Top 10 must-watch South Indian psychological thrillers on OTT
South Indian cinema has gained immense popularity, not only in India but across the globe. Known for its unique storytelling, South Indian films often captivate audiences with their gripping plots and unforgettable performances. Among these, psychological thrillers hold a special place, offering suspense, unexpected twists, and thrills that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. If you’re a fan of such movies, here are 10 must-watch South Indian psychological thrillers available on OTT platforms to binge-watch this weekend.
1. Drishyam (2013)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
– IMDb Rating: 8/10
Starting the list with a classic, Drishyam is a Malayalam thriller that became a sensation. Directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal, the story follows Georgekutty, a man who must protect his family after they commit an accidental crime. The film keeps you guessing as Georgekutty uses his wit to cover up the crime. With its brilliant performances and a gripping plot, Drishyam is a must-watch.
2. Memories (2013)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
– IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
In this intense psychological thriller, Prithviraj Sukumaran plays a grieving police officer named Sam Alex, who turns to alcohol after a personal tragedy. When a series of murders occur, Sam is called back to investigate. The movie expertly delves into the psyche of the detective as he uncovers the truth behind the killings. Memories remains one of the most revered Malayalam psychological thrillers.
3. Evaru (2019)
– Language: Telugu
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Adapted from the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, Evaru features Adivi Sesh and Regina Cassandra. It tells the story of a corrupt cop who investigates a seemingly straightforward case of a woman who kills her alleged rapist. As the plot unfolds, layers of mystery are revealed, making this thriller a standout in Telugu cinema. Every twist and turn in Evaru will keep you hooked.
4. Game Over (2019)
– Language: Tamil and Telugu
– Where to Watch: Netflix
– IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Starring Taapsee Pannu, Game Over is a psychological thriller about a game designer named Swapna who suffers from PTSD. Haunted by a past traumatic event, Swapna must face a deadly challenge when a serial killer invades her home. The film’s unique premise and its exploration of mental health make it an engaging watch.
5. Manichithrathazhu (1993)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
– IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
A timeless classic, Manichithrathazhu delves deep into themes of mental illness and trauma. The story revolves around a mysterious mansion and the eerie events that occur when a woman moves in with her family. Mohanlal delivers a stellar performance, making this psychological thriller one of the best in Malayalam cinema history.
6. Visaranai (2015)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Netflix
– IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Visaranai is an intense psychological thriller that shines a light on police brutality and corruption. Directed by Vetrimaaran, the film focuses on four laborers who are wrongly accused and tortured by the police to confess to a crime they did not commit. The film’s powerful narrative and its reflection on real-life issues make it a compelling watch.
7. U Turn (2018)
– Language: Tamil and Telugu
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Written and directed by Pawan Kumar, U Turn is a mystery-thriller starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The plot revolves around the deaths of motorists who break traffic rules at a flyover. As a journalist investigates the case, she uncovers a dark secret that leads to a supernatural twist. U Turn keeps the suspense high from start to finish.
8. Puriyatha Puthir (2017)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
In Puriyatha Puthir, Vijay Sethupathi stars as Kathir, a man whose life takes a turn when he starts receiving compromising videos of his girlfriend, Meera. As Kathir tries to track down the blackmailer, the film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and revenge. This Tamil thriller will leave you questioning the nature of relationships and privacy in the digital age.
9. Anniyan (2005)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Sun NXT
– IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Anniyan, starring Vikram, is one of the most iconic Tamil films. The story follows Ramanujam, a lawyer who leads a double life as a vigilante due to his dissociative identity disorder. His alter ego, Anniyan, punishes wrongdoers in brutal ways. This psychological thriller, directed by Shankar, had a massive impact on Indian cinema and is still widely regarded as one of the best.
10. Drishyam 2 (2021)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
– IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Family > Fear #3DaysToGo#Drishyam2OnPrime premieres on Feb 19, @PrimeVideoIN#MeenaSagar #JeethuJoseph @antonypbvr@aashirvadcine @drishyam2movie #SatheeshKurup pic.twitter.com/Hsg0JtOFCk
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) February 16, 2021
A sequel to the 2013 hit Drishyam, Drishyam 2 takes the story of Georgekutty forward. In this film, Georgekutty and his family continue to live in fear as the police reopen the investigation into the crime they tried to cover up years ago. Drishyam 2 is just as thrilling as its predecessor, with unexpected twists that will leave you amazed.
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