Introduction
Best Suspense Thriller Movies in Telugu have made a significant mark in Indian cinema, keeping audiences hooked with their gripping stories and surprising twists. This genre blends suspense and psychological thrills, ensuring viewers stay on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Telugu filmmakers have a knack for storytelling, creating films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Join us as we are going to explore some of the most popular and chilling suspense thriller movies in telugu that highlight the creativity of Telugu cinema and keep viewers guessing until the final moments.
Also Read: 15 Best Kannada Suspense Thriller Movies with high IMDB Rating
Also Read: 15 Best Malayalam Suspense Thriller Movies with high IMDB Rating
Also Read: 15 Best Tamil Suspense Thriller Movies: You shouldn’t Miss
Also Read: Top 15 best Malayalam Action Movies with high IMDB Rating in 2024
1. Karthikeya (2014)
Karthikeya is a supernatural mystery movie that follows Karthik, a medical student who believes in science, not superstition. While in the village of Subrahmanyapuram for a medical camp, he gets curious about a temple that’s been closed after several mysterious deaths, supposedly caused by snake bites. Karthik starts digging into the mystery and discovers a plot involving a rare diamond hidden in the temple and hypnotized snakes being used to scare people away. The real villain is a corrupt official who spread fear to cover up his plan to steal the diamond. Using his logical mind and courage, Karthik uncovers the truth and solves the mystery. This movie blends suspense, ancient myths, and clever twists, making it an exciting watch for anyone who loves a good mystery.
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Mystery/Thriller |
| Release Date | 24 October 2014 |
| Director | Chandoo Mondeti |
| Actors | Nikhil Siddhartha, Swati Reddy, Tanikella Bharani, Rao Ramesh |
| Running Time | 124 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
2. Drushyam (2014)
Drushyam movie tells the story of Rambabu, a cable network operator living in the calm village of Rajavaram. His world is turned upside down when a tragic incident involving his daughter Anju results in the accidental death of Varun, the son of a powerful police officer. To protect his family from the consequences, Rambabu devises a complex plan and finds himself in a tense struggle against corrupt law enforcement. This movie explores parental love, morality, and the lengths a father will go to keep his family safe. This movie keeps viewers engaged and in the end, leaves a lasting impression with a haunting revelation that connects the past to the present.
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 11 July 2014 |
| Director | Sripriya |
| Actors | Venkatesh, Meena, Nadhiya, Kruthika Jayakumar |
| Running Time | 150 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
3. Gentleman (2016)
Gentleman is a movie about love, deception, and hidden identities. It kicks off with Aishwarya, a wealthy entrepreneur, and Catherine, a VFX designer, who meet on a flight to Hyderabad. They quickly realize that Aishwarya’s fiancé, Jai, looks just like Catherine’s late boyfriend, Gautham. When Catherine learns about Gautham’s mysterious death, she teams up with investigative journalist Nithya to find out what really happened, suspecting Jai might be involved. To get closer to Jai and gather clues, Catherine takes a job at his company, leading her into a world filled with family secrets and corporate scandals. As the story unfolds, it reveals surprising twists that uncover the characters’ true motivations and identities. This movie wraps up with an emotional climax, exploring how far people will go to protect their loved ones and their secrets.
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Romance |
| Release Date | 17 June 2016 |
| Director | Mohana Krishna Indraganti |
| Actors | Nani, Surbhi, Nivetha Thomas, Tanikella Bharani |
| Running Time | 145 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
4. Awe (2018)
Awe is a Telugu movie that tells a touching story through several connected narratives focused on themes of identity and trauma. The main character, Shiva, is a janitor who dreams of building a time machine to meet his parents. Along his journey, he meets Parvathy, a woman in a wheelchair who claims to be his future self, and Nala, a chef who unexpectedly finds himself talking to a goldfish and a bonsai tree. Radha faces challenges related to her sexuality and the rejection from her parents, while young Moksha entertains diners with her magic tricks. As these characters interact in a restaurant, surprising truths come to light, revealing that they are all split personalities of Kali, a woman dealing with deep emotional struggles. With its mix of magical elements and heartfelt storytelling, Awe movie offers a powerful look at the complexities of life and the effects of unresolved trauma.
