Although, