The folk-horror genre of cinema has gained traction in India, bringing to life the eerie tales that once echoed through our childhood nights. The whispered legends, ghost stories, and chilling folklore our grandparents shared to keep us in check, have now found a new home—on the big screen. Movies like 'Chhorii', 'Tumbbad', and 'Kantara' have breathed new life into these myths, transforming them into cinematic experiences that blend mythology, superstition, and spine-chilling terror. As audiences flock to theaters for a taste of this nostalgic fear, folk-horror has become one of Indian cinema’s most profitable genres.
Indian folklore in Bollywood horror films
Indian horror movies are usually supernatural thrillers featuring ghosts, witches, and haunted houses, often inspired by Western storytelling. However, folk-horror takes a different route—it draws from centuries-old myths, rural legends, and deeply-rooted cultural fears. These stories tap into India’s diverse traditions, making them feel more personal and immersive.
From terrifying spirits lurking in dense forests, to cursed deities demanding justice, folk horror movies evoke an unsettling connection to our past. They thrive on themes of morality, retribution, and the clash between modernity and age-old beliefs, making them deeply resonant with Indian audiences.
Movies that redefined folk horror in India
Many films have paved the way for the rise of folk horror in India, proving that these stories are not just scary but also commercially successful.
Tripti Dimri and Rahul Bose-starrer ‘Bulbbul’, for instance, was a feminist reinterpretation of the idea of the daayan or chudail from Indian folktales. Making the viewer question what is truly evil, and what leads to the birth of a villain, it also sheds light on the way women are sidelined and suppressed. But it’s not the only folk horror film of note.
A masterpiece and an IMDb -favourite, 'Tumbbad' delved into the myth of Hastar, a cursed deity, and mankind's insatiable greed. The film’s eerie atmosphere, haunting visuals, and gripping narrative set a new standard for Indian horror cinema. It wasn’t just a critical success but also gained international recognition.
Rooted in South Indian folklore, 'Kantara' blends action and horror with the mystical power of Bhoota Kola, also known as Būta Kōlā, Bhootha Aradhane or Bhuta Kola, an ancient ritual. The film’s climax, featuring a possession sequence, left audiences mesmerized. It became a massive box office success, proving that regional horror stories can have universal appeal.
A chilling tale adapted from Marathi folklore, 'Chhorii' follows a pregnant woman trapped in a cursed village, and stars Nushrratt Bharuccha. The film’s eerie setting, combined with its social message, made it a standout in the genre, reaffirming the power of folklore-driven horror. Thanks to how much audiences loved the film, now ‘Chhorii 2’ is also set to be released.
Why Indian audiences are interested in folk horror
One reason folk horror is thriving in India is its ability to strike a chord with audiences. Unlike generic horror that relies on jump scares, these films immerse viewers in a world that feels real thanks to the cultural connection we have with these stories. The myths and legends these films depict are ones that many grew up fearing, making them more unsettling than any fictional ghost story.
Additionally, the authenticity of folk horror—be it through language, settings, or traditional rituals—adds depth to the storytelling. Filmmakers are now prioritizing research and cultural accuracy, making these films more immersive and emotionally impactful.
The impact of folk-horror films
Folk horror is proving that the scariest stories are the ones we’ve known all along. As audiences continue to embrace this genre, one thing is clear—the fear we once imagined in the dark is now lighting up the box office!
What started as whispered warnings and scary bedtime stories, has now become a booming business in Indian cinema. The success of 'Tumbbad', 'Kantara', and 'Chhorii' has encouraged filmmakers to dig deeper into Indian folklore, uncovering hidden myths that can be turned into cinematic gold. So, thanks to the filmmakers who create these films, stories that were typically part of our culture’s oral traditions, are now being visually immortalised on the silver screen.
