Released in 2018, this film is regarded as one of the most gripping and suspenseful thrillers ever made, keeping viewers on edge right up to the final scene.
Published: September 18, 2025 11:23 PM IST
This film, which was released in 2018, is not just any thriller, it follows a suspenseful trail led by a man whose life winds through filmmaking, tragedy, and law enforcement. After suffering a personal loss, he becomes a police officer and ends up chasing a brutal serial killer targeting school‑aged girls. The story is relentless, building tension through each discovery, close call, and twisted clue, making it hard to look away.
Which movie is this?
The movie in question is Ratsasan (also spelled Raatchasan), directed by Ram Kumar. The lead actor is Vishnu Vishal, who plays the protagonist, while Amala Paul and Saravanan support with strong performances. The film’s music is by Ghibran, cinematography by P. V. Shankar, and editing was handled by San Lokesh. The story follows Arun Kumar (played by Vishnu Vishal), an aspiring filmmaker who becomes a sub‑inspector after his father passes away. Arun is then tasked with hunting down a serial killer who’s brutally murdering school‑aged girls. The movie mixes suspense, emotional backstory, and gruesome murders to build a tense, engaging investigation that keeps viewers on edge.
How was the response?
Ratsasan has been very well received, both by audiences and critics. On IMDb, it holds a high rating of 8.3. It was ranked No. 1 among Tamil films on IMDb and also placed third among all Indian films in the top-rated list. Critics praised the film for its taut narrative in the first half, its chilling background score, and its suspenseful build‑up.
What makes Ratsasan a perfect suspense-thriller?
What truly makes Ratsasan stand out is its chilling premise is a serial killer on the loose targeting vulnerable young schoolgirls, which forces the protagonist to not only chase a monster but also confront his own deep fears and personal trauma. This film masterfully builds suspense through sound design, tight cinematography, and precise pacing. The emotional stakes are high, as the lead character’s own loss and past struggles add a layer of depth to the narrative, making his mission more personal than procedural. On top of that, the film’s technical brilliance, from sharp editing to a haunting background score and focused direction, keeps the audience gripped right up to the final frame.
Story Highlights
- Ratsasan follows a failed filmmaker who becomes a cop after personal tragedy and ends up chasing a serial killer targeting school girls.
- The film blends psychological tension, emotional depth, and intense crime investigation.
- Stellar performances by Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul add to the film’s realism and impact.
- It’s praised for gripping narration, haunting music, and edge-of-the-seat suspense.
Ratsasan isn’t just another crime thriller, it’s a masterclass in storytelling that combines emotional pain with high-stakes investigation.
