Serial killer movies have a way of captivating audiences with their chilling storylines, suspenseful plot twists, and the psychological exploration of the criminal mind. Hindi cinema has produced some remarkable films in this genre that are sure to keep you hooked till the very end. In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best Hindi serial killer movies that are a must-watch for any thriller enthusiast.
1. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Raman Raghav 2.0 is a neo-noir psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted mind of a notorious serial killer. The film is loosely based on the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a chilling performance as the titular character, portraying the killer’s sociopathic tendencies with unnerving accuracy. The movie also stars Vicky Kaushal as a troubled cop on the killer’s trail, grappling with his own demons. Kashyap’s gritty and stylized direction, combined with the intense performances, make Raman Raghav 2.0 a gripping and disturbing watch that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. The film offers a psychological exploration of the killer’s motives and the blurring lines between sanity and madness, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
2. Ek Villain (2014)
Ek Villain, directed by Mohit Suri, is a romantic thriller that follows the story of Guru (Sidharth Malhotra), a gangster with a tragic past, who falls in love with Aisha (Shraddha Kapoor), a terminally ill girl. Their lives take a dark turn when a serial killer, Rakesh Mahadkar (Riteish Deshmukh), begins targeting women in the city. As Guru’s past catches up with him and his loved ones become targets, he must confront his own demons and the killer to protect those he holds dear. The film explores themes of love, redemption, and the thin line between good and evil. Riteish Deshmukh’s chilling portrayal of the unassuming serial killer is a standout, adding depth to the character’s twisted psyche. With its gripping storyline, intense performances, and a haunting soundtrack, Ek Villain keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
3. Kaun (1999)
Kaun, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, is a psychological thriller that revolves around a young woman named Pooja (Urmila Matondkar) who is alone in her house on a stormy night. A stranger (Manoj Bajpayee) arrives at her doorstep seeking shelter, claiming to be a friend of her husband. As the night progresses, Pooja begins to suspect that the stranger might be a serial killer. The film is set entirely within the confines of the house, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension and suspense. Manoj Bajpayee delivers a chilling performance as the enigmatic stranger, keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions. Urmila Matondkar’s portrayal of a vulnerable yet resilient woman is equally compelling. With its taut screenplay, eerie sound design, and unexpected twists, Kaun is a masterclass in building suspense and keeping the audience engaged until the shocking climax.
4. Mardaani 2 (2019)
Mardaani 2, directed by Gopi Puthran, is a gritty crime thriller that tackles the issue of crimes against women. The film stars Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy, a tough-as-nails police officer who is tasked with tracking down a young and ruthless serial rapist and killer. The movie highlights the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society and the systemic failures that allow criminals to operate with impunity. Rani Mukerji delivers a powerful performance as the determined cop who will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrator to justice. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal reality of the crimes, making it a difficult but necessary watch. Mardaani 2 is a socially relevant thriller that raises important questions about the safety of women and the need for stricter laws and better law enforcement. With its tense and fast-paced narrative, the movie keeps you engaged and rooting for the protagonist until the satisfying conclusion.
5. Talvar (2015)
Talvar, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is a gripping crime thriller based on the real-life double murder case of Aarushi Talwar and her family’s domestic helper, Hemraj. The film presents multiple perspectives on the case, highlighting the inconsistencies and loopholes in the investigation. Irrfan Khan delivers a stellar performance as the lead investigator, Ashwin Kumar, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the murders. The movie sheds light on the flaws in the Indian criminal justice system and the media circus surrounding high-profile cases. Meghna Gulzar’s direction is sharp and precise, keeping the audience engaged with the twists and turns of the investigation. The film’s narrative structure, which presents three different versions of the events, adds to the intrigue and keeps you guessing until the very end. Talvar is a thought-provoking and well-crafted thriller that raises important questions about justice, media trials, and the human cost of sensationalized crime cases.
6. Raakh (1989)
Raakh, directed by Aditya Bhattacharya, is a neo-noir thriller that follows the story of Aamir Hussein (Aamir Khan), a young man who seeks revenge after his friend is brutally raped. As he embarks on a vigilante mission to hunt down the perpetrators, he crosses paths with a corrupt cop (Pankaj Kapur) and a ruthless serial killer (Jagdeep). The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands. Aamir Khan delivers a raw and intense performance as the protagonist, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The movie’s gritty and stylized cinematography adds to the dark and brooding atmosphere, immersing the audience in the seedy underbelly of Mumbai. Raakh is a hard-hitting and thought-provoking thriller that questions the line between justice and vengeance, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
7. Sangharsh (1999)
Sangharsh, directed by Tanuja Chandra, is a psychological thriller that revolves around the hunt for a religious fanatic serial killer who brutally murders children. Preity Zinta stars as Reet Oberoi, a CBI officer tasked with tracking down the killer. As she delves deeper into the case, she discovers a chilling connection between the killer and her own past. Akshay Kumar plays the role of Aman Verma, a criminal psychologist who assists Reet in the investigation. The film explores themes of trauma, faith, and the psychological impact of violence on both the victims and the investigators. Preity Zinta delivers a strong performance as the determined and vulnerable officer, while Akshay Kumar brings depth to his character’s complex past. The movie’s tense and atmospheric direction keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, leading to a shocking and emotionally charged climax. Sangharsh is a well-crafted thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
8. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
Karthik Calling Karthik, directed by Vijay Lalwani, is a psychological thriller with a unique premise. The film follows the story of Karthik (Farhan Akhtar), a timid and submissive man who receives a mysterious phone call from someone claiming to be his alternate, more confident self. As Karthik follows the instructions of his caller, his life takes a dramatic turn, and he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and murder. The movie explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the duality of human nature. Farhan Akhtar delivers a nuanced performance, effectively portraying the contrast between the two sides of Karthik’s personality. The film’s stylish cinematography and eerie background score add to the unsettling atmosphere. As the line between reality and delusion blurs, the audience is kept guessing until the mind-bending climax. Karthik Calling Karthik is a smart and engaging thriller that offers a fresh take on the genre.
