Introduction
Kannada Suspense Thriller Movies have become hugely popular for their captivating stories and surprising twists. These films skillfully combine drama and psychological tension, keeping viewers glued to their seats. From thrilling investigations to hidden secrets, these movies engage audiences with well-crafted plots and sharp dialogues. Whether it’s a murder mystery or a psychological thriller, Kannada suspense thriller movies offer an exciting cinematic experience that keeps audiences thinking long after the movie ends.
In the article we are going to reveal 15 best and latest kannada suspense thriller movies you should not miss but must-watch. So be with us until we disclose these movies. Let’s start…
Also Read: 15 Best Malayalam Suspense Thriller Movies with high IMDB Rating
Also Read: 15 Best Tamil Suspense Thriller Movies: You shouldn’t Miss
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1. Kempe Gowda (2011)
Kempe Gowda movie tells the story of Kempe Gowda, a beloved sub-inspector in the small town of Rona, Karnataka. Caught between his family’s desire for him to join their provision store business and his father’s wish for him to be a police officer, Kempe prefers to a police officer and resolve local issues with kindness and understanding. His life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with the powerful mafia boss, Armugam, who seeks revenge after being humiliated. Later, Armugam kidnaps the sister of his love interest, Kavya. With the help of loyal friends and some supportive colleagues in the police force, Kempe sets out on an exciting mission to take down Armugam’s criminal empire. This movie is a mix of action, romance, and drama, highlighting Kempe’s bravery and dedication to justice while also exploring his future with Kavya.
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 11 March 2011 |
| Director | Sudeep |
| Actors | Sudeepa, Ragini Dwivedi, P. Ravi Shankar, Girish Karnad |
| Running Time | 141 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
2. Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014)
Ulidavaru Kandanthe is a Kannada crime thriller movie that tells a compelling story about childhood friends who become enemies. The movie follows Regina, a young investigative journalist, as she digs into the mysterious murder of her friend Richard Anthony, also known as Richi. The story is told from the perspectives of various characters, including a local cashew merchant, a gangster, and Richi’s mother, revealing a web of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of a life of crime. As Regina pieces together the story, we learn about Richi’s tragic downfall driven by revenge, alongside the struggles of his childhood friend Raghu. This movie explores power of morality and the consequences of choices, keeping viewers engaged with its strong character development and non-linear storytelling. Overall, this movie highlights the heavy silence surrounding a world filled with violence and secrets.
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
| Genre | Crime/Thriller |
| Release Date | 28 March 2014 |
| Director | Rakshit Shetty |
| Actors | Rakshit Shetty, Kishore, Tara, Sheethal Shetty |
| Running Time | 154 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | SunNXT |
3. Drishya (2014)
Drishya is a thrilling Kannada movie that tells the story of Rajendra Ponnappa, a devoted family man and businessman. His life takes a dramatic turn when his daughter Sindhu is caught in a troubling situation due to a hidden camera. The culprit, Tarun, threatens to expose her unless they agree to his demands. In a tragic twist, Rajendra’s wife, Seetha, accidentally kills Tarun while trying to protect their family, and they decide to cover it up. As Inspector General Roopa Chandrashekar starts investigating her son’s disappearance, Rajendra cleverly creates alibis and manipulates the evidence to keep his family safe. This movie dives into power of family loyalty and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Drishya movie keeps viewers engaged and ends with a shocking twist that lingers in their minds.
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Family |
| Release Date | 20 June 2014 |
| Director | P. Vasu |
| Actors | Ravichandran, Navya Nair, Swaroopini Narayan, Unnathi |
| Running Time | 154 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
4. Hebbuli (2017)
Hebbuli is an action-filled Kannada movie that follows Captain Ram, a Para Commando on a mission to find out the truth behind his brother Sathyamurthy’s suspicious death, which was initially labeled a suicide. As Ram digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption involving powerful figures like Minister Arasikere Anjanappa and pharmaceutical executive Amruth Shah. Along the way, Ram also grapples with his feelings for Dr. Nandini, who secretly loves him, adding an emotional twist to his journey. Despite facing serious dangers, Ram is determined to protect his loved ones and reveal the truth. With its thrilling action and engaging story, Hebbuli movie delivers a strong message about standing up against evil and fighting for what’s right.
