Espionage has become quite a popular movie genre in India in recent years. Often layered with patriotic and political drama, Indian spy thriller movies are making a mark in the business of movie-making. The intense plots, mind-blowing action, and the intelligence with which all of it is portrayed and presented are what makes these films so popular with the audience. With a huge number of brilliant spy thrillers on the platter, it is difficult to pick the best. But still, let’s have a look at some of the best Indian spy thriller movies that you need to watch if you haven’t already.
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1. Baby
This 2015 Neeraj Pandey movie is a treat to watch. Devoid of the melodrama that Bollywood is infamous for, this movie has the perfect balance of entertainment and thrill. It is about a group of intelligence officers working towards a mission aimed at stopping a potentially dangerous terrorist operation.
2. Naam Shabana
While Naam Shabana is a spin-off of the widely popular movie Baby, in more ways than the other it is better than Baby. The story follows the journey of Shabana focusing on how she became a spy. Taapsee Pannu, talented as she is, gives one of the best performances of her career in this movie.
3. Agent Vinod
Years before Sriram Raghavan directed the masterpiece Andhadun, he gave us Agent Vinod. Yes, this movie is filled with all the cliched Bollywood tropes such as irrelevant (but awesome) songs but still, it is a well-made spy thriller. Agent Vinod finds himself in the midst of a huge conspiracy while investigating the death of his colleague.
4. 16 December
Back in 2002 when this movie was released, it created a buzz, and ever since it has garnered cult status for itself. The movie follows a group of Revenue officers who work together to stop a nuclear attack on the capital city. “Dulhan ki bidayi ka waqt badalna hai”, say no more.
5. Phantom
This Kabir Khan movie deserved more praise than it received. It is partly based on the book Mumbai Avengers which talks about the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks. In pursuit of the suspects of the said terrorist attacks, spies Daniyal and Nawaz face more hurdles than they expected.
6. Romeo Akbar Walter
From being a bank cashier to a spy, Romeo and his mission will give you the thrill that you are looking for. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, this movie is a good spy thriller film.
7. Kahaani
Sujoy Ghosh’s masterpiece, Kahaani is a thriller unlike any other. A pregnant woman comes to Kolkata in order to find her missing husband. Soon she becomes the target of assassins. A spy thriller had never been this awe-inducing, interesting, frightening, and well-executed.
8. Vishwaroopam
What starts as a normal plot with a woman hiring an investigator to spy on her husband, soon turns into a rollercoaster ride that will give you chills. This action-packed Kamal Haasan espionage movie is a must-watch.
9. D-Day
A group of RAW officers goes to Pakistan in order to capture Goldman Iqbal, the most wanted criminal mastermind. This movie is filled with some jaw-dropping revelations and twists and excellent performances. It is a must-watch.
10. Ek Tha Tiger
This blockbuster movie is as entertaining as it is thrilling. Yes, it is a typical Bollywood film with a romantic plot. But the romance is between two spies, one from India and the other from Pakistan. I mean, how does that work? Watch this Kabir Khan piece to know.
11. Madras Cafe
Remember the Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War? This movie is set in those times. An agent is sent to Sri Lanka soon after the peace-keeping forces are commanded to withdraw from Sri Lanka. This movie is the screen presentation of espionage at its best.
12. Raazi
Best for the last, eh? Alia Bhatt stars in this movie as an undercover agent named Sehmat who gets married into an influential family in Pakistan and passes over information to the home country. Unlike other movies involving the two countries, this movie is more realistic and does not present either of the two parties as evil. It is more about duty than pseudo-nationalism. That is what makes this movie so wonderful.
With this, we have come to the end of the list of the best Indian spy thrillers. Which of these espionage films is your favourite and why? Do let us know in the comments section.