Top 5 Telugu suspense thrillers: The Telugu film industry is known for delivering captivating suspense thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. These films are often packed with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and skilled storytelling that have helped shape this genre in the region. Over the years, Telugu filmmakers have managed to create gripping narratives that showcase a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. Here’s a list of seven Telugu suspense thrillers that are not only intriguing but also keep you guessing until the end.
1. Mangalavaaram (2023)
Cast: Payal Rajput, Divya Pillai, Shravan Reddy, Nandita Shwetha
Where to Watch: Hotstar
Ratings: 6.7/10
Mangalavaaram, directed by Ajay Bhupati, is set in a rural village in Andhra Pradesh during the 1980s. This film is a murder mystery with a unique twist – the names of the victims are mysteriously posted on the walls of the village before their deaths. With a combination of native elements and supernatural horror, the film delivers an eerie atmosphere, keeping the viewers engaged. Payal Rajput’s performance adds to the suspense, making this thriller a must-watch.
2. Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya (2019)
Cast: Naveen Polishetty, Shruti Sharma, Sandeep Raj
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Ratings: 8.3/10
Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is an investigative suspense thriller with a mix of humor and intelligence. Naveen Polishetty plays a quirky detective from Nellore, who is eager to make it big in his career. His routine investigations take a dark turn when he discovers a dead body near railway tracks. As he digs deeper, the story unfolds with several twists, making it a thrilling journey. The film, directed by Swaroop RSJ, has been praised for its engaging screenplay and Polishetty’s commendable performance.
3. Hit (2020)
Cast: Vishwak Sen, Ruhani Sharma, Murali Sharma
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Ratings: 7.6/10
Hit, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, stands out as one of the more intense Telugu thrillers. The story revolves around Vikram Rudraraju, a police officer with a troubled past. Played by Vishwak Sen, Vikram suffers from PTSD but is also gifted with an exceptional ability to notice minute details. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is assigned to investigate a missing person’s case. The film builds tension steadily and keeps the audience invested in whether Vikram can overcome his internal struggles to crack the case.
4. Dhruva (2016)
Cast: Ram Charan, Rakul Preet Singh, Aravind Swamy
Where to Watch: Hotstar
Ratings: 7.7/10
Dhruva, directed by Surender Reddy, is a remake of the Tamil hit Thani Oruvan. Starring Ram Charan, the film focuses on a dedicated police officer determined to take down a brilliant but corrupt scientist, played by Aravind Swamy. With a mix of action and suspense, Dhruva became one of the most memorable Telugu thrillers of the decade. The cat-and-mouse game between the hero and the antagonist is filled with strategic moves and psychological warfare, keeping the audience hooked till the end.
5. Game Over (2019)
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Netflix
Ratings: 6.9/10
Game Over, a bilingual film directed by Ashwin Saravanan, features Taapsee Pannu in a unique role. The film blends elements of horror and suspense as Taapsee’s character, Swapna, battles PTSD while confronting a life-threatening situation. Trapped in her own home by a serial killer, she is forced into a deadly game of survival. The film’s psychological depth, combined with its nail-biting sequences, has made it a critical success and a must-watch for suspense thriller enthusiasts.
