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

Since the release of India’s first horror movie, “Mahal,” in 1949, Indian cinema has delved into the genre with varying degrees of success. While some films have merely rehashed common tropes without much innovation in storytelling, aesthetics, or theme, a few standout productions have left an indelible mark on audiences, invoking spine-chilling experiences with their adept use of suspense, shadows, and eerie atmospheres.

Here’s a curated list of some of the finest Indian horror films that have truly captivated audiences:

    1. Pizza (2012, Tamil)

Rather than resorting to cliché themes, Pizza offers an interesting menu that keeps the audience at the edge of their seat.

The plot revolves around Michael, played by Vijay Sethupathi, a pizza delivery boy whose mundane life takes a terrifying turn when he finds himself trapped in a haunted house while making a delivery. What unfolds is a gripping tale of mystery, horror, and psychological suspense as Michael navigates through the eerie confines of the house, confronting chilling apparitions and unsettling revelations.

Just when you think “Ah, I know what’s coming”, Pizza springs a surprise on you. Vijay Sethupathy as Michael 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. Despite 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 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.

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 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.

Anandabhadram 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 late mother’s wish. His encounter with the evil sorcerer Digambaran (Manoj K Jayan) 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. Their mysterious and horrifying experiences in that village unravel 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)

Yavarum Nalam” (2009), also known as “13B” in Hindi, is a Tamil horror thriller directed by Vikram Kumar. The plot revolves around Manohar, portrayed by R. Madhavan, and his family who move into a new apartment on the 13th floor of a high-rise building. Soon after their relocation, Manohar becomes engrossed in a television serial titled “Yavarum Nalam” (All are fine) which mirrors their own lives eerily. As he delves deeper into the show, he discovers that the events depicted in it start to unfold in real life, leading to a series of chilling and inexplicable occurrences.

What sets “Yavarum Nalam” apart is its exploration of contemporary issues within the framework of a horror thriller. The film not only delivers spine-chilling moments and suspenseful sequences but also addresses themes such as urban isolation, media influence, and the erosion of privacy in modern society. This infusion of social commentary adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond typical horror fare.

Image Courtsey: YouTube