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Sci-fi |
| Release Date | 16 February 2018 |
| Director | Prasanth Varma |
| Actors | Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra, Eesha Rebba, Priyadarshi Pullikonda |
| Running Time | 110 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
5. Mathu Vadalara (2019)
Mathu Vadalara is a dark comedy thriller movie that tells the story of Babu, a struggling delivery man living with his lazy friend Abhi and his clever buddy Yesu. When Yesu suggests stealing from their clients, Babu reluctantly decides to give it a shot during a delivery to an elderly woman. However, things quickly take a dark turn after an accident occurs, forcing Babu to cover up what happened, which leads to even more chaos. As he navigates a series of bizarre encounters with a police constable, a drug dealer, and unexpected deaths, he uncovers a complicated web of lies and danger. This movie cleverly blends humor and suspense, showing how one bad choice can lead to disastrous outcomes. Mathu Vadalara movie keeps viewers entertained while exploring power of friendship and morality, packed with surprising twists that keeps you guessing until the end.
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Thriller |
| Release Date | 25 December 2019 |
| Director | Ritesh Rana |
| Actors | Sri Simha, Satya |
| Running Time | 130 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
6. Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya (2019)
Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is a thrilling Telugu movie that follows Athreya, an amateur detective who runs a quirky agency called FBI (Fatima Bureau of Investigation) in Nellore. The story takes a dramatic turn when his friend’s daughter goes missing and is later found dead, which leads to Athreya being wrongly accused of murder. Determined to clear his name, he dives into a complicated investigation that reveals a dark scheme involving the trafficking of dead bodies. Teaming up with his assistant Sneha and a fellow detective named Bobby, Athreya navigates a maze of lies and corruption, discovering connections to the police and a conspiracy that deeply affects him. This movie expertly blends humor and suspense, showcasing Athreya’s wit and determination as he races against time to solve the mystery and confront the real culprit behind these chilling crimes.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Comedy/Mystery |
| Release Date | 21 June 2019 |
| Director | Swaroop RSJ |
| Actors | Naveen Polishetty, Shruti Sharma |
| Running Time | 143 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
7. Rakshasudu (2019)
Rakshasudu is an intense thriller movie that follows Arun Kumar, an aspiring filmmaker who unexpectedly becomes a sub-inspector. His life takes a dark turn when he discovers the body of a teenage schoolgirl, Samyuktha, and realizes that her murder is linked to another missing girl, Amrutha. As Arun digs deeper into the investigation, he encounters a series of chilling events, including a predatory teacher and a vengeful mother named Mary. Despite facing disbelief from his boss, ACP Lakshmi, Arun remains determined to uncover the truth. The suspense builds as he races against time to save another girl, Kavya, leading to a dramatic showdown with the real killer, Christopher. In the end, Arun’s harrowing experience not only reveals the shocking truth behind the murders but also gives him the chance to finally pursue his dream of making a film about psychopaths. This movie is filled with suspense and emotional depth, making it a thrilling watch from beginning to end.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 2 August 2019 |
| Director | Ramesh Varma |
| Actors | Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Anupama Parameswaran |
| Running Time | 149 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
8. Evaru (2019)
Evaru is a Telugu thriller movie that follows Sameera Maha, a businesswoman who shoots a police officer, DSP Ashok Krishna, claiming it was in self-defense against an attempted sexual assault. However, as the story unfolds, things get complicated when corrupt Sub-Inspector Vikram Vasudev gets involved to investigate the case, revealing layers of deception. Later, we learn about Sameera’s complicated past with Ashok and her troubled marriage to her homosexual husband, which raises questions about her motives. Vikram digs deeper into the mystery, uncovering connections to an old murder case, hinting that Sameera might have played a role in it. In a surprising twist, we discover that Vikram is actually Adarsh Varma, and rest is the movie story. This movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unexpected plot twists, moral dilemmas, and intriguing character developments.