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 23 February 2017 |
| Director | S. Krishna |
| Actors | Sudeepa, V. Ravichandran, Amala Paul, P. Ravi Shankar |
| Running Time | 141 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
5. Samhaara (2018)
Samhaara movie tells the heartfelt story of Srishaila, a blind chef who runs a popular restaurant in Bangalore. One day, he meets Nandini, a woman who comes to ask for leftover food to help the homeless. As they get to know each other, Srishaila develops feelings for her. However, he soon learns that Nandini is in financial trouble, and he promises to help her. Just when things start looking up, Srishaila gets into an accident that miraculously restores his sight. After recovering, he feels torn between his feelings for Nandini and his family’s push for him to marry his childhood friend, Janaki. When Nandini goes missing, Srishaila teams up with a constable to uncover the truth, leading to surprising twists about her real identity as a con artist. This movie beautifully power themes of love, trust, and resilience, ultimately ending on a hopeful note.
| IMDB Rating | 6.3/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 9 February 2018 |
| Director | Guru Deshpande |
| Actors | Chiranjeevi Sarja, Hariprriya, Kavya Shetty, Bala Rajwadi |
| Running Time | 142 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
6. Aa Karaala Ratri (2018)
Aa Karaala Ratri is a Kannada thriller movie, inspired by a Kannada play by Mohan Habbu, which is an adaptation of Rupert Brooke’s tragic play, Lithuania. Set in a remote village in Karnataka, this movie tells the story of a poverty-stricken family whose fortunes are predicted to change by a fortune teller. On that same fateful night, a mysterious traveler, arrives at their doorstep seeking shelter. What unfolds during this intense night is filled with suspense, as secrets and harsh realities come to light, challenging the characters’ understanding of fate and survival. This movie drawing viewers into a gripping narrative that keeps them engaged until the very end, making them question the true meaning of fortune and the impact of a single night on their lives.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Drama |
| Release Date | 1 June 2018 |
| Director | Dayal Padmanabhan |
| Actors | Karthik Jayaram, Anupama Gowda, Rangayana Raghu, Veena Sundar |
| Running Time | 105 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Disney + Hotstar |
7. Gultoo (2018)
Gultoo is a Kannada thriller movie that takes you into the world of cybercrime and data theft. It follows Alok, a smart and playful computer science graduate who first gets noticed by hacking a movie booking website while still in college. After graduation, Alok works at a computer institute and falls in love with Pooja, who seems like an ordinary woman but is secretly an undercover agent. She seduces Alok to steal important information from his computer. Soon, things take a dark turn as Alok finds himself framed for stealing crucial national data. This movie explores how easily technology can be misused and shows the risks of trusting the wrong people. With its mix of romance, suspense, and surprising twists, Gultoo movie keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 30 March 2018 |
| Director | Janardhan Chikkanna |
| Actors | Naveen Shankar, Sonu Gowda, Avinash, Rangayana Raghu |
| Running Time | 127 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | aha |
8. Bell Bottom (2019)
Bell Bottom is a Kannada movie that mixes comedy, drama, and mystery. The story follows Divakara, an aspiring detective who, inspired by murder mysteries and spy novels, reluctantly joins the police force at his father’s insistence. His life takes an exciting turn when he solves a murder case, earning the trust of senior inspectors who ask him to help with a puzzling robbery at the police station. Along the way, Divakara falls for Kusuma, a bootlegger caught up in the criminal world. As he investigates, he faces a series of twists, misunderstandings, and personal conflicts, eventually uncovering shocking truths about his father’s role in the crimes. With a mix of humor and suspense, Bell Bottom tells a entertaining story about love, family, and justice, leading to a satisfying ending where the characters find their way back together.
