8 Intense Bollywood Thrillers to Watch After 'Kill': Action, Romance, and Mayhem Galore!

Kill has taken Bollywood fans by storm. Featuring debutant Lakshya, this thrilling action-packed spectacle is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. The buzz around Kill has only intensified with the news that John Wick director Chad Stahelski will be producing the English-language remake for Lionsgate. If you're craving Bollywood movies that blend romance, action, and a dose of gritty violence, here are eight films that should be on your watchlist:

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)

Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus, Gangs of Wasseypur, isn't just a film—it's an immersive journey set in the heartland of India that celebrates vendetta and power struggles like few others. Set against the coal mafia backdrop of Dhanbad, this epic two-part saga spans generations, weaving a tapestry of betrayal, revenge, and familial legacy. Manoj Bajpayee's portrayal of the volatile gangster Sardar Khan is electric, complemented by Nawazuddin Siddiqui's nuanced performance as Faizal Khan. Richa Chadha shines as the fierce Nagma, adding depth to the narrative.

Vikram Vedha (2017)

In Vikram Vedha, R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi ignite the screen with their electrifying performances in this modern-day thriller inspired by the Vikram-Betaal folklore. Madhavan, as the relentless cop Vikram, and Sethupathi, as the charismatic gangster Vedha, engage in a gripping battle of wits and morality. Pushkar-Gayathri's direction keeps you on the edge, blending heart-stopping action with thought-provoking dilemmas. The film's success lies not just in its thrilling sequences but also in its exploration of grey areas in human nature—making it a must-watch for thriller aficionados.

Shaitan (2011)

Shaitan, Bejoy Nambiar's debut, takes a raw look at the impulsive decisions of urban youth that spiral into chaos. When a group of privileged friends accidentally crosses the line, their lives plummet into a nightmare of crime and consequences. Rajeev Khandelwal's intense portrayal of the investigating officer adds depth, while Kalki Koechlin and Gulshan Devaiah deliver standout performances.

Badlapur (2015)

Sriram Raghavan's Badlapur is a masterclass in revenge cinema, where grief morphs into a relentless pursuit for justice. Varun Dhawan undergoes a riveting transformation as Raghu, consumed by vengeance after a tragic incident tears his life apart. Nawazuddin Siddiqui commands the screen as the enigmatic antagonist, Liak. The film's non-linear narrative keeps you guessing, while its raw emotions and morally-ambiguous characters delve deep into the complexities of human nature.

NH10 (2015)

Navdeep Singh's NH10 is a chilling thriller that thrusts you into a nightmarish journey through the heartlands of rural India. Anushka Sharma's portrayal of Meera, a woman grappling with brutal violence in a rural setting, is hauntingly horrific. As the narrative unfolds, tensions escalate, showcasing the stark contrast between urban privilege and rural brutality. Singh's direction captures the harsh realities with unflinching realism, while Darshan Kumaar and Neil Bhoopalam deliver compelling supporting performances.

Satya (1998)

Ram Gopal Varma's Satya set a milestone for Indian noir films and remains one of the grittiest portrayals of Mumbai's underworld on celluloid. J.D. Chakravarthy's titular character, drawn into a web of crime, is raw and compelling while Manoj Bajpayee's Bhiku Mhatre has acquired a cult status among fans for crafting a character that straddles power and vulnerability in equal measure. Urmila Matondkar adds depth to the narrative as Satya's love interest, while Shefali Shah's presence adds emotional heft. Written by Saurabh Shukla and Anurag Kashyap, Satya resonates for its authenticity, capturing the pulse of a city where power and survival converge.

Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)

Anurag Kashyap's Raman Raghav 2.0 is a chilling dive into the psyche of a serial killer, inspired by true events. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal of Ramanna is unsettlingly real. He plays a man driven by dark impulses who terrorised Mumbai for years. Vicky Kaushal's Raghavan is a troubled cop drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, who is also battling his own demons. The film's atmospheric cinematography by Jay Oza heightens the suspense, while Kashyap's direction crafts a narrative that blurs the lines between horror and empathy.

Titli (2014)

Kanu Behl's Titli is a stark portrayal of survival in Delhi's underbelly, where familial bonds and dreams clash against a harsh reality. Shashank Arora's Titli navigates a world of crime and oppression, yearning for freedom from his family's grip. Shivani Raghuvanshi's Neelu adds layers of complexity as Titli's conflicted wife, while Ranvir Shorey and Amit Sial deliver powerful performances as his older siblings. Behl's direction captures the grit and despair with unflinching honesty, aided by Siddharth Diwan's sharp cinematography and Karan Gour's moving score.

Well that's all we got for this episode until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Apurva Dutta

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