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The top Indian horror movies deliver major frights with a focus on legends from the region. The horror genre goes beyond boundaries and languages, with every unique society around the world possessing its own mythologies and scary tales rooted in their belief systems and cultures. America and the United Kingdom are known for producing some of the best horror films, but India also has a rich history of creating equally impressive horror movies that rival those from the West.
India is famous for its large film industry that produces grand movies comparable to Hollywood blockbusters, including successful international films like RRR. It's no wonder that they have created numerous remarkable horror films too, incorporating similar Hollywood concepts such as demonic possession and ghost tales. India has a talent for creating quality horror movies, with numerous great titles available for movie enthusiasts who are willing to search for them.
1. Ek Thi Daayan (2013)
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Ek Thi Daayan is a supernatural thriller and one of the top Indian horror movies adapted from Mukul Sharma's short story "Mobius Trips". The plot revolves around Bejoy "Bobo" Charan Mathur, a prosperous magician in India experiencing visions of his deceased younger sibling, Misha. After seeking help from a psychiatrist, he undergoes regression hypnosis to revisit his childhood with Misha. This is where he recalls a daayan entering his life, taking his younger sister, and murdering his father before he managed to defeat it.
This brings us to the modern day, where the daayan seeks revenge on Bobo, his wife, and their child. The film Ek Thi Daayan was both a commercial hit and garnered favorable reviews from critics. Critics lauded the performance and creativity of the narrative, resulting in an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Konkona Sen Sharma was acknowledged during award season as well, receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 59th Filmfare Awards.
2. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a huge hit at the box office and among the Indian horror movies in 2007. The movie has become a cult favorite over the years since its first debut. Kumar's comic timing in his role as Dr. Adi deserves much of the praise. Vidya Balan was also recognized, taking home the Best Actress award at the Anandalok Awards. Bhool Bhulaiyaa has gained a devoted following since it was first released and a sequel, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, was released five years later.
3. Stree (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Stree successfully combines horror and comedy to create an enjoyable mix. This Indian horror film is inspired by a well-known urban legend known as Nale Ba (meaning "come tomorrow"). People are said to paint this word on their walls to ward off evil spirits, as the legend goes. Stree centers around a village plagued by a witch who kidnaps men, with the plot focusing on a young man who falls in love with a girl but starts to believe she could be the witch.
The film strikes a perfect blend of humor and frights, along with a generous dose of emotion, elevating it above the rest in a crowded field. Stree was largely praised in reviews for its direction, screenplay, the social message at its core, and its unique humor. Amar Kaushik, the director, was honored with Best Debut Director awards at both the Filmfare Awards and the Zee Cine Awards.
Also Read: Top 10 Bollywood Action Movies That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
4. Pari (2018)
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Pari, a supernatural horror film by Kolkata-born Prosit Roy, marks an impressive directorial debut and follows the story of Rukhsana, a mysterious woman who seems to be from another realm. Pari involves a satanic cult named Auladhchakra that sexually assaults and impregnates abducted women with the children of an Islamic mythological demon called Ifrit, incorporating elements of demonic horror. Furthermore, a disturbing fact is that there is a specific group which locates pregnant women and keeps them in captivity until they give birth, with the intention of murdering them, beheading them, and preserving their bodies in glass containers.
The narrative continues with the daughter of a woman who managed to escape from the group and is now expecting a child. It is undeniably an unusual and disturbing story, yet a one-of-a-kind in the horror category, and the film showcases a superb lead portrayal by Anushka Sharma as Rukhsana. The Ifrit, a genuine myth in Islamic tradition, is seen as similar to jinn serving as evil beings from the depths of the earth, adding a touch of authentic mythology to the story. It's a must-see for those in search of a quality horror movie focusing on demons. So,add one of the best Indian horror movies, Pari, in your watchlist.
5.1920 (2008)
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Where to watch: Hotstar
Haunted houses are featured in some of the top Indian horror movies, and the year 1920 is a notable example of this subgenre. The film, which came out in 2008, follows a married couple residing in a haunted house. Arjun, a Hindu man, weds a British Indian woman of mixed heritage, and his family attempts to murder her in order to prevent the union. Arjun forsakes his faith and his family before embarking on a career as an architect renovating a grand old mansion. While they are there, they discover that it is haunted and something inside wants his wife.
The movie has a lengthy 140-minute duration, providing ample time to include numerous chilling supernatural moments and explore intriguing character relationships related to marriage. 1920 achieved great success in India and led to a franchise with four movies, showing its appeal as a popular horror film.
6. Aamis (Ravening) (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: SonyLiv
Aamis, also known as Ravening in English, premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, receiving high praise from critics. The narrative centers around Nirmali, a satisfied pediatrician, who crosses paths with a Ph.D. candidate researching Indian dietary practices. The two rapidly develop a connection and promptly start trying out various kinds of meat. Soon, Nirmali becomes fixated on tasting human flesh, resulting in a terrifying outcome when their hidden cravings are exposed to the public.
It is one of the best Indian horror movies that will satisfy even the harshest horror enthusiast, taking cues from the outrageous films of the '80s that were prohibited due to their brutality and twisted content. Despite some critics finding the ending lacking, the disturbing story and direction of the movie were praised in mostly positive reviews. Bhaskar Hazarika received the Best Director Award at the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival.
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