Tag Archives: thriller

Thadam (2019)

Written by Yogeswaran Ganapathy @moviemanyogi

My Ratings: 3.25/5

Thadam Review: Despite a slow first half, the murder mystery gets into full speed going into the second half and ends with one the best crime thriller twists in the genre!

Thadam means CLUE in Tamil. And in this murder mystery it is all about joining the right clues and finding the killer.

Arun Vijay since his comeback has chosen pretty good scripts and Thadam falls in that list. He plays dual roles here, one of an educated IIT graduate named Ezhil and other who is a petty thief named Kavin. He excels in both the roles and gives a satisfactory performance!

Magizh Thirumeni has done a pretty decent job as the writer/director. The hardwork, efforts, research he has put for the project is very evident. A crime drama which is very much in touch with legal tussles and its loopholes in a very realistic, gripping way. 

Tanya Hope makes a memorable debut performance. She plays the love interest of Ezhil. The chemistry between them is pretty good. She plays an integral and interesting character. Smruthi Venkat plays a naive character. She is instantly having a good emotional connect with the audience. The dialogues in her scenes are very effective.

Fefsi Vijayan plays a ruthless cop role to perfection.

Sonia Agarwal plays a cameo role which affects the story in a very impactful manner. Yogi Babu‘s character has totally been underwritten. His comedy feels very forced. I feel bad that such a good performer has been underutilized.

The music by Arun Raj (debutant ) is decent, the opening credits is very catchy.

A well written script, though the screenplay is a bit dull in the first half where the romantic portions seem a bit dragged but post interval the movie shifts to a whole new level of awesomeness.

The typical murder whodunit is given a fresh and clever twist. The final moments of the film will keep the audience on the edge of their seats for sure!

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWdqv8YiQjg

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best of Bollywood Thrillers 2017 and 2018 (10+1List)

Best of Bollywood Thrillers 2017 and 2018

written by Souranath Banerjee

Nowadays thrillers are back in demand. But then again there’s always an appetite for thrilling stories in Bollywood, the problem is on the supply end of it.

Let’s face it, well made Indian thrillers are rare to find but fortunately this year we have just enough of Bollywood thrillers to make an entertaining list!

Hope you have seen them all, if not then go ahead and have a thrilling life!

10. The Ghazi Attack (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn2qOnKuOoc

Inspired by true events from the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.

The film reveals the true story behind the mysterious sinking of the US loaned Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi when it stealthy ventured the shore of Visakhapatnam to destroy Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Directed by Sankalp Reddy, superb plot, a tad overdramatic but then again an entertaining thriller and surely India’s first ever Submarine war movie.

9. Blackmail (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDF1qdUtbzw

A man finds out that his wife is having an affair. But instead of the typical agitated confrontation, he secretly blackmails his wife’s lover for money!

Directed by Abhinay Deo, a comedy thriller pretty similar to the director’s earlier film Delhi Belly, the characters spiralling down through a vortex of chaos and mayhem. Irrfan Khan makes the film worth your time.

8. Raid (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h4thS-Hcrk

The story of a fearless Income-tax officer who dared to raid the mansion of the most powerful man in Lucknow!

Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, based on several real accounts of challenging tax-raids where influential people will go to any length to stop the officers from doing their work honestly.

Ajay Devgn and Saurabh Shukla at their best.

7. Mom (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hctApy_i-qg

Veteran actress Sridevi‘s last film as a protagonist, this is a perfect revenge thriller where a ‘mom’ when denied justice in the courtroom seeks vengeance over her daughter’s abusers in her own way.

Directed by Ravi Udyawar, often predictable but with fine performances from Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui the film stands out as a decent thriller.

6. Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN_9DnBh3hM

On 13 May 1998 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee held a press conference to declare India as a nuclear state!

Directed by Abhishek Sharma, this film portrays the story of how Captain Ashwat Raina (played by John Abraham) plans and executes the mission of India’s second confidential nuclear test series at Pokhran.

