In the last few years, the landscape of Indian cinema has shifted. While Bollywood has its charm, South Indian filmmakers have mastered the art of the “slow-burn mystery” and “psychological thriller.” If you are tired of predictable plots and want something that keeps you guessing until the very last frame, this list has Best South Indian Mystery Movies on OTT in Hindi
Here are the top 5 South Indian mystery movies available in Hindi on OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar.
1. Ratsasan (The Demon)
- OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar / YouTube (Goldmines)
- Genre: Psychological Slasher Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The Plot: An aspiring film director becomes a police officer after his father’s death and finds himself hunting a brutal serial killer who targets schoolgirls.
Why it’s on this list: Ratsasan is often cited as the gold standard of Indian serial killer movies. The background score (BGM) by Ghibran is bone-chilling. It doesn’t just rely on jump scares; it builds a terrifying atmosphere of mystery.
Bollywood Connection: It was officially remade in Bollywood as Cuttputlli starring Akshay Kumar. However, most fans agree that the original Tamil version (Ratsasan) is far superior in terms of intensity and pacing.
Is it family-friendly? No. While there is no heavy vulgarity, the violence is graphic, and the theme is quite dark. It is suitable for adults and mature teenagers, but not for small children.
2. Drishyam 2 (The Resumption)
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Crime Thriller / Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Plot: Picking up six years after the events of the first film, Georgekutty (played by Mohanlal) is now a cinema owner. However, the police haven’t given up on the murder investigation, and a new twist threatens to destroy his family.
Why it’s on this list: Creating a sequel to a masterpiece like Drishyam was nearly impossible, but director Jeethu Joseph pulled it off. The last 30 minutes of this movie provide one of the greatest “reveals” in cinema history.
Bollywood Connection: The Bollywood version starring Ajay Devgn is also excellent and follows the same script. If you have seen the Hindi Drishyam 2, the plot is identical, but Mohanlal’s subtle acting in the original Malayalam version offers a different, more grounded flavor.
Is it family-friendly? Yes. This is a perfect family watch. It focuses on family bonds and clever planning rather than gore or “masala” elements.
3. Iratta (The Twins)
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Police Procedural / Dark Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The Plot: A policeman is found dead inside a police station with three gunshot wounds. The investigation leads to two twin brothers (both police officers) who share a dark and troubled past.
Why it’s on this list: This is a “hidden gem.” It starts like a standard investigation but turns into a deep psychological study. The ending of Iratta is so shocking that it will leave you speechless for minutes after the credits roll.
Bollywood Connection: Currently, there is no direct Bollywood remake of this film. However, fans of movies like Article 15 or Talvar will appreciate the gritty, realistic tone.
Is it family-friendly? Strictly for Adults. The ending involves extremely sensitive and disturbing themes that are not suitable for children or sensitive viewers.
4. Vikram Vedha (Original)
- OTT Platform: Zee5 / Disney+ Hotstar
- Genre: Neo-noir Action Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
The Plot: A righteous police officer (Vikram) is on a mission to catch a dreaded gangster (Vedha). When he finally catches him, Vedha tells him three stories that change Vikram’s perception of “good vs. evil.”
Why it’s on this list: The mystery here isn’t just “who did it,” but “what is the truth.” The chemistry between R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi is legendary. It’s a smart, stylish mystery wrapped in an action package.
Bollywood Connection: Remade in Hindi with the same title, Vikram Vedha, starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan. While the Hindi version is stylish, the original has a “raw” and “earthy” feel that makes the mystery feel more authentic.
Is it family-friendly? Yes (with supervision). It has stylized action and some violence, but no nudity or extreme gore. Older kids (12+) can enjoy this with their parents.
5. HIT: The First Case (Telugu)
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Investigative Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The Plot: Vikram, a brilliant but traumatized cop in the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT), must find a missing girl while battling his own past PTSD.
Why it’s on this list: The investigation is very detailed. It feels like watching a real-life forensic case. It keeps you guessing among multiple suspects until the very end.
Bollywood Connection: Remade in Bollywood with Rajkummar Rao. The Hindi remake is very faithful to the original, but Vishwak Sen’s performance in the Telugu version feels more intense and vulnerable.
Is it family-friendly? Teenagers and Adults. There are some intense crime scene descriptions and suspenseful moments that might be too much for younger kids.
Bonus: The 6th Name (The One That Almost Made It)
Movie: Kantara (Netflix / Prime Video)
Why it was almost on the list: Kantara is a masterpiece of storytelling and mystery regarding local myths and legends. It has an incredible climax and deep mystery elements.
Why I didn’t put it in the Top 5: Technically, Kantara leans more towards Action/Drama/Folklore than a pure “Detective Mystery.” While there is a mystery about the forest and the murders, the movie’s primary soul is its cultural heritage and divinity. I wanted this list to focus on “Crime & Investigation” mysteries. However, if you want a visual spectacle, Kantara is a must-watch!
Final Verdict for OTTDEKHO Readers
If you have only one weekend, start with Ratsasan for a thrill or Drishyam 2 for a brain-teasing experience. These movies prove that South Indian cinema is currently leading the way in the mystery genre.
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