New Delhi:The release of 'Kakuda' has created renewed interest in the desi horror-comedy genre. 'Kakuda' has been directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. The film stars Sonakshi Sinha, Saqib Saleem and Riteish Deshmukh. Written by Chirag Garg and Avinash Dwivedi, the film is currently streaming on ZEE5 and is receiving a mixed response from audiences.
As the horror comedy brings in audiences to screens to watch another flick, here are 7 top Bollywood horror-comedies that have won audiences hearts, done great business at the box office and also received favourable reviews from critics.
Our top pick of seven horror-comedy Hindi films:
Stree
'Stree' is a Hindi-language comedy horror directed by Amar Kaushik starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. The film is based on the urban legend Nale Ba( Come Tomorrow) of Kranataka, which was modified to O Stree Kal Aana( O Woman, Come Tomorrow).
'Stree' was a major critical and commercial success. The film was a first in the Maddock Film's horror-comedy universe. So much has been the success and fan following of 'Stree' that a highly-awaited sequel of the film was made and will now be releasing on August 15, 2024.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa
'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' is a psychological horror comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The film is the official remake of the Mayalalam film 'Manichitrathazhu'. The film stars Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja, Ameesha Patel, Paresh Rawal and a stellar cast that made the film iconic in many ways.
This Priyadarshan horror-comedy did great business at the box office and was also received favourably by critics upon release.
Bhediya
'Bhediya' is a supernatural horror comedy directed by Amar Kaushik. The film stars Varun Dhawan alongside Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal and Paalin Kabak. The plot of the film is inspired by Arunachal Pradesh's legend of a shape-shifting werewolf( Yapum), who will protect the wildlife, both flora and fauna, even at the cost of someone's life.
Go Goa Gone
'Go Goa Gone' is a zombie action comedy never done before in Hindi cinema. The Raj and DK directorial stars Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Vir Das, Puja Gupta and Anand Tiwari. The film was also described as India's first stoner film. Received favourably by critics and audiences alike, 'Go Goa Gone' was a decent success at the box office. The film's sequel is awaited in 2025.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' is a horror comedy directed by Anees Bazmee that is a sequel to the Priyadarshan film 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'. Starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu in the lead, the sequel came as a surprise to many as it not only did great business at the box office but also received critical appreciation.
Munjya
Munjya 'Munjya' is a supernatural horror comedy and the fourth film from the Maddock Supernatural Universe and is again focused on another legend of munjya, inspired by Indian folklore and mythology.
Starring Sharvari, Abhay Vermam and Mona Singh, the film received a mixed response from critics. However, it did a great business at the box office and has become the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024.
Phone Bhoot
'Phone Bhoot' is a supernatural comedy film directed by Gurmmeet Singh starring Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi. The film received a mixed response from critics and failed at the box office.