Bollywood Horrors for the Thrill Seekers
By: Shay Arsalan
Horror movies in Bollywood are yet to immerge from the clichéd plots, wooden acting from newbie stars (they always seem to use new actors with zero expressions) and laughable special effects
The majority of the horror movies that are produced are “heavily inspired” from Hollywood or the Oriental cinema.
Among these poorly executed films, there are however a few hidden gems. These movies will surely make you regret watching them alone, so make sure to tag along your movie buddy if you’re considering to have a spooky experience.
1. The House Next Door (2017)
Shot simultaneously in three languages (Hindi, Tamil and Telegu) and receiving positive reviews in all three languages, The House Next Door is based on a true story revolving around two families unknowingly connected to each other through supernatural forces.
It all starts when a family of four moves into the house next door of Dr Krish (Siddharth) and his wife Lakshmi (Andrea Jeremiah). The newly moved in family’s elder daughter Jenny’s strange behaviour and breakdowns lead to revelations of a mysterious past and a vengeful spirit.
The plot sure can be a bit clichéd but the actors have done a superb job and the twists in the story will genuinely keep you entertained.
2. Vaastu Shastra (2004)
Ram Gopal Varma the creator of spine-tingling horror movies such as Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai (which had a collection of six chilling stories) came back with Vaastu Shastra starring Sushmita Sen.
The movie starts with the typical horror movie opening, where a family moves into a new house, most likely haunted. But besides that, the story doesn’t lack with its chills and goosebumps moments. This movie will make you think twice about your child’s “imaginary friend”.
3. Ragini MMS (2011)
The movie released at a period where MMS scandals were thriving and producer Ekta Kapoor’s promotion of the upcoming movie created quite a hype for it. The film is shot similar to Hollywood’s Paranormal Activity where the story is shown through cameras.
A couple’s weekend getaway turns into a struggle for survival when a vicious entity haunting the house comes after their blood.
4. Raat (1992)
Another gem of Ram Gopal Varma, Raat is considered a cult classic. It might not be much of an entertainer for the crowd nowadays but it was one of the best horror movies in the 90s with the eerie music and the jump scares. The cast was equally talented including veteran actors such as Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Rohini Hattangadi and Revati in the main lead.
A family moves into a new house (yes it goes along this track) and after a few creepy events, the daughter of the family Mini gets possessed by an evil spirit and thereafter gruesome murders keep piling up.
This movie gave me nightmares for months when I watched it as a child and I still am unsure if I can watch it at all.
5. 1920 (2008)
The Bhatt’s absolutely love Horror movies, giving us movie franchises like the Raaz series and the 1920 series. However compared with the sequels 1921 and 1920: London, this particular movie remains ahead as the audience was impressed with the visuals and the depiction of the story (although been similar to the Hollywood classic Exorcist).
Apart from the not so impressive acting of the male protagonist, the movie was a chilling experience and a must watch for the Bollywood horror buffs.