9. 404 Error Not Found (2011)
404 Error Not Found, directed by Prawaal Raman, is a psychological thriller that blends elements of horror and suspense. The film is set in a medical college hostel, where a group of students encounter paranormal activities linked to a former student’s suicide. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a sinister plot involving a serial killer. The movie explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the blurring lines between the supernatural and the psychological. The ensemble cast, including Imaad Shah, Rajvvir Aroraa, and Nishikant Kamat, deliver convincing performances that add to the film’s eerie atmosphere. The movie’s non-linear narrative and surreal visuals keep the audience engaged and guessing throughout. 404 Error Not Found is a unique and unsettling thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
10. Ugly (2013)
Ugly, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a gritty and intense thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of Mumbai. The film follows the story of Rahul (Rahul Bhat), a struggling actor whose daughter goes missing. As he navigates the corrupt police system and the city’s criminal underworld to find her, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and shocking revelations. The movie explores themes of moral ambiguity, the depths of human depravity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The ensemble cast, including Ronit Roy, Tejaswini Kolhapure, and Vineet Kumar Singh, deliver powerful performances that bring the characters to life. Kashyap’s raw and unflinching direction, combined with the film’s gritty cinematography, creates a suffocating and claustrophobic atmosphere that reflects the characters’ inner turmoil. Ugly is a hard-hitting and uncompromising thriller that showcases the darker aspects of human nature and the price of redemption.
11. Talaash (2012)
Talaash, directed by Reema Kagti, is a supernatural crime thriller that follows the story of Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan), who is investigating a high-profile murder case. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters a series of inexplicable events and a mysterious woman (Kareena Kapoor) who seems to hold the key to the case. The movie explores themes of grief, guilt, and the blurring lines between the real and the supernatural. Aamir Khan delivers a nuanced performance as the troubled inspector, while Kareena Kapoor brings an enigmatic allure to her character. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting background score add to the eerie and suspenseful mood. Talaash is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end, offering a satisfying blend of crime and supernatural elements.
12. Badlapur (2015)
Badlapur, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a neo-noir revenge thriller that follows the story of Raghu (Varun Dhawan), a man who loses his wife and son in a brutal robbery. Consumed by grief and anger, he embarks on a relentless pursuit of the culprits, particularly the elusive Liak (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). The movie explores themes of vengeance, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. Varun Dhawan delivers a career-defining performance as the tortured protagonist, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings depth and nuance to his portrayal of the complex antagonist. The film’s gritty and stylized direction, combined with its non-linear narrative, keeps the audience engaged and emotionally invested. Badlapur is a tense and thought-provoking thriller that questions the nature of justice and the price of revenge, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
13. Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
Gupt: The Hidden Truth, directed by Rajiv Rai, is a classic Bollywood thriller that revolves around the murder of a wealthy businessman and the subsequent investigation. The film features an ensemble cast, including Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala, Kajol, and Om Puri. As the investigation unfolds, a complex web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives is revealed, keeping the audience guessing until the shocking climax. The movie’s strength lies in its tightly-woven screenplay, which expertly balances multiple storylines and characters. The performances are top-notch, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. The film’s memorable soundtrack, featuring songs like “Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela” and “Mushkil Bada Yeh Pyaar Hai,” adds to its enduring appeal. Gupt: The Hidden Truth is a well-crafted and entertaining thriller that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among Bollywood fans.
14. Dushman (1998)
Dushman, directed by Tanuja Chandra, is a psychological thriller that tackles the sensitive subject of rape and its aftermath. The film stars Kajol in a dual role as twin sisters, Sonia and Naina. When Sonia is brutally raped and murdered, Naina takes it upon herself to seek justice and hunt down the serial killer responsible for her sister’s death. The movie explores themes of trauma, justice, and the strength of the human spirit. Kajol delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance, effectively portraying the contrasting personalities of the twin sisters. The film’s tense and atmospheric direction keeps the audience engaged, while the social commentary on the impact of sexual violence adds depth to the narrative. Dushman is a hard-hitting and socially relevant thriller that showcases the resilience and courage of women in the face of adversity.
15. Baazigar (1993)
Baazigar, directed by Abbas-Mustan, is a classic Bollywood thriller that features Shah Rukh Khan in one of his most iconic roles. The film follows the story of Ajay (Shah Rukh Khan), a young man seeking revenge against the powerful businessman who ruined his family. Ajay infiltrates the businessman’s family, romancing his daughters (played by Kajol and Shilpa Shetty) as part of his elaborate plan. The movie is known for its unexpected plot twists, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of the charming yet ruthless Ajay is a testament to his versatility as an actor. The film’s memorable dialogues, such as “Haar kar jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain,” have become a part of Bollywood lore. With its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and unforgettable music, Baazigar is a must-watch for any fan of Hindi cinema and the thriller genre.
These 15 Hindi serial killer movies offer a diverse range of stories, characters, and themes that will keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat. From gritty and realistic portrayals to supernatural and psychological twists, these films showcase the best of what the genre has to offer. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare yourself for a thrilling ride through the dark and twisted world of Hindi serial killer movies.