Not only a thrilling story but a historic moment of triumph for our country portrayed in this film.

5. Monsoon Shootout (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdbAgeowew8

To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question! A rookie cop’s first assignment and he has to take a decision that will affect his life professionally and personally for ever.

Directed by Amit Kumar, good storytelling (structurally innovative), superb performances by  Vijay Varma, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neeraj Kabi and Tannishtha Chatterjee. A must watch thriller indeed.

4. Tigers (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJxsiUvccuM

Coming from the Oscar winning director of No Man’s Land (2001) Danis Tanovic, this is the story of a pharmaceutical salesman in Pakistan (played by Emraan Hashmi) who challenges a multinational health care corporation realising that they are responsible for the death of hundreds of babies everyday!

Based upon a true tragic incident that took place in Pakistan in late 1990s and early 2000.

3. Ittefaq (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvfvoCdPrII

Kind of a remake of B.R. Chopra‘s 1969 film Ittefaq, directed by B.R. Chopra’s grandson Abhay Chopra.

One crime scene, two suspects and their two contradicting versions of the same murder, it is time for the detective to decide which story to believe and who to arrest!

Starring Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha and Akshaye Khanna this is one thriller that keeps the suspense till the end.

2. Raazi (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjMSttRJrhA

A brave Indian woman from Kashmir marries a Pakistani officer with a dangerous motive to spy on the Pakistani army.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar, superb acting by Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Rajit Kapoor.

An adaption of Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat” based of true events during 1971 Indo-Pak war. Surely the best spy movie of India till date.

1. Andhadhun (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iVYI99VGaw

A blind pianist must report a crime which he never saw! But then he seems to be always in the wrong place in the wrong time to see what a blind man should never have seen!

Brilliantly crafted by my favourite director  Sriram Raghavan, super cool performances by Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu and Radhika Apte. Undoubtedly one of the best thriller of recent times!

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Pihu (2018)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWLhuEhXm4

Here comes an out-of-the-box Bollywood concept – a cute two year old girl who finds her mom not waking up and Dad out at work, tries her best to make herself at home!

Directed by Kapri Vinod, beautifully performed by child-actor Pihu Myra Vishwakarma. Shot in one location, one character – a thrilling 1st half that goes a bit repetitive in the 2nd. A very different kind of thriller; according to me such innovative ideas should be encouraged more often!

A few other thrillers though not on the list but still worth your time are BaazaarLove Sonia, In the Shadows AjjiGurgaon, and Long Live Brij Mohan.

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood Thrillers of 2015

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood thrillers of 2016

Similar Interest: Best Bollywood Thrillers of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Psychological Thrillers

Similar InterestBest Spanish Thrillers of Recent Times

Similar Interest: Best South Korean Thrillers of recent times

Similar Interest: Best French Thrillers of Recent Times

 Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best South Korean Thrillers of recent times (20+1list)

Best South Korean Thrillers of recent times.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Today’s list consists of only the Best South Korean Thrillers since this country seems to be specializing on this particular genre for some time now.

Memories of a murder posterOver the years South Korean film industry has evolved and produced numerous quality cinema that have achieved immense international acclaim!

The new-age South Korean directors have given some of the best suspense thrillers of our times. Be it the theme of the infamous gang war films or the merciless serial killer movies or the classic police-gangster action dramas or else the ever-popular gruesome revenge sagas – you name it and they have delivered it to perfection.

Enough said … let the fun begin!

20. Don’t Cry, Mommy (2012)

Don keu-ra-i ma-mi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrTkEMXDPdw

South Korean ThrillersA rape of a young girl that eventually leads into her suicide, but will the rapists (being minors) get their desired punishments?

When the judgment of the law ends up favoring the three juveniles, the mother of the girl decides to take things in her own hands.

Directed by Yong-han Kim, this is one perfect revenge drama. 

19. The Suspect (2013)

Yong-eui-ja (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ctw3o_tv_k

South Korean ThrillersAbandoned during a mission and on the run, his wife and daughter murdered, this is a tale of a field agent in North Korea who is all set to take revenge on them who has destroyed his life.

