Best Telugu Investigation Crime Thrillers Streaming on SonyLIV

Puri Jagannadh’s "Golimaar" presents a high-octane take on police work, focusing less on intricate detective work and more on the decisive, often brutal, actions of an encounter specialist. Gopichand embodies the relentless Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gangaram, who operates with a singular focus: eradicating crime through direct confrontation. While not a traditional procedural, the film builds its thriller elements around Gangaram's strategic dismantling of criminal networks, showcasing his intelligence in planning and execution. It’s a visceral exploration of law enforcement’s more aggressive side, where the investigation culminates in explosive action rather than quiet deduction, offering a raw, impactful portrayal of a cop's war against the underworld.

"DJ Tillu" subverts typical crime thriller tropes by injecting a heavy dose of irreverent humor and chaotic charm into its narrative. Siddhu Jonnalagadda shines as the titular character, a flamboyant DJ who inadvertently stumbles into a murder investigation. The film cleverly uses Tillu's street-smart wit and often misguided attempts at self-preservation as the primary engine for its 'investigation.' It’s less about methodical police work and more about a common man's desperate, often hilarious, attempts to clear his name while navigating a web of deceit and unexpected twists. This film offers a fresh, energetic take on the genre, proving that crime thrillers can be both engaging and genuinely funny.

"Check" offers a unique premise, centering on Aditya, a death row inmate and chess prodigy, who uses his exceptional strategic mind to investigate his own case from behind bars. Nithiin delivers a compelling performance as a man fighting for his life, employing the intricate logic of chess to unravel the conspiracy that landed him in prison. The film masterfully weaves the intellectual rigor of chess into its investigative framework, creating a cerebral thriller where every move, both on the board and in Aditya's quest for truth, holds significant weight. It’s a tense, intelligent drama that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the power of the human intellect under extreme duress.