Here are some horror movies that are going to give you a nightmare for weeks!

The terror of something emerging from deep shadows, panic screams, the suspense of secrets in the dark corners, footsteps that can only be heard, and creepy figures appearing momentarily are some of the common ingredients of horror movies in our country. Indian cinema has experimented in this genre in different ways since 1949 when the first Indian horror movie Mahal was released, till 2019 when Ghost Stories, the latest addition in this genre released.

Many of these experiments have not been able to make a dimensional change due to the lack of proper story building, aesthetics, and theme. There were however some countable films that were able to create an impact on the audience.

    1. Pizza (2012 Tamil)

Tamil movies are popular in this genre. The industry is best at dabbling with horror in a way that engages the audience thoroughly. Pizza is one such horror movie. Rather than resorting to cliché themes, the movie offers an interesting menu that keeps the audience at the edge of their seat.

Just when you think “Ah, I know what’s coming”, Pizza springs a surprise on you. Vijay Sethupathy as Michael, a pizza delivery boy, captures every emotion brilliantly and stages a one-person show quite elegantly in some scenes. The movie directed by extremely talented Kartik Subbaraj (this was his debut movie) undoubtedly finds its place in the list of best Indian horror films.

    2. Tumbadd (2018, Hindi)

Tumbbad is an example of a film that creates surreal illusions. In spite of not having an exemplary star cast, the reason why the movie became widely noticed is because of the way it plays with your mind. Tumbbad is a real village in the state of Maharashtra and that is where the whole plot revolves. With a unique style of story-telling that uses gods, demons, etc. the film in a way reinvents Indian horror movies. I appreciate the director, Rahi Anil Barve’s audacity to take this film in a situation where the industry is ruled by star-studded poor content films. The good and well-planned technical team should be credited equally for the movie’s critical acclaim. If you are a fan of Hollywood horror movies like Pan’s Labrynth(2006) then this one is sure to win your heart.

3.Anandabhadram (2005, Malayalam)

This film has no ghosts roaming the dreaded palace in white saree and is completely devoid of stereotyped elements that are common in Malayalam horror movies. What makes the film unique apart from the terrific performance by the leads is the mysteries it tries to explore based on ancient folklore. The music and background score of the movie makes this mysterious feeling more palpable. The movie is one of a kind including witchcraft and black magic in the narrative. The film starts with Ananthan (Prithviraj) returning from the US to light a lamp at their family temple as per his mother’s wish. His encounter with the evil sorcerer Digambaran (Manoj K Jayan) is what turns his world upside down. The rest of the story is about how he defeats Digambaran  to conquer the precious stone, Nagamanikyam.

4. Lapachappi (2017, Marathi)

This Marathi horror movie is quite a significant execution in this genre. The movie makes your blood run cold in some scenes. A husband and wife abscond to a nearby village after facing certain problems, that’s how the film begins. Their mysterious and horrifying experiences there is what unravels the remaining plot. The movie is a brave attempt in the Marathi industry which has rarely experimented with horror. The aesthetics complement the spine-chilling experience.

5. Yavarum Naalam (2009, Tamil)

Yavaraum Naalam is yet another exceptionally haunting experience from the experts in the genre. Tamil cinema rarely disappoints when it comes to horror. Yavarum Naalam, which means All is fine, itself feels like something hidden, mysterious, and spooky. The film offers you goosebumps throughout the narrative. Manoharan (Madhavan), with his family, moves into a new apartment in which a family was murdered by a lovelorn suicide victim’s brother. The family is bewildered by the strange things that haunt the family. The TV series that parallels the life of the newly shifted family is sure to give you chills. The rest of the film is about how the family struggles to survive the evil loop in which they are trapped.

Image Courtsey: YouTube

Anjali Pillai

I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!

I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!