If Dhurandhar 2 pulled you deep into a world of covert missions, political conspiracies, and high-stakes action, chances are you are still craving that same rush. Spy thrillers have a unique way of blending intelligence work with emotional conflict, where every decision can change the fate of a nation. Indian cinema has delivered some incredibly gripping stories in this genre, ranging from grounded, realistic narratives to large-scale action spectacles.
Whether you enjoy slow-burn espionage dramas or fast-paced mission-driven films, these five Indian spy thrillers will keep you hooked with tension, layered characters, and powerful storytelling.
1. Raazi (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat
Raazi tells the story of a young Indian woman who is married into a Pakistani military family to serve as an undercover agent during a tense political period. As she gathers crucial intelligence, she finds herself torn between her duty to the nation and the emotional bonds she forms in her new home. The film is less about action and more about the psychological weight of espionage.
Why watch: It offers a deeply emotional and realistic portrayal of what it means to be a spy beyond the action.
2. Baby (2015)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Danny Denzongpa, Taapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher
Baby follows an elite intelligence unit that operates in the shadows to prevent terrorist attacks before they can happen. The narrative unfolds through multiple missions across different countries, each raising the stakes further. The film keeps things tight and focused, with minimal distractions and a strong emphasis on realism and strategy.
Why watch: A sharp, no-nonsense spy thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
3. Madras Cafe (2013)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Cast: John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, Raashii Khanna
Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, Madras Cafe follows an Indian intelligence officer sent on a mission that gradually uncovers a much larger political conspiracy. The film stands out for its grounded approach, avoiding glamour and focusing instead on the chaos, confusion, and moral ambiguity of intelligence work.
Why watch: A raw and politically layered spy thriller that feels unsettlingly real.
4. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director: Aditya Dhar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam, Mohit Raina
Based on real events, Uri: The Surgical Strike chronicles India’s covert military response following a terror attack. The film combines intelligence planning with on-ground action, building tension through its strategic buildup before delivering explosive execution. It balances patriotism with precision-driven storytelling.
Why watch: High-intensity action backed by a strong emotional and nationalistic core.
5. Naam Shabana (2017)
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Director: Shivam Nair
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher
A prequel to Baby, Naam Shabana focuses on the origin story of a young woman who is recruited into the intelligence world. The film explores her transformation from an ordinary individual into a trained operative, highlighting the discipline, sacrifice, and mental strength required in espionage. It mixes character development with action-driven sequences.
Why watch: A character-centric spy film that shows the making of an agent.
These films capture different shades of espionage, from emotional undercover missions to large-scale covert operations. If Dhurandhar 2 impressed you with its mix of action and intelligence, this list will keep that intensity alive while offering diverse storytelling styles within the spy thriller genre.