Directed by Shin-yeon Won. an action pact drama where the central character’s only goal is to have his vengeance and finish the treacherous game of double cross and deceit.

18. Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (2012)

Bumchoiwaui junjaeng: Nabbeunnomdeul jeonsungshidae (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPRFKk3gYBE

South Korean ThrillersA corrupt customs official who was about to get fired randomly gets associated with a vicious gangster and becomes the most powerful crime partner of the town!

Directed by Jong-bin Yun, this one is a pure gangster flick with lots of twists and turns in the storyline. 

And it’s also about friendship and rivalry, loyalty and betrayal, respect and (of course) murder!   

17. Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013)

Hwa-i: Goi-mool-eul sam-kin a-i (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EODuG-0Y9E

South Korean ThrillersA boy raised by five criminals (all fathers), who finally goes in search for the truth as he was forced to take part in a killing spree.

Directed by Joon-Hwan Jang, a brilliant film that needs to be much more popular to the thriller-fans all across the world.

Graphic violence is an essential part of the film, so you be prepared.

16. A Hard Day (2014)

Kkeut-kka-ji-gan-da (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r1lJuk4EjA

South Korean ThrillersA homicide detective kills a man in a car accident, and desperately tries to hide the body and he succeeds too … well almost.

Soon he is threatened by some mysterious guy who seems to have witnessed everything and knows all about it!

Directed by Seong-hoon Kim, a very well crafted thriller indeed.

15. Bedevilled (2010)

Kim Bok-nam salinsageonui jeonmal (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG2bObtGlsI

South Korean ThrillersAs Eleanor Roosevelt once said ‘A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.’

Directed by Cheol-soo Jang, this is the story of a woman living in an isolated island, who is abused and tortured in every possible way until one day she decides to avenge upon her tormentors! Extreme violence, disturbingly real and gory, and yet highly engaging.

14. The Terror Live (2013)

Deu tae-ro ra-i-beu (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2BFo4c4QQ

South Korean ThrillersAn exclusive live broadcast with a terrorist is the only way for a news anchor to claim his top position back, but then how far is he ready to sacrifice to get what he wants?

Directed by Byung-woo Kim, an underrated thriller shot almost entirely in one room (the radio station), giving the impression of real time and a sense of claustrophobia. A combination of superb acting and intense drama.

13. Breathless (2008)

Ddongpari (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zzcGQkuTs4

South Korean ThrillersNot exactly a thriller in it’s true sense, but definitely one of the most brutal Korean crime drama of recent times.

A story of a touching friendship between a heartless loan shark and a troubled young school girl.

Directed by Ik-joon Yang, a brilliantly emotional film, much underrated as it deserves a lot more attention and appreciation.

12. A Dirty Carnival (2006)

Biyeolhan geori (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWtiC1JFRnE

South Korean ThrillersThis one is an action pact film portraying the life of the gangsters from a dangerously uncomfortable perspective.

Directed by Ha Yoo, this is the story of a man’s realization of the his capabilities and more importantly his own limitations; a fine crime drama that reveals the merciless world of crime and criminals from very close proximity.

11. Montage (2013)

Mong-ta-joo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5Hom6_GxE

South Korean Thrillers15 years ago a crime was committed, a kidnap, and a mother lost her child forever.

And now, the crime is being repeated, another kidnap, same style – but this time can they stop the crime and tackle the kidnapper?

Directed by Geun-seop Jeong, a perfect thriller that turns out into a deadly game of wits.

10. Cold Eyes (2013)

Gam-si-ja-deul (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH15-Aj57fc

South Korean ThrillersThe police surveillance team with their latest techno gadgets clashes with a team of ruthless bank robbers who seems to be unstoppable in their mission.

Directed by Ui-seok Jo and Byung-seo Kim, this is a high voltage suspense drama that ensures to quicken your pulse till the end.