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Genre | Comedy/Thriller |
| Release Date | 15 February 2019 |
| Director | Jayatheertha |
| Actors | Rishab Shetty, Hariprriya, Achyuth Kumar, Yogaraj Bhat |
| Running Time | 130 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | aha |
9. Kavaludaari (2019)
Kavaludaari is a crime thriller movie about a traffic cop named Shyam, who is more interested in solving criminal cases than handling traffic. One day, he accidentally discovers the skeletons of a family from 40 years ago, and despite warnings from his seniors, he decides to investigate. With the help of a journalist named Kumar, Shyam uncovers a dark story of corruption, murder, and political power. Along the way, they meet Mutthanna, a retired cop, who provides key information. As Shyam digs deeper, he realizes the case has shocking ties to his own past. This movie full of suspense and unexpected twists, explores justice and the truth buried in time, keeping viewers hooked till the very end.
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Mystery |
| Release Date | 12 April 2019 |
| Director | Hemanth Rao |
| Actors | Rishi, Anant Nag, Achyuth Kumar, Suman Ranganathan |
| Running Time | 143 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
10. Birbal Trilogy Case 1: Finding Vajramuni (2019)
Birbal Trilogy Case 1: Finding Vajramuni movie follows Mahesh, a determined lawyer trying to prove that Vishnu is innocent of murdering Ramdas, a taxi driver and police informant. Set in Bangalore, the story uncovers a network of corruption as Mahesh learns that Inspector Raghavan framed Vishnu to cover up his own wrongdoing. With the help of friends and a crucial video from a witness, Mahesh digs deeper to find the real killer. Packed with suspense and unexpected twists, as he works to uncover the truth and clear Vishnu’s name, this movie keeps viewers engaged while showcasing the power of determination and resilience in the face of injustice.
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
| Genre | Thriller/Crime |
| Release Date | 18 January 2019 |
| Director | M. G. Srinivas |
| Actors | M. G. Srinivas, Rukmini Vasanth |
| Running Time | 149 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Prime Video |
11. Gentleman (2020)
Gentleman movie follows Bharath Kumar, who suffers from sleeping beauty syndrome, causing him to sleep for 18 hours a day. After a tragic accident takes the lives of his brother and sister-in-law, Bharath is unable to care for his niece, Varu, and sends her to an orphanage. His ex-girlfriend, Tapaswini, brings Varu back, but she soon goes missing during a trip to Wonderla amusement park. Bharath partners with ACP Shivamurthy to search for her, leading them to uncover a dark scheme involving a woman egg scam orchestrated by the villainous Dr. Swaminathan Rai. As Bharath digs deeper, he faces shocking betrayals and dangerous truths about those he trusted. This movie story is a gripping mix of suspense and emotional depth, showcasing Bharath’s determination to rescue Varu and revealing the strong bonds of love and family amid adversity.
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 7 February 2020 |
| Director | Jadesh Kumar Hampi |
| Actors | Prajwal Devraj, Nishvika Naidu, Sanchari Vijay |
| Running Time | 144 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
12. Shivaji Surathkal (2020)
Shivaji Surathkal is an Kannada mystery thriller movie featuring detective Shivaji Surathkal, who is summoned to solve the murder of Roshan Ravi, the son of a prominent Home Minister. Set in a spooky resort in Ranagiri, the story unfolds as Shivaji tries to piece together the clues while dealing with his own heartbreak over losing his wife. He faces a tough challenge with 11 suspects, each hiding their own secrets and motives, which complicates the investigation. Ramesh Aravind delivers a standout performance, bringing the character of Shivaji to life with both intelligence and emotional depth. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, this movie keeps the audience guessing with plenty of twists and turns until the end.
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Genre | Mystery/Thriller |
| Release Date | 21 February 2020 |
| Director | Akash Srivatsa |
| Actors | Ramesh Aravind, Radhika Narayan |
| Running Time | 125 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | ZEE5 |
13. Kantara (2022)
Kantara is a gripping movie story that begins in 1847 with a king searching for true happiness. He finds a sacred stone protected by Panjurli Daiva, a guardian spirit for the local villagers, and donates much of his land to keep the stone safe. Fast forward to 1970, and the king’s descendant tries to reclaim that land, provoking the wrath of Panjurli and the fierce demigod, Guliga Daiva. By 1990, Murali, a forest officer, clashes with Shiva, a local Kambala athlete whose father disappeared mysteriously. As tensions rise over the land, Shiva uncovers shocking secrets about his father’s fate and brings the villagers together to stand up against the corrupt landlord, Devendra. This movie builds to an exciting climax where the living confront the spirits of the past. Kantara beautifully blends folklore and spirituality making it a visually stunning and emotionally powerful experience.
