Shot entirely in black and white, Bramayugam uses Kerala folklore to create a compelling horror drama. The film uses elements of mystery and fantasy to tell a story that keeps us on the edge of our seats. Bramayugam is one of the most anticipated movies of 2024, for several reasons. Apart from the black-and-white aesthetics, a factor that makes us root for the film is Mammootty’s presence as the antagonist. The man has been on a winning streak recently taking up some challenging roles and films and Bramayugam is the latest addition to his diverse filmography. If you enjoyed Bramayugam, here are movies with similar undertones of mystery, fantasy, and horror that you might like.

1.Tumbbad (Hindi, 2018)

Tumbbad takes us on a journey to a quaint village in Maharashtra, where every scene feels like straight from a fantasy book. Tumbbad is not just a horror movie; it’s a visually stunning story about human desires gone wild. Through Vinayak’s character, we see the dark side of ambition and the price people are willing to pay for riches.

Director Rahi Anil Barve pays attention to every detail, making sure each frame feels authentic and alive. And the background music by Ajay-Atul adds to the atmosphere, keeping us on the edge of our seats. In the world of Hindi cinema, which is primarily ruled by glamour, big names, and box office numbers, a small film like Tumbbad was able to create a mark of its own for its rich and original storytelling that transports the audience to another world.

2. Ananthabhadram (Malayalam, 2005)

Set against the backdrop of rural Kerala, Anandabhadram unfolds as a fairy tale steeped in Shakta black magic, martial arts, and tantric seduction rituals. Director Santosh Sivan masterfully immerses the audience in a world where ancient folklore and supernatural forces hold sway.

The film follows the journey of Anandan (played by Prithviraj), who returns to his ancestral home obeying his mother’s last wishes. As he explores his heritage, he comes to realize that all those stories his mother used to tell him as a kid were far from fairytales. Anandan gets pulled into the mystery surrounding his ancestral home, bringing the wrath of Digambaran (played Manoj K Jayan), the evil sorcerer. All the characters in the film feel like the ones we have heard in stories from our grandparents.

To create this immersive and compelling narrative, the film takes inspiration from paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Theyyam (an art form from Kerala), Kathakali, and Kalaripayattu.

3. Bhoothakalam (Malayalam, 2022)

Bhoothakalam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan before Bramayugam, marks a significant milestone in Malayalam cinema. It set a new standard for the horror genre in Malayalam movies. With its gripping narrative and masterful blend of psychology and horror, the film offers viewers a truly scary experience.

At the heart of Bhoothakalam are two central characters—a mother and her son—each grappling with their own demons. The mother (played by Revathi), plagued by depression, finds solace in the eerie confines of their house. While her son (played by Shane Nigam), battling alcoholism, seeks refuge in intoxication. As their lives intertwine within the walls of their haunted home, the boundaries between reality and hallucination blur, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of the horrors that unfold.

With its compelling narrative, rich character development, and spine-tingling atmosphere, the film leaves a lasting impression. A word of caution, the film is not for the faint-hearted!

Also Read: Best Malayalam Movies To Stream on SonyLIV

4. Kumari (Malayalam, 2022)

Kumari draws inspiration from Kerala folklore, particularly the legend of Chaathan, the demi-god, akin to Bramayugam. While the film may not excel in visual appeal, it compensates with a compelling plotline and powerful performances that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

At its core, Kumari boasts a very strong plotline, weaving elements of folklore seamlessly into its narrative. The legend of Chaathan serves as a backdrop for the story, adding depth and richness to the film’s universe. One of the standout features of Kumari is the strength of its performances. The cast delivers stellar performances, bringing their characters to life with authenticity and depth. Aishwariya Lekshmi and Shine Time Chacko imbue their role with depth and nuance, adding complexity to the film’s narrative.

Despite its shortcomings in visual appeal, Kumari has its moments that send a chill down our spine. Whether it’s a tense confrontation between characters or a supernatural encounter with Chaathan himself, the film delivers thrills and suspense in equal measure. Apart from the lack of a solid VFX, Kumari is a good attempt at adding the supernatural elements.

5. Bulbbul (Hindi, 2020)

Directed by Anvita Dutta, Bulbbul, is a captivating blend of folklore, mystery, and societal commentary set against the backdrop of colonial Bengal in the 1880s. The film intricately weaves together elements of Indian mythology and superstition to create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

Bulbbul revolves around the life of a child bride Bulbbul (played by Tripti Dimri) and how she transforms from a young innocent girl to a headstrong thakurain (landlady). Tripti Dimri shines in the titular role, capturing Bulbbul’s journey from innocence to strength with grace and depth. Rahul Bose delivers a chilling performance as the enigmatic antagonist, adding an extra layer of tension to the series. Using elements of fantasy and folklore, Bulbbul successfully tells the tale of a woman seeking revenge against the ones who wronged her.