South Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam and other regional industries, has carved a niche for delivering gripping murder mystery thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. These films combine intricate plots, unexpected twists, and high-quality storytelling, often available in Hindi-dubbed versions for wider accessibility. If you're a fan of suspense, thrill, and unraveling mysteries, this list of the top 10 South Indian murder mystery movies is for you. Each movie is packed with engaging narratives and is available on popular streaming platforms with Hindi dubbing.
10. 12th Man (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Platform: JioCinema
Genre: Murder Mystery Thriller
12th Man is a captivating murder mystery that revolves around a group of 11 college friends who plan a getaway to unwind from their stressful lives. They check into a hotel for the night, but the next morning, they discover the dead body of one of their friends outside the hotel. Enter Chandrashekhar, a determined police officer (the titular 12th man), tasked with uncovering the truth behind the murder. As the investigation unfolds, the movie delivers a series of shocking twists that keep you guessing until the end. Will Chandrashekhar identify the killer and their motive? Watch this suspense-filled thriller to find out.
9. John Luther (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Murder Mystery Thriller
John Luther follows the titular character, a dedicated police officer, as he investigates a mysterious accident in his city that results in a man’s death. While probing the case, another person involved in the accident vanishes, and soon, more people start disappearing under strange circumstances. As John digs deeper, he grapples with personal challenges that complicate his mission. The film offers a thrilling experience with a tightly woven narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Can John uncover the truth behind these disappearances? Stream it to find out.
8. Heaven (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Murder Mystery Suspense
Heaven centers on Peter, a police officer summoned to a small village to investigate a series of brutal murders. Upon arriving, he learns that four people have been killed, and shockingly, one of the victims is his own son. Devastated, Peter becomes determined to find the killer responsible for his son’s death and the other murders. The film blends emotional depth with suspense, delivering a compelling narrative as Peter races against time to solve the case. Will he bring the culprit to justice? This emotionally charged thriller is a must-watch.
7. Blackout (2024)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Thriller Suspense
While not a traditional murder mystery, Blackout offers a thrilling ride filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The story follows a group of thieves who, after pulling off a heist, get into an accident with Lenny, an ordinary man. When Lenny discovers a bag full of money at the scene, he believes his life is about to change for the better. However, this accident plunges him into a web of danger and deception. With twists unfolding every 10-15 minutes, Blackout keeps you glued to the screen. Find out how Lenny navigates this chaotic situation in this high-octane thriller.
6. Abyuham (2023)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Platform: Not specified (check major streaming platforms)
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Abyuham tells the story of Jaya Rajan, who is determined to prove his father’s innocence after he is imprisoned for a drug-related crime. Convinced that his father was framed, Jaya sets out to find evidence to exonerate him. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a series of shocking mysteries that unravel in surprising ways. The film’s high IMDb rating reflects its gripping storyline and well-crafted suspense. To avoid spoilers, we’ll keep the details vague—watch Abyuham to experience its thrilling narrative and discover the truth alongside Jaya.
5. Cold Case (2021)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Horror Murder Mystery
Cold Case is a unique blend of murder mystery and horror. The story follows ACP Sathyajith, who is assigned to investigate a decades-old skeleton found at a crime scene. His mission is to identify the victim and uncover the circumstances of their death. Meanwhile, Aditi and her young daughter move into a new house, only to encounter disturbing paranormal activities. As the film progresses, these two seemingly unrelated stories converge, revealing a chilling connection. With its mix of suspense and horror, Cold Case delivers a memorable viewing experience.
4. The Body (2019)
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Platform: Not specified (check major streaming platforms)
Genre: Murder Mystery Thriller
The Body revolves around the mysterious death of a wealthy businessman’s wife. Her body is taken to a forensic lab for examination, but it inexplicably disappears. Police officer Rawal takes on the case, determined to uncover how the woman died and why her body vanished. The film is packed with suspense and thrilling moments that keep you engaged from beginning to end. Can Rawal solve this perplexing case? The Body is a solid pick for fans of fast-paced murder mysteries.
3. Cadaver (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Platform: Not specified (check major streaming platforms)
Genre: Murder Mystery Thriller
Cadaver follows Dr. Bhadra, a forensic expert tasked with investigating a gruesome murder where the victim was burned to death. As she delves into the case, a jailed criminal confesses to the crime and predicts another murder, which shockingly occurs. The twist? The criminal is still behind bars. How is he orchestrating these killings from prison? The film’s clever plot and surprising twists make it a standout in the genre. Highly recommended for those who love complex mysteries.
2. Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Platform: Not specified (check major streaming platforms)
Genre: Crime Thriller Murder Mystery
Anjaam Pathiraa is a critically acclaimed Malayalam murder mystery that follows Anwar Hussain, a criminologist with a passion for solving complex cases. When a series of brutal murders rocks his city, Anwar teams up with the police to track down a cunning serial killer. Every three days, a new victim is found, and the pressure mounts to stop the killings. The film masterfully blends psychological thriller elements with a tightly knit investigation, delivering jaw-dropping twists and a climactic showdown. With its stellar performances and gripping narrative, Anjaam Pathiraa is a must-watch for mystery enthusiasts.
1. Ratsasan (2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Platform: Not specified (check major streaming platforms)
Genre: Crime Murder Mystery
Topping the list is Ratsasan, widely regarded as one of the best murder mystery films from South Indian cinema. The story follows Arun, an aspiring filmmaker who becomes a police officer. When a sadistic serial killer begins targeting young schoolgirls in his city, Arun takes on the case, determined to stop the brutal murders. The film’s intense storyline, combined with its high-stakes investigation and chilling atmosphere, makes it a masterpiece of the genre. While many fans may have already seen it, Ratsasan is a must-watch for anyone who hasn’t experienced its gripping narrative.
Why Watch These Movies?
These South Indian murder mystery films stand out for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and ability to keep viewers guessing. Whether it’s the emotional depth of Heaven, the horror-infused Cold Case, or the psychological intensity of Ratsasan and Anjaam Pathiraa, each movie offers a unique take on the genre. Plus, with high-quality Hindi dubbing, these films are accessible to a broader audience. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into these thrilling cinematic experiences
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