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 30 September 2022 |
| Director | Rishab Shetty |
| Actors | Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar |
| Running Time | 148 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | Netflix |
14. Toby (2023)
Toby is a crime drama movie about a man named Toby and his tragic past. The story begins when a newly appointed police officer, Sampath, starts investigating the disappearance of Jenny’s foster father, Toby. As he digs deeper, Sampath meets people from Toby’s life who reveal his troubled history. Toby was once manipulated by a corrupt village chief, Ananda, and wrongly imprisoned for crimes he didn’t commit. As Toby tries to turn his life around, tragedy strikes when he discovers Ananda is responsible for Jenny’s brutal murder. Fueled by grief and anger, Toby sets out to avenge her death, leading to a violent confrontation with Ananda. This movie is an emotional rollercoaster filled with betrayal, love, and revenge, with a heartbreaking conclusion.
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Action/Thriller |
| Release Date | 25 August 2023 |
| Director | Basil Alchalakkal |
| Actors | Raj B. Shetty, Samyukta Hornad, Raj Deepak Shetty, Chaitra Achar |
| Running Time | 155 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | SonyLiv |
15. Shakhahaari (2024)
Shakhahaari is a murder mystery movie set in a vegetarian restaurant, directed by first-time filmmaker Sandeep Sunkad. The story follows Chef Subbanna, played by Rangayana Raghu, whose peaceful life is thrown into chaos when a murder happens at his restaurant. As the mystery unfolds, innocent people get caught up in the investigation, leading to surprising twists and secrets being revealed. This movie keeps you guessing about who’s involved and what’s really going on. With great performances from Gopalakrishna Deshpande, Vinay UJ, and Nidhi Hegde, the suspense never lets up. The eerie music by Mayur Ambekallu and the atmospheric cinematography by Vishwajith Rao help set a tense mood throughout the movie, making Shakhahaari a gripping thriller that keeps you hooked till the end.
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
| Genre | Mystery/Thriller |
| Release Date | 16 February 2024 |
| Director | Sandeep Sunkad |
| Actors | Rangayana Raghu, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Vinay UJ, Nidhi Hegde |
| Running Time | 146 minutes |
| Watch Movie Here | aha |
Frequently Asked Questions on Kannada Suspense Thriller Movies
Q: What are Kannada suspense thriller movies?
A: Kannada suspense thriller movies are films from the Kannada film industry that combine elements of suspense, mystery, and thrilling plots. They often involve crime, investigations, and unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing until the end.
Q: What makes Kannada suspense thriller movies unique?
A: These movies stand out due to their rich storytelling, cultural nuances, and strong character development. They often explore complex themes and emotions, which adds depth to the plot and makes them relatable to the audience.
Q: Can you recommend some popular Kannada suspense thriller movies?
A: Some popular Kannada suspense thriller movies includes Gultoo (2018), Bell Bottom (2019), Kavaludaari (2019), Shivaji Surathkal (2020) and Kantara (2022).
Q: Who are some popular directors in Kannada suspense thriller movies?
A: Some popular directors in Kannada suspense thriller movies includes Rakshit Shetty, P. Vasu, M. G. Srinivas, Akash Srivatsa and Rishab Shetty.
Q: Who are some popular actors in Kannada suspense thrillers?
A: Some popular actors in Kannada suspense thriller movies includes Ravichandran, Sudeepa, Ramesh Aravind, Rishab Shetty, M. G. Srinivas, and Naveen Shankar.
Q: Are Kannada suspense thriller movies suitable for all ages?
A: While some Kannada suspense thriller movies 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 Kannada suspense thriller movies?
A: Kannada suspense thriller movies are available on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and ZEE5, you can watch them by taking subscriptions of all these platforms.