This Korean thriller was one of the biggest box office hit of the year!

9. New World (2013)

Sinsegye (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rln9Hx_wPFw

South Korean ThrillersThe police with the help of an undercover agent tries to take on the dangerous mafia but then certain unexpected twists completely turns the rules of the game.

A complex and gripping storyline, brilliant acting and the element of suspense intact till the very end.

Directed by Hoon-jung Park, this is South Korean thriller at its best.

8. Pieta (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MebVzBdz0OI

South Korean ThrillersA loan shark who leads a brutal and violent life encounters a strange woman who claims to be his long lost mother.

Directed by Ki-duk Kim, a unique film that revolves around a son taking revenge on his so-called mother because she has abandoned him in his childhood! 

A mother and son film with so many layers of emotions, never seen before.

7. The Man from Nowhere (2010)

Ajeossi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38rPoGSr19U

South Korean Thrillers

A pawn shop owner who prefers to keep to himself befriends a little girl from the neighborhood.

And when this girl’s life is in danger this man from nowhere makes it his business to rescue his little friend from the ruthless gangsters.

Directed by Jeong-beom Lee, a gritty fast paced emotional tale told in great style.

6. The Yellow Sea (2010)

Hwanghae (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoyKIBiCb7Y

South Korean Thrillers

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this is the story of a poor taxi driver who is sent across the sea to kill someone. But instead of killing his target he starts searching for his wife!

A dangerous mistake that almost costed his life.

A tale of extreme vengeance; some of the action moments in this film are legendary even in Korean standards!

5. A Bittersweet Life (2005)

Dalkomhan insaeng (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Kcns8MujA

South Korean Thrillers

A gangster’s sweet life turns bitter when he refuses to follow his boss’s orders. But then, an ego clash with the dangerous mafia boss can surely cost you much, may be your happiness if not your life!

Directed by Jee-woon Kim, a classy film shot beautifully, crisp script and great performance by everyone. One of the best gangster movies I have seen till date.

4. Mother (2009)

Madeo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcxml0xeFlI

South Korean ThrillersDirected by Joon Ho Bong, this is an incredible story of a mother’s retribution.

When a mentally retarded boy is suspected of murder, his mother takes upon the task to find the real killer. Her maternal instinct to protect her child takes her to the ultimate level of desperation.

Powerful performances and a brilliant piece of story telling.

Another brilliant thriller from the same director is Memories of Murder (2003) – Salinui chueok (original title).

3. I Saw the Devil (2010)

Ang-ma-reul bo-at-da (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWgp1bqVwE

South Korean ThrillersA deadly game of vengeance between a secret agent and a serial killer is being played through out the film. But who will be the winner?

Insanely violent and graphic, a story of a psychopath being chased and tormented by an equally demented cop.

Directed by Jee-woon Kim, this thriller is so full of obsession, hatred and revenge.

2. The Chaser (2008)

Chugyeogja (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai0GambXj-s

South Korean ThrillersA detective turned pimp tries to trace his call girls who seem to vanish into thin air. Is there one particular client who may be responsible for their sudden disappearances?

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this gruesome thriller has some of the most extreme moments of tension and violence – terrific storyline and exceptionally natural acting. The best Korean thriller ever made till date!

1. Oldboy (2003)

Oldeuboi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HkjrJ6IK5E

South Korean ThrillersAnd now, the most popular South Korean film ever made, included in the all time best 100 films list in IMDb!

A man has been kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, but why? Will he be released someday?

A unique and disturbing tale, directed by Chan-wook Park, full of violence and extreme vengeance.

Along with Oldboy, don’t you forget to check out the other two films of Chan-wook Park‘s Vengeance Trilogy, that also includes Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2005).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. The Housemaid (1960)

Hanyo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40u9lEHrMa8

South Korean ThrillersA man in an illicit relationship with his housemaid eventually complexes his married life a bit too much for any scope of peaceful resolution.

Directed by Ki-young Kim, this is one of the most artistic film in this list, very well dramatized and superlative performances.

