Top 9 South Indian Psychological Thrillers to Watch on OTT for a Gripping Weekend
South Indian cinema has been gaining significant recognition both in India and internationally, particularly for its engaging storytelling and captivating performances. Among the various genres that have captured the attention of audiences, psychological thrillers have seen a remarkable rise in popularity. The suspense, mind-bending twists, and intense narratives in these films keep viewers hooked, delivering a thrilling experience. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you have excellent taste in cinema. This weekend, dive into the top 9 South Indian psychological thriller movies available on OTT platforms.
1. Drishyam (2013)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
– IMDb rating: 8/10
No list of South Indian psychological thrillers is complete without Drishyam. Directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal, this gripping film revolves around a man named Georgekutty, whose peaceful life is turned upside down when his family becomes entangled in an accidental crime. The film showcases his relentless efforts to protect his family by concealing the truth. The masterful storytelling and stellar performances made Drishyam a massive hit, leading to the equally successful Drishyam 2 in 2021. The Hindi adaptations, starring Ajay Devgn, also gained widespread acclaim. Drishyam is a must-watch for anyone seeking a nail-biting psychological thriller.
2. Memories (2013)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
– IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Another outstanding Malayalam thriller is Memories, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran as a grief-stricken police officer named Sam Alex. Battling personal demons and resorting to alcohol to cope with his loss, Sam is called upon to investigate a string of brutal murders. As he delves deeper into the case, the mystery unravels in ways that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Memories has stood the test of time as one of the best psychological thrillers in Malayalam cinema, known for its intense plot and brilliant performances.
3. Evaru (2019)
– Language: Telugu
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Evaru, a Telugu adaptation of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, is a gripping psychological thriller featuring Adivi Sesh and Regina Cassandra. The story follows a corrupt cop, Vikram Vasudev, as he investigates a case involving a woman accused of killing her rapist. However, nothing is as simple as it seems, and the layers of mystery keep unraveling in unexpected ways. The film’s taut suspense and mind-bending twists make it an essential watch for thriller enthusiasts.
4. Game Over (2019)
– Language: Tamil and Telugu
– Where to Watch: Netflix
– IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Game Over, directed by Ashwin Saravanan, stars Taapsee Pannu as Swapna, a video game designer who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic incident. Living in isolation, Swapna’s life takes a terrifying turn when a serial killer enters her home, forcing her into a deadly game of survival. With its chilling narrative and psychological depth, Game Over delivers an intense viewing experience, blending elements of horror and thriller genres.
5. Manichithrathazhu (1993)
– Language: Malayalam
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
– IMDb rating: 8.7/10
A timeless classic in Malayalam cinema, Manichithrathazhu is directed by Fazil and features Mohanlal in a pivotal role. The film explores the themes of mental health and trauma as it tells the story of a family dealing with a haunted ancestral mansion. Inspired by real-life events, the film’s exploration of psychological disorders was groundbreaking for its time. Manichithrathazhu continues to be a fan favorite and is a must-watch for its iconic performances and unforgettable plot.
6. Visaranai (2015)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Netflix
– IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Visaranai, directed by Vetrimaaran, is a hard-hitting psychological thriller that examines police brutality and corruption. The film follows four laborers who are wrongfully accused of a crime and tortured to confess. The raw and unsettling portrayal of injustice and the psychological toll it takes on the characters makes Visaranai a powerful and gripping thriller. The film was praised for its realistic storytelling and received widespread critical acclaim.
7. U Turn (2018)
– Language: Tamil and Telugu
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb rating: 6.9/10
U Turn, written and directed by Pawan Kumar, is a mystery-thriller that focuses on a series of unexplained deaths of motorists who break traffic rules on a flyover. Starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu as a journalist investigating the case, the film delves into the supernatural while keeping the tension high. U Turn is a remake of the original Kannada film by the same name, and its gripping narrative and suspenseful twists make it a standout thriller.
8. Puriyatha Puthir (2017)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
– IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Gayathrie Shankar, Puriyatha Puthir is a psychological thriller that explores the impact of privacy invasion and blackmail. The story revolves around a couple whose relationship is tested when private videos of the female lead are leaked by an anonymous source. As the male protagonist tries to uncover the identity of the blackmailer, the film delves into deeper themes of trust and betrayal.
9. Anniyan (2005)
– Language: Tamil
– Where to Watch: Sun NXT
– IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Anniyan, starring Chiyaan Vikram, is a blockbuster psychological thriller that redefined Tamil cinema. The film follows the story of Ramanujam, a lawyer suffering from multiple personality disorder, who turns into a vigilante by night. With its blend of psychological elements, action, and social commentary, Anniyan became a massive hit and remains one of the most influential films in the genre.
These nine South Indian psychological thrillers, available on OTT platforms, offer a diverse range of plots, characters, and suspenseful twists that are sure to keep you engaged. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding action or thought-provoking narratives, these films deliver top-notch entertainment.