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Release Date | 15 August 2019 |
| Director | Venkat Ramji |
| Actors | Adivi Sesh, Naveen Chandra, Regina Cassandra, Murali Sharma |
| Running Time | 118 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
9. HIT: The First Case (2020)
HIT: The First Case is a thrilling Telugu crime drama movie about Vikram Rudraraju, a smart but troubled police officer who works for the Telangana CID’s Homicide Intervention Team. Vikram is haunted by his past and struggles with PTSD, which affects both his work and personal life. Things take a turn for the worse when his girlfriend and colleague, Neha, suddenly goes missing. Despite his mental health struggles, Vikram jumps back into action, determined to find her. As he investigates, he discovers that her disappearance is linked to another missing person case, leading to a web of secrets, betrayals, and deep emotional conflicts. This movie keeps viewers engaged with its suspense, surprising twists, and the intense journey of Vikram as he battles not only a clever criminal but also his own inner demons.
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 28 February 2020 |
| Director | Sailesh Kolanu |
| Actors | Vishwak Sen, Ruhani Sharma |
| Running Time | 130 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
10. V (2020)
V is a Telugu thriller movie that follows DCP Aditya, who gets pulled into a dangerous situation after managing a communal riot in Hyderabad. The story takes a dark turn when Inspector Prasad is murdered, leaving a taunting note that dares Aditya to stop more killings. As he digs deeper, Aditya suspects aspiring crime novelist Apoorva might know something about the case, leading him to uncover a conspiracy involving a corrupt home minister’s son. The plot thickens when Aditya discovers that the killer, Vishnu, is a former soldier on a mission to get revenge for the murder of his wife, Saheba. This connection adds emotional weight to the thrilling story. As this movie builds to a gripping climax, Aditya faces betrayal and hard choices, ultimately confronting Vishnu in a dramatic showdown that reveals surprising truths.
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 5 September 2020 |
| Director | Mohana Krishna Indraganti |
| Actors | Nani, Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Thomas, Aditi Rao Hydari |
| Running Time | 140 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
11. Aswathama (2020)
Aswathama is an Telugu thriller movie that follows Gana, who returns to Visakhapatnam for his sister Priya’s wedding. Later, discovering that Priya is pregnant under troubling circumstances, Gana dives into a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth. His journey reveals a chilling pattern of abductions orchestrated by the twisted Dr. Manoj Kumar, who has a dark past of targeting innocent women. As Gana battles various challenges and confronts men who have harmed Priya, he unravels a web of deceit and trauma. Later, Gana faces off against Manoj, whose disturbed mind drives the plot forward. With gripping action scenes and heartfelt moments, Aswathama movie explores themes of justice, family, and the long-lasting effects of trauma, making it a thrilling experience for anyone who loves a good suspense story.
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 31 January 2020 |
| Director | Ramana Teja |
| Actors | Naga Shourya, Jisshu Sengupta, Mehreen Pirzada |
| Running Time | 133 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | JioCinema |
12. Maestro (2021)
Maestro is a thriller movie that follows Arun, a blind pianist who pretends to be blind to focus on his music and avoid distractions. In Goa, he meets Sophie while trying to buy a piano, and they develop a close relationship. But things take a dark turn when Arun witnesses a murder involving Mohan, a wealthy man, and his cunning wife, Simran. As Arun gets caught up in the ensuing chaos, he faces tough choices and dangerous situations, especially when his secret is at risk of being exposed. This movie dives into themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of relationships, leading to a suspenseful conclusion where Arun must confront his past and the sinister events around him. With surprising twists and a mix of romance and tension, Maestro movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Comedy |
| Initial Release | 17 September 2021 |
| Director | Merlapaka Gandhi |
| Actors | Nithiin, Tamannaah Bhatia, Nabha Natesh, Jisshu Sengupta |
| Running Time | 135 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
13. HIT: The Second Case (2022)
HIT: The Second Case is a crime thriller movie that follows Krishna Dev, or KD, a skilled cop working in Visakhapatnam’s Homicide Intervention Team. He’s assigned to investigate a horrifying murder where the victim, Sanjana, is found brutally dismembered. As KD digs deeper, he uncovers that her body parts belong to multiple women, making the case even more disturbing. His investigation leads to a dentist named Rajeev Koduri, who is targeting members of women’s welfare associations due to a personal vendetta. Throughout the case, KD faces immense pressure, political interference, and risks to his own loved ones, including his pregnant partner, Aarya. This movie is full of suspense, shocking twists, and intense action, keeping viewers engaged with its gripping story and fast-paced thrills.