A classic South Korean thriller, that has not aged even after so many decades.

Similar Interest: Best Spanish Thrillers of Recent Times

Similar Interest: Best French Thrillers of Recent Times

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.comwww.impawards.com.

Don’t Breathe (2016)

Don’t Breathe review

written by Souranath Banerjee

Rejoice all you thriller-junkies out there, this ruthless claustrophobic film promises not to give you much of a breathing space, so don’t you dare – breathe!

My Ratings: 4.1/5

Remember the edgy climax scene from the 1991 Oscar winning film The Silence of the Lambs where FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in pursuit of Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) gets inside this spooky basement where there is complete darkness – well, check out the scene below and refresh your memories.

And now imagine something this intense and nerve-wrecking, such acute tension boiling up scene after scene throughout the entire length of a film till the very end-titles!

Yes, that’s exactly what writer/director Fede Alvarez (of the latest dont-breathe-review-poster3Evil Dead fame) have managed to deliver and that too in an unique stylised fashion. Along with co-writer Rodo Sayagues the script of Don’t Breathe simply races forward keeping the audiences successfully uncomfortable in the darkness (still breathing i guess).

Three friends, regular small-time crooks, Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex (Dylan Minnette) and Money (Daniel Zovatto) plan to rob a blind man’s house but then of course things doesn’t turn out the way they have planned (to put it in a mild way).

Believable acting by each and every one but Stephen Lang as the helpless blind man with negligible dialogues is definitely worth a dont-breathe-review-poster2special mention.

Great camera work by Pedro Luque, the camera moves around the house effortlessly pointing out objects and props-to-be-used-in-future that enhances the anticipation of the viewers, and that too well punctuated by appropriate use of neurotic music by Roque Baños.

But the spine of the film is probably it’s water-tight editing; crisp and swift, never letting the momentum fall, and for that thanks to Eric L. BeasonLouise Ford and Gardner Gould.

Don’t breathe is a film that you were waiting for. Go watch it and you will thank me later!

Poster courtesy: http://www.impawards.com

Room (2015)

Room review

written by Souranath Banerjee

An exceptional tale of mother-child bonding, an emotional whirlpool.

My Ratings: 4.4/5.

There are movies that defy against the notion of being made just for entertainment, there are films which shatter the general norms of popular cinema and become something extraordinary. And in the process, they set an example just as the film Room did last year.

Based on Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue‘s popular novel by the same name, who is also the screenwriter for the film, the brilliance of Room is difficult to be tagged into one particular genre.

room-poster2Essentially it’s a thriller that involves the account of a daring attempt to slip away from the clutches of a ruthless kidnapper but on a deeper note the film is a complex sensitive drama and an expert dissection of human psychology.

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, Room is evidently treated in two distinctively different halves.

The first half till the intermission deals with a mother Ma (Brie Larson) and her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) who are being kidnapped inside a garden shed (the room) by a psychopath called Old Nick (Sean Bridgers) and then of course, the planning and execution of their valiant escape. 

And then the second part which takes the film to another level of brilliance, actually deals with the emotional turmoil that they had to go through even after they are so called ‘safe’. And by ‘they’ it’s not only the mother and her son but also their near-family included.

Acting wise everybody is a winner.

room-poster1Specially Brie Larson who as the protective mother, dealing with her certitudes and also her vulnerabilities has given one of the best performances I have seen in a long time!

And then of course, young Jacob Tremblay, such effortless way he delivers his dialogues, his bond with the room, and then his body language when exposed to the world, his unconditional ability to love others – that boy just nailed it.

And superbly supported by Joan AllenMatt Gordon and not to forget the cameo by William H. Macy.

May be inspired by similar real life kidnapping cases of Jaycee Lee Dugard and Amanda Berry or may be the film is completely a work of fiction as the author claims, but one thing is certain – Room is one rare piece of cinema that promises to stay with you for a long time.

Highly recommended. Run.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com