Horror is a genre renowned for its ability to stimulate both the mind and body, evoking feelings of thrill, fear, and excitement within its audience. While watching a horror film, the fear response is activated, triggering the release of adrenaline by the body. Once the body perceives that the threat is not real, it subsequently releases endorphins and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Many Individuals who thrill-seekers particularly enjoy the horror genre.
Bollywood has produced notable films in the horror genre, incorporating elements of music, mystery, and comedy to enhance its captivating nature. There are several well-made Bollywood horror films that explore and take inspiration from our rich folklore. The genre has experienced substantial evolution, frequently exploring the profound psychological aspects of the human mind while simultaneously providing insightful social commentary on contemporary social issue and delivering exceptional visual effects.
TUMBBAD (2018)
“Tumbbad” is a critically acclaimed horror-fantasy film renowned for its exceptional fusion of mythology, folklore, unsettling ambiance, and exploration of human greed. The film is set in British era Maharashtra and follows a man named Vinayak whose never ending greed drives him to pursue a cursed treasure linked to the mythical god Hastar. The film’s mythology revolves around the Goddess of Prosperity and her greedy firstborn, Hastar. The premise of the film is captivating, as it rejects conventional jump scares in favour of creating a somber and dreadful atmosphere that prompts audiences to contemplate the inherent darkness within humanity. The film’s setting is a decaying mansion in rural Maharashtra, shrouded in perpetual rain.
The film was widely appreciated by the critics but was met with limited theatrical success. When the film was released on OTT, it gained a lot more audience and became a big hit with fans even requesting for a sequel on social media. The film, directed by the accomplished duo Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, was rereleased in 2024 and generated substantial financial success. Starring Sohum Shah, it stands as one of the most compelling horror films of recent times, characterised by its strong plot and compelling performances. It is highly recommended for enthusiasts of the horror genre.
BULBBUL (2020)
Bulbbul is a Netflix horror fantasy film set in 19th century rural Bengal and depicts the story of a child bride who grows up into a mysterious and enigmatic woman ruling over her household and hiding a painful past, as her village is plagued by supernatural deaths of men. The film delves into the pervasive nature of patriarchy, exploring the effects of violence and abuse that women endure. Written and directed by Anvita Dutt, the film creates a disturbing and haunting gothic atmosphere with its saturated dark red and blue colour palette. The cinematography, inspired by the divine 19th-century paintings by artist Raja Ravi Varma, is visually stunning.
The film reimagines and revisits the tale of a “demon woman” or “Chudail” to portray the brutal violence that a woman faces and her supernatural transformation in pursuit of justice. Bulbbul is a refreshing feminist narrative that follows the journey of a woman from innocence to strength and her fight against the injustice perpetrated upon the vulnerable. The performances by the cast are remarkable, particularly the lead Tripti Dimri’s portrayal. The film’s thought-provoking plot and unsettling atmosphere make it a must watch.
MAHAL(1949)
Directed by legendary filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, Mahal is considered to be the first true horror film created in India released in 1949. The film was one of the first Indian films to employ gothic atmosphere, psychological suspense, and richly textured visuals. The soundtrack was hauntingly beautiful, and the ominous background music created an eerie atmosphere. Mahal narrates the story of an aristocrat portrayed by Ashok Kumar who moves into an old mansion. There, he encounters a vision of a captivating and mysterious woman played by Madhubala, who claims that they were lovers from a previous life.
“Mahal” is a captivating and haunting narrative that explores the tragic nature of a doomed love affair. The story is set in an old, secluded mansion, with hidden passageways and characters consumed by obsessive tendencies. For people who enjoy gothic romances infused with elements of the supernatural, this film will undoubtedly provide an enjoyable viewing experience.
BHOOT (2003)
“Bhoot,” a chilling horror suspense film directed by Ram Gopal Verma, features an ensemble cast. The narrative centres around a young married couple, Swati portrayed by Urmila Matondkar and Vishal by Ajay Devgn, who move into a haunted flat. The malevolent spirit possesses Swati pushing her to the brink of insanity. Consequently, Vishal must undertake every measure in his power to save his wife.
The film masterfully combines terrifying horror sequences with unsettling cinematography and suspenseful storytelling. It is widely acclaimed as one of the most notable horror films of its time, pioneering a unique blend of Hollywood and Asian horror styles. Additionally, the urban Mumbai apartment setting was fresh and innovative, avoiding the overused clichés of traditional old mansions. Urmila Matondkar’s exceptional performance as a possessed woman, coupled with the masterful direction, the intense atmosphere, and the haunting background score, all contribute to the film’s status as a must-watch cinematic experience.
BHOOL BHULAIYAA (2007)
“Bhool Bhulaiyaa,” a psychological horror film directed by Priyadarshan, is a remake of the 1993 Malayalam film “Manichitrathazhu.” The plot centres around NRI Siddharth (Shiny Ahuja) and his wife Avni (Vidya Balan), who decide to relocate to his ancestral palace despite warnings of its haunted history. As they encounter unexplained and unsettling events, Siddharth seeks the assistance of his friend Aditya (Akshay Kumar), a psychiatrist, to unravel the mystery of the haunted mansion.
This film slowly gained the status of a cult classic because it redefined and reinvented the horror-comedy genre in Bollywood. The suspenseful plot rooted in psychological realism, innovative blend of situational comedy and jump scare horror scenes and exceptional performances by Vidya Balan, Akshay Kumar and the rest of the cast, make Bhool Bhulaiyaa a memorable and enjoyable watch. The movie, despite being a remake, was well accepted and a huge commercial success because it kept the soul of the original movie and expanded its audience base. The multi layered plot and brilliant performances keep the audience engaged and is a highly entertaining watch for horror movie lovers.
STREE(2018)
“Stree” is a horror comedy film set in the small town of Chanderi, where men live in fear of a supernatural entity known as “Stree,” who kidnaps men during the night. The film draws inspiration from the urban legend of “Nale Ba,” which gained widespread popularity in Karnataka during the 1990s. After its release, the movie gained massive success as it was a unique blend of horror, comedy and social commentary on gender dynamics. The paramount significance of respecting women and their consent was conveyed in the film through the inversion of traditional gender roles. In the movie, horror is used as a device to put men in a vulnerable position that women usually find themselves in, compelling them to confront their misogynistic tendencies.
Stree boasted of an exceptionally talented ensemble cast, including Rajkumar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aaparshakti Khurana, their phenomenal performances significantly contributed to the film’s resounding success, alongside its original content, compelling message, and expert direction by Amar Kaushik. The film achieved immense commercial and critical acclaim, leading to its expansion into Bollywood’s first interconnected horror cinematic universe. Stree drew inspiration from an Indian legend, and its success prompted filmmakers to explore regional legends and ghost stories, such as those of werewolves and vampires, which could serve as fresh sources of original content. The horror cinematic universe facilitates a deeper exploration of social commentary, as each supernatural creature represents a real-world issue. Highly recommended for horror movie enthusiasts.
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