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Thriller |
| Release Date | 2 December 2022 |
| Director | Sailesh Kolanu |
| Actors | Adivi Sesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary |
| Running Time | 118 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
14. Karthikeya 2 (2022)
Karthikeya 2 movie tells the story of Karthik, a doctor who relies on logic and doesn’t believe in superstitions. His life takes a surprising turn when a series of strange events bring him to the holy city of Dwarka. There, he partners with Mugdha, the granddaughter of a historian, and his uncle to unlock the secrets of Lord Krishna’s famous anklet, which is said to hold ancient wisdom that could help humanity. Along the way, they face dangerous enemies, solve ancient puzzles, and explore the deep connections between faith and science. As Karthik digs deeper into India’s rich history, he starts questioning his own beliefs. This movie is a thrilling mix of action, mystery, and Indian culture, taking viewers on a rollercoaster ride through time and myth.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Action/Mystery |
| Release Date | 13 August 2022 |
| Director | Chandoo Mondeti |
| Actors | Nikhil Siddhartha, Anupama Parameswaran, Anupam Kher, Adithya Menon |
| Running Time | 145 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
15. Virupaksha (2023)
Virupaksha is a supernatural thriller movie set in the mysterious village of Rudravanam, where a curse brings death to its people. The story follows Surya, who comes back to the village for a festival and meets Nandini, the village head’s daughter. When a villager dies in a strange, supernatural way, the village is put under lockdown. As more people die, Surya discovers that the curse is tied to old accusations of black magic against Nandini’s family. Nandini and her brother are seeking revenge for their family, who were wrongfully blamed years ago. Surya must figure out the truth and stop the curse before it destroys Nandini and the village. This movie blends suspense, folklore, and a bit of romance, delivering a gripping story about love, revenge, and the dangers of superstition.
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Horror/Mystery |
| Release Date | 21 April 2023 |
| Director | Karthik Varma Dandu |
| Actors | Sai Dharam Tej, Samyuktha, Sunil, Brahmaji |
| Running Time | 146 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Suspense Thriller Movies in Telugu
Q: What are some of the best suspense thriller movies in telugu?
A: Some best suspense thriller movies in telugu include Mathu Vadalara (2019), Evaru (2019), Maestro (2021), Karthikeya 2 (2022), and Virupaksha (2023).
Q: What makes best suspense thriller movies in telugu exciting?
A: Best suspense thriller movies in telugu are exciting because they create tension and keep the audience guessing. Elements like unexpected twists, complex characters, and high stakes make viewers feel invested in the story, wondering what will happen next.
Q: Who are some notable directors in best suspense thriller movies in telugu?
A: Some notable directors in best suspense thriller movies in telugu include Swaroop RSJ, Venkat Ramji, Sailesh Kolanu, Merlapaka Gandhi, Chandoo Mondeti, and Karthik Varma Dandu.
Q: Who are some notable actors in best suspense thriller movies in telugu?
A: Some notable actors in best suspense thriller movies in telugu include Nithiin, Sai Dharam Tej, Adivi Sesh, Bellamkonda Sreenivas, and Nikhil Siddhartha.
Q: Are best suspense thriller movies in telugu suitable for all ages?
A: While some best suspense thriller movies in telugu may be family-friendly, many contain mature themes, violence, or intense situations. It’s best to check the film’s rating and content before watching with younger audiences.
Q: Where can I watch these best suspense thriller movies in telugu?
A: Best suspense thriller movies in telugu are available on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and ZEE5, you can watch them by taking subscriptions of all these platforms.