From Ratsasan to Imaikkaa Nodigal: Best Tamil psycho-thrillers you shouldn’t miss

by

As a dedicated follower of suspenseful tales spun by the Tamil film industry, I can confidently say that these psycho-thriller movies have left me spellbound and on the edge of my seat! Having grown up with these films, I’ve seen the genre evolve over time, and I must admit, it’s been a rollercoaster ride.

The psycho-thriller is a genre of universal appeal that enthrones a wide range of audiences. These films are filled with suspense, chills, and action that acts upon the viewers in every part of the world. South Indian cinema, more precisely the Tamil film industry, specializes in producing great psycho thriller movies. 

In this piece, we’ll delve into some top-notch Tamil psychological thrillers that will have you gripped right up until the very end.

1. Ratsasan (2018)

Cast: Vishnu Vishal, Amala Paul, Kaali Venkat

IMDB Ratings:8.3/10

Where to watch: Sun NXT

In 2018, the psychological thriller “Ratsasan” featured Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul in pivotal roles. This movie has been hailed as a milestone in its genre. A Hindi remake of it titled “CuttPutli” was released with Akshay Kumar as the main character. The story revolves around an inexperienced police officer, who harbored dreams of becoming a film director, pursuing a serial killer who is terrorizing teenage girls. An intriguing plot twist occurs when the villain targets someone significant to the protagonist. If you’re a fan of this genre, “Ratsasan” is definitely worth watching.

2. Psycho (2020)

Cast: Udhayanidhi Stalin, Aditi Rao Hydari, Nithya Menen

IMDB Ratings: 6.1/10

Where to watch: ZEE5

2020’s movie, directed by Mysskin, offers a timeless interpretation of the psycho-thriller genre. In the main roles, we have Udhayanidhi Stalin and notable performances from Nithya Menen and Aditi Rao Hydari. The plot revolves around a visually impaired musician who is on a hunt for a murderer preying on young women. Notably, Ilaiyaraaja’s captivating music score adds an air of classic charm to this film.

3.Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)

Cast: Kamal Haasan, Jyothika, Kamalini Mukherjee, Prakash Raj

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

Where to watch: Sun NXT 

Among all Tamil psychological thrillers, Gautham Menon’s Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu stands out as a true gem, captivating audiences since its release in 2006. This enduring masterpiece left an indelible mark on cinema screens with its unique craftsmanship and fashionable style. Kamal Haasan portrays the enigmatic DCP Raghavan, a relentless investigator pursuing two ruthless serial killers who prey upon young women. The riveting investigation unfolds across Tamil Nadu and the USA, offering an exhilarating global chase that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s music, composed by Harris Jayaraj, is another compelling reason to watch this cinematic marvel, making it a must-see for fans of all genres. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu has recently been re-released in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

4. Nibunan (2017)

Cast: Arjun, Prasanna, and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar

IMDB Rating: 6.5/10

Where to watch: Aha, Manorama Max

2017’s film “Nibunan” is an exhilarating thriller directed by Arun Vaidyanathan, starring Arjun Sarja from Leo acting in the main role as Ranjith Kalidoss. In this movie, Parasanna and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar portray significant characters as investigative officers working alongside Arjun’s character. As they deal with a mysterious serial killer who communicates through a sequence of murders, each with enigmatic number-based clues etched onto dolls, the plot thickens. If you enjoy psychological thrillers in Tamil cinema, “Nibunan” is definitely worth watching.

5. Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018)

Cast: Nayanthara, Atharvaa, Anurag Kashyap, Vijay Sethupathi

IMDB Rating:7.3/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

Imaikkaa Nodigal (The Cat and the Mouse)

To wrap it up, I’ve found myself captivated by the abundance of gripping psycho thrillers churned out by the Tamil cinema scene. These films keep audiences on the edge of their seats with unique narratives, intricate characters, and top-notch cinematic craftsmanship. Each movie showcased in this article offers a distinctive touch; some shine through stunning performances, others redefine storytelling with innovative techniques, while yet others leave an indelible mark through their exceptional music.

Read More

2024-08-15 16:08