The Telugu film industry has a rich legacy of delivering riveting suspense thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. From intricate plotlines to unexpected twists, these films have enthralled audiences and showcased the creativity of talented filmmakers. In recent years, the genre has been flourishing with a blend of traditional storytelling and innovative techniques that take suspense to new heights.
Here we present seven must-watch Telugu suspense thrillers that not only bring out the best in the genre but will also keep you guessing till the very end.
1. Mangalavaram (2023)
Cast: Payal Rajput, Divya Pillai, Shravan Reddy, Nandita Swetha
Rating: 6.7/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Mangalavaram is a Telugu suspense film directed by Ajay Bhupathi which is set in a village in Andhra Pradesh in the 1980s. It is a murder mystery in which the names of the people who are to be killed are written on the walls of the village.
The film blends raw and desi elements along with supernatural horror. Starring Payal Rajput in the lead role, the film is full of suspense and thrilling moments.
2. Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya (2019)
Cast: Naveen Polishetty, Shruti Sharma, Sandeep Raj
Rating: 8.3/10
Where to watch: Prime
Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is a 2019 blockbuster investigative suspense thriller starring Naveen Polishetty in the lead role. Polishetty, who has co-written the screenplay with director Swaroop RSJ, plays a detective from Nellore who wants a big break in his career. When he finds a dead body near the railway track, things take a sensational turn, which becomes the catalyst for several surprising and thrilling events that keep the audience enthralled.
3. Hit (2020)
Cast: Vishwak Sen, Ruhani Sharma, Murali Sharma
Rating: 7.6/10
Where to watch: Prime
Hit is a Telugu suspense thriller released in 2020. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, Hit stars Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma in the lead roles. Vishwak Sen plays Vikram Rudraraju, an officer in the Telangana CID who is known for noticing little things that no one else can see.
In the film, an important case that triggers his past traumatic experiences will challenge his career and skills. The gripping story of the film revolves around whether Vikram will be able to solve the case by overcoming his PTSD experiences.
4. Dhruva (2016)
Cast: Ram Charan, Rakul Preet Singh, Arvind Swami
Rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Dhruva is a 2016 Telugu suspense film directed by Surender Reddy. RRR star Ram Charan plays the lead role. Arvind Swamy and Rakul Preet Singh play other important roles in this film.
Dhruva is a remake of the 2015 Tamil blockbuster Thani Oruvan, which starred Jayam Ravi and Nayanthara in the lead roles. Arvind Swamy plays the same villain in both films. Dhruva is one of the best Telugu suspense thriller films of the last decade.
5. Hit: The Second Case (2022)
Cast: Adivi Sesh, Meenakshi Chowdhary, Nani
Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Prime
HIT: The Second Case is a sequel to the 2020 hit film HIT. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the original film’s director, the sequel features Adivi Sesh in the lead role, replacing Vishwak Sen. The second installment takes the thrilling story of the series further. The film ends with one of the best cameos by Nani, who will also appear in the third installment.
6. Game Over (2019)
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan
Rating: 6.9/10
Where to watch: Prime, Netflix
Game Over is a 2019 bilingual film made by Ashwin Saravanan simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil. Taapsee Pannu plays a nyctophobic person suffering from PTSD. Her character, Swapna, struggles with PTSD when she faces a life-changing crisis—a serial killer breaks into her house, forcing her into a deadly game for survival. Game Over is considered one of the best suspense thrillers in Telugu cinema.
7. Evaru (2019)
Cast: Adivi Sesh, Naveen Chandra, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 8.1/10
Where to watch: Prime
Evaru is a 2019 Telugu suspense thriller adapted from the Spanish film The Invisible Guest. Evaru stars Adivi Sesh in the lead role and is directed by Venkat Ramji. The film is the story of a corrupt police officer Vikram Vasudev who is trying to solve the case of a woman killing her own rapist. The unique twist in the climax, which was different from the original, was perfect and was loved by the audience.
Telugu cinema has produced many entertaining and memorable suspense thrillers over the years. These films have proven how creative and original a Telugu filmmaker can be in this genre.
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