashirvad Cinemas, it follows Georgekutty and his family as they come under suspicion when a prominent individual's son goes missing. The film, shot extensively in Thodupuzha, Kerala, received widespread critical acclaim upon its release on December 19, 2013.
Evaru (Amazon Prime Video)
Telugu-language crime thriller directed by Venkat Ramji and produced by Pearl V. Potluri, Param V. Potluri, and Kavin Anne, stars Adivi Sesh, Regina Cassandra, Naveen Chandra, and Murali Sharma. Loosely based on the 2016 Spanish film 'The Invisible Guest' by Oriol Paulo, the plot centers on corrupt cop Vikram Vasudev as he investigates a case involving a woman killing her rapist. The film's music is composed by Sricharan Pakala, with editing by Garry BH.
Vikram Vedha (Hotstar)
Tamil action thriller directed by Pushkar–Gayathri, stars R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi. Released in 2017, it received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and stellar performances. Despite facing challenges from tax reforms, the film was a commercial success, grossing Rs 600 million worldwide. It has since been remade in Hindi with the same title by the original directors.
KGF: Chapter 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
The period action film directed by Prashanth Neel and produced by Vijay Kiragandur. It features an ensemble cast including Yash, Sanjay Dutt, and Raveena Tandon. After Anand Ingalagi's stroke, his son Vijayendra takes over the narrative. Rocky seizes control of the Kolar Gold Fields by killing Virat and holding Reena captive. When Kamal threatens Rocky, he shoots him. Adheera reemerges, killing guards and causing chaos. In a bid to lure Rocky, Andrews kills Desai and kidnaps Reena. Adheera shoots Rocky, sparing his life. Rocky retaliates, expanding his empire and confronting political adversaries. Despite setbacks, Rocky continues to dominate until his final showdown with Adheera. In the end, Rocky sacrifices himself, leaving behind a legacy. Meanwhile, hints of a continuation emerge, suggesting the story is far from over.
Forensic (Netflix)
Malayalam-language psychological thriller film, marks the directorial debut of Akhil Paul and Anas Khan. It stars Tovino Thomas, Mamta Mohandas, Saiju Kurup, Renji Panicker, and Reba Monica John. The film premiered in Kerala, across India, and globally on February 28, 2020, followed by its release in the GCC on March 4, 2020.
Ulidavaru Kandante (SunNXT)
Kannada film, directed by Rakshit Shetty, offers a complex narrative, interwoven with multiple perspectives on a single murder incident. The film centers on an investigative journalist probing a murder. Structured into five chapters, the narrative adopts a Rashomon effect, unfolding through multiple character perspectives. Initially met with mixed reviews, the film gradually achieved cult status among cinephiles nationwide.
Kannur Squad (Disney+ Hotstar)
Malayalam crime thriller, marks Roby Varghese Raj's directorial debut and features Mammootty in a leading role. The film follows the real-life story of the Kannur Squad, a crime investigation unit formed by former Kannur SP S. Sreejith IPS. Shot across North Kerala and North India, it garnered critical acclaim upon its release in September 2023 for its performances, direction, and cinematography.
Kantara (Amazon Prime Video)
Kantara, directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur, is a Kannada action thriller that pits a Kambala champion against an upright forest officer, played by Kishore. Shot in Keradi, coastal Karnataka, the film's cinematography is by Arvind S. Kashyap, with B. Ajaneesh Loknath composing the music and Vikram More choreographing the action sequences.
Anjaam Pathiraa (Aha)
Directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, the Malayalam slasher crime thriller featuring Kunchacko Boban, Sharaf U Dheen, Sreenath Bhasi, Unnimaya Prasad, Jinu Joseph, and Abhiram Radhakrishnan. Anwar Hussain, a consulting criminologist, aids the Kochi City Police in investigating a series of gruesome murders orchestrated by a cunning killer. As the bodies pile up, Anwar uncovers clues linking the crimes to a vengeful mastermind seeking justice for past wrongs. With the help of his colleagues and technology, Anwar races against time to unravel the killer's identity before more lives are lost. However, the truth behind the murders unveils shocking revelations and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, pushing Anwar to his limits as he confronts the darkness lurking within the human psyche.
Jai Bhim (Amazon Prime Video)
Tamil legal drama film produced by Jyothika and Suriya is directed by TJ Gnanavel. It stars Suriya, Lijomol Jose, and Manikandan. The film addresses police bias and state violence against marginalized communities, inspired by a real-life incident from 1993. It follows Sengeni and Rajakannu, a couple from the Irular tribe, seeking justice after Rajakannu mysteriously vanishes from police custody.