A Horror Renaissance: How horror films are making a comeback

Hindi cinema is experiencing a horror renaissance, moving from niche to mainstream success. Films like *Tumbbad* and *Bulbbul* laid the groundwork, while *Shaitaan*, *Stree 2*, and *Munjya* propelled the genre forward. Upcoming films like *Maa*, *Thama*, and *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1* promise to continue this trend, driven by cultural depth, blended genres, and A-list talent.
For decades, horror in Hindi cinema lurked in the shadows — occasionally thrilling audiences but often dismissed as niche or 'masala' material. While the Ramsay Brothers gave the genre its cult roots in the '80s, mainstream Bollywood treated horror like a ghost in the attic — seen, heard, but rarely taken seriously.
However, in recent years, the narrative has shifted.
The genre's true revival began with a handful of inventive horror tales like Tumbbad and Bulbbul, continued through crowd-pullers like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and finally exploded in 2024-25 with Shaitaan, Stree 2, and Munjya turning horror into a legitimate commercial and creative playground.
Now, with an exciting slate of upcoming films including Maa, Thama,, and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Bollywood is in the midst of a full-blown horror renaissance — and this time, it's haunting for all the right reasons.
The Groundwork: A Modern Reawakening of Hindi Horror
Before 2024's monster hits, a few bold films walked so others could run.
Tumbbad (2018)
Rahi Anil Barve's Tumbbad was a landmark moment for Indian horror. Gorgeously shot and steeped in myth, the film explored themes of greed and ancestral curses with breathtaking artistry. Though not a box office juggernaut when first released, Tumbbad earned cult status and critical acclaim.
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More importantly, it proved that horror rooted in Indian folklore and presented with cinematic sophistication could win hearts and awards.
Bulbbul (2020)
Anushka Sharma's Bulbbul (produced under her Clean Slate Filmz banner)starring Triptii Dimri and Rahul Bose was another key milestone. Released on Netflix during the pandemic, this feminist horror tale turned the ghost story into a tale of empowerment and abuse. With striking visuals and a haunting score, Bulbbul redefined the genre's emotional and aesthetic potential — breaking away from jump scares and leaning into atmospheric storytelling.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa Franchise
No conversation about Indian horror can skip Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The 2007 original mixed psychological drama with supernatural elements and featured one of Vidya Balan's finest performances. It gave horror a commercial edge. The sequel Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan, Vidbya Balan and Tabu, tilted more toward horror-comedy — a sub-genre now thriving thanks to the Stree universe. Its blockbuster success (₹266 crore worldwide) showed that horror films, when spiked with humor and star power, could deliver family-friendly scares.
Together, these films paved the way for a more ambitious and experimental horror landscape.
The Trio That Changed Everything
Shaitaan (2024)
When Shaitaan dropped in March 2024, it gave audiences a nerve-rattling dose of occult horror — a subgenre rarely explored with such scale. With
Ajay Devgn
,
R. Madhavan, and Jyothika in top form and Vikas Bahl's sharp direction, the film's themes of possession and parental desperation struck a chord.
The Rs 211 crore+ worldwide haul marked it as one of the highest-grossing Indian horror films of all time, cementing horror's comeback as more than just a moment — but a movement.
Stree 2 (2025)
If Shaitaan was the dark, terrifying face of horror, Stree 2 brought the laughs with the chills. A follow-up to the 2018 cult hit, the sequel didn't just ride on nostalgia — it elevated the story. With Shraddha Kapoor and
Rajkummar Rao
returning and Pankaj Tripathi's comic timing on point, the film balanced superstition, gender politics, and spooky set pieces with flair.The film went on to mint over Rs 600 crore at the box office.
Munjya (2024)
The surprise hit of the year, Munjya starring Sharvari, Abhay Verma and Mona Singh tapped into lesser-known Maharashtrian lore to deliver a unique blend of comedy and supernatural tension. Smartly budgeted and richly regional, it showed how homegrown legends could translate into big-screen gold.
The Horror Horizon: Upcoming Films Keeping the Spirit Alive
With the audience's appetite reawakened, the stage is set for the next wave of horror.
Maa (June 2025)
Directed by Vishal Furia (Chhorii) and produced by Ajay Devgn, Maa stars
Kajol
in a chilling tale about a mother's battle against ancient dark forces to protect her child. Slated to release on June 27, 2025, the trailer hints at a disturbing and emotionally intense film — a spiritual successor to Shaitaan, but with its own mythological flavor.
Thama (Diwali 2025)
Among the most awaited horror titles this year is Thama, releasing during Diwali 2025 — a slot typically reserved for big family blockbusters. Starring
Ayushmann Khurrana
,
Rashmika Mandanna
, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this supernatural thriller follows the unravelling of a 100-year-old curse.
The film is expected to blend folk horror with dark humor and philosophical undertones — a tonal mix that could turn Thama into a sleeper blockbuster during the festive season.
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1
Following the monstrous success of Kantara, Rishab Shetty returns with a prequel set in a more ancient time. Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 promises more of the rich mythology, intense performances, and blurred lines between divinity and terror that made the first one a cultural phenomenon.
While initially delayed, the film remains a key title in the horror-fantasy space and is expected to be a game-changer once again.
Why Horror Works Now — And What Comes Next
There's a reason horror is suddenly booming:
Cultural Depth: Whether it's Munjya's Maharashtrian roots or Kantara's Karnataka-based folklore, Indian horror now taps into authentic cultural reservoirs.
Blended Genres: The rise of horror-comedy and mythological horror has made the genre more versatile and accessible.
A-List Backing: With actors like Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shraddha Kapoor embracing horror, the genre enjoys legitimacy and visibility.
Streaming's Influence: Films like Bulbbul showed that experimental horror could thrive even without theatrical backing, encouraging filmmakers to push boundaries.
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