Indian horror movies have a rich treasury beyond the mainstream, and some films offer truly chilling stories that blend folklore, psychology, and atmospheric tension. Some hidden gems every horror fan should watch are listed below.
Gehrayee (1980)
Directors: Vikas Desai, Aruna Raje
Synopsis: A wealthy Bangalore entrepreneur sells his family plantation, irritating his old caretaker. Shortly afterwards, his teenage daughter, Uma, starts showing alarming signs of possession. The family resorts to medical and supernatural remedies, suffering at the hands of fake exorcists, before discovering a true Tantrik. The movie Gehrayee delves into the themes of black magic, family secrets, and revenge, with a terrifying story rooted in Indian cultural beliefs regarding the occult and justice.
Kuthiraivaal (2021)
Director: Manoj Leonel Jahson
Synopsis: A Tamil language psychological horror-thriller of surreal visions about a man who suddenly and inexplicably develops a horse’s tail following a near-death experience. The inexplicable change propels him on a harrowing quest to reclaim his humanity and identity. The film Kuthiraivaal is a mixture of psychological horror and experimental storytelling, addressing issues of alienation and bodily transformation with an atmosphere that is slow-burning and unnerving.
Kothanodi (2015)
Director: Bhaskar Hazarika
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Assamese mythology, four noble-seeming tales focused on dark fairy stories about mothers, witches, and curses are interwoven in this film. It probes the extremity of maternal love and vengeance with eerie imagery and a bleak tone. Rich in cultural texture, Kothanodi is notable for its poetic storytelling and subtle horror based on mythology.
Pari (2018)
Director: Prosit Roy
Synopsis: Pari follows Rukhsana, an isolated woman who harbors a terrifying secret. The movie challenges traditional horror tropes by mixing supernatural malevolence with a tragic, empathetic character study. Its eerie, slow-burning narrative explores notions of otherness, disease, and redemption wrapped in a gothic horror style.
Maya (2015)
Directors: Ashwin Saravanan
Synopsis: Maya follows Arjun, a filmmaker haunted by the disappearance of his mother, who encounters a mysterious woman named Maya in an abandoned house. The film combines folklore with psychological twists, unraveling a layered mystery involving vengeful spirits and family trauma. Praised for its moody visuals and tense atmosphere, it revitalizes South Indian horror cinema.
Lupt (2018)
Director: Prabhuraj
Synopsis: A man grieving the loss of his wife retreats to a remote house with his daughter, only to experience unexplainable paranormal occurrences. Lupt delicately balances emotional drama with haunting supernatural elements, diving into themes of loss, denial, and the afterlife. It relies on mood and suspense rather than traditional jump scares.
Talaash (2012)
Director: Reema Kagti
Synopsis: A crime thriller infused with supernatural elements, featuring a police officer investigating a mysterious car accident linked to his past. The film explores themes of grief and redemption while slowly peeling back layers of a supernatural mystery. With atmospheric cinematography and compelling performances, it offers a moody, realistic take on Indian horror.
Phobia (2016)
Director: Pavan Kirpalani
Synopsis: Phobia centers on Mehak, a woman grappling with agoraphobia after a traumatic incident. Her mental state deteriorates as she begins to see and hear disturbing things in her apartment. The film uses psychological horror to probe themes of trauma, isolation, and mental illness, effectively conveying terror grounded in human psychology.
Raat (1992)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Synopsis: Raat is an atmospheric horror combining supernatural possession with eerie visuals. It follows Shekhar and his family as they move into a new apartment where his sister becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit. The film is noted for its chilling mood and lack of commercial embellishments, setting a high standard for Indian horror in the early 90s.
Bhoot (2003)
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Synopsis: Bhoot, starring Ajay Devgn and Urmila Matondkar, portrays a realistically haunted apartment story. It follows a couple who move into a flat with a tragic past. The psychological tension rises as supernatural occurrences escalate, creating a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere. Praised for its minimal use of typical horror clichés, the film relies on mood and performance to deliver genuine scares.
These films presents a diverse narrative and stylistic approaches that Indian horror cinema offers, making them must-watch titles for fans craving fresh and culturally diverse horror experiences.
