Indian cinema has a long and eerie relationship with horror. From ghostly mansions to vengeful spirits and psychological thrillers, Indian filmmakers have kept audiences on the edge of their seats for decades. The genre has evolved dramatically, blending folklore, mythological elements, and psychological terror to create some of the most unforgettable horror films.
The journey began in 1949 with Mahal, directed by Kamal Amrohi. This haunting tale of reincarnation and supernatural mystery starred Ashok Kumar and Madhubala. The film’s eerie atmosphere and the iconic song Aayega Aanewala turned it into a classic. Mahal was a commercial success and proved that Indian audiences were ready for spine-chilling stories.
Then came the Ramsay Brothers, who ruled the horror genre in the 1970s and 80s. Their films were packed with haunted havelis, sinister tantriks, and eerie background scores. Purana Mandir (1984), starring Mohnish Bahl and Arti Gupta, revolved around a centuries-old curse. It was a massive hit, collecting over ₹2.5 crore at the box office. Another cult classic, Veerana (1988), introduced us to the mysterious Jasmin, who played a possessed woman terrorizing a village. The Ramsay formula may have been predictable, but their films continue to have a loyal fanbase.
By the early 2000s, Indian horror took a more sophisticated turn. Bhoot (2003), directed by Ram Gopal Varma, was a game-changer. Starring Ajay Devgn and Urmila Matondkar, the film ditched the traditional horror tropes and focused on psychological horror. It was a box-office success, earning over ₹25 crore and proving that horror could be both serious and commercially viable. Around the same time, Raaz (2002), starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea, became a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹37 crore. Inspired by Hollywood’s What Lies Beneath, Raaz was a gripping supernatural thriller that cemented Bipasha’s status as Bollywood’s horror queen.
Regional cinema also embraced horror in a big way. The Tamil film Yavarum Nalam (2009), starring Madhavan, was a psychological horror that kept audiences hooked. The film, known as 13B in Hindi, explored how a haunted television set turned a family’s life upside down. It was a hit at the box office, proving that horror could be smart and innovative.
In recent years, films like Tumbbad (2018) have redefined horror storytelling. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, this eerie fantasy-horror film followed the story of a man’s obsession with a hidden treasure cursed by a vengeful deity. It received critical acclaim for its breathtaking visuals and unique storyline, collecting around ₹13.57 crore worldwide.
Streaming platforms have also given horror a new lease on life. Web series like Ghoul (2018) and Betaal (2020) introduced fresh narratives, proving that Indian horror is no longer restricted to clichés. With filmmakers experimenting with new themes, horror in India is set for an exciting future.
From the eerie corridors of Mahal to the dark mythological horrors of Tumbbad, Indian horror cinema continues to evolve. Whether through ghosts, demons, or the horrors of the human mind, filmmakers will keep audiences terrified for generations to come. Get ready to turn off the lights and embrace the fear!
