Indian cinema has made its mark globally, from larger-than-life spectacles to melodramas. While Indian romances and blockbusters are well-known to global audiences, its work in the horror genre doesn’t enjoy the same level of popularity. Indian horror movies often draw from folklore, and Indian horror cinema has developed its own unique style. The regional South Indian film industry, in particular, has mastered an even more idiosyncratic take on the genre.
Here are some of the best South Indian horror movies you need to watch:
Kanchana
Kanchana is by far the most popular horror film series to come out of the South Indian film industries, loved and adored across the country. The franchise fits perfectly into the horror-comedy genre, with possession being a major theme throughout the movies. They often use possession to reveal tragic stories, offering commentaries on societal issues. This blend of horror, comedy, and drama has made Kanchana an evergreen brand in India’s Tamil film industry.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Yavarum Nalam
One of the Tamil-language releases of 2009, Yavarum Nalam is a horror-thriller full of twists and turns that make for a great casual watch. R. Madhavan stars as a family man who is excited to move into a new apartment, fulfilling a lifelong dream. However, his family’s new chapter is marked by a series of ominous signs. Madhavan’s character soon becomes obsessed with a TV show, and as the show takes a dark turn, he embarks on a desperate search to uncover the truth, leading to many horrifying surprises.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Kantara
Kantara became the third-highest-grossing movie of the year. Written, directed, and starring Rishab Shetty in the lead role, it highlights a cultural phenomenon known as Bhoota Kola, a ritual dance tradition where local protector gods are believed to possess the bodies of its dancers. Shetty plays a man born into a family of Kola dancers who seeks to reject his calling. Hounded by supernatural occurrences and political conspiracies surrounding his small village, Kantara traces his journey back to his destiny.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Virupaksha
The classic South Indian horror trope of black magic finds a more dramatic expression in the 2023 movie Virupaksha. The story begins in a small village where an innocent couple is accused of practicing black magic and lynched, leaving behind an orphan boy. Twelve years later, the village is stricken by a series of unusual deaths, from freak crow maulings to gruesome suicides.
Where to watch: Netflix
Pizza
Pizza, a Tamil-language film, was critically acclaimed for its unique story and impressive performances. The movie was a breakout hit for actor Vijay Sethupathi, who plays a pizza delivery man trapped in a house where inhabitants are serially murdered in circumstances that defy logical explanation. Pizza offers a mind-bending plot that mixes supernatural mystery with a crime thriller, topped with a surprising twist.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Arundhati
Arundhati, a Telugu-language film, aligns more with the traditional horror offerings from South Indian cinema. Anushka Shetty, the go-to choice for powerful female leads in Telugu films, stars as the titular character in this movie about reincarnation and vengeful spirits.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Bhoothakaalam
Bhoothakaalam is a fine creation by Rahul Sadasivan. The movie narrates the tale of a single elderly mother, Asha (played by Revathi), and her struggles with her young, unemployed son Vinu (played by Shane Nigam). Vinu, unable to find a job for two years, turns to smoking and drinking as an escape. One day, he complains of experiencing supernatural activity in their house. Asha, worried that Vinu is mentally unwell, takes him to a counselor, but it doesn’t help. Later, Asha also starts feeling the supernatural presence. The story becomes even more gripping as the counselor digs up the history of the house.
Where to watch: Sony Liv
Bramayugam
Bramayugam tells the story of two slave men, Thevan (Ashokan) and Koran (Achari), who escape from Portuguese captivity. On their journey, Loran meets his end at the hands of a Yakshi, a nature spirit. Alone and miserable, Thevan seeks shelter in what seems to be a deserted mansion, but it is not as it appears. There, he meets Kodumon Potti (Mammootty), the mansion’s master. Kodumon narrates a thrilling legend about a demon named Chathan, whom he had imprisoned in the attic. As Thevan probes further into the mansion’s secrets, he uncovers a truth far more sinister than any myth.
Where to watch: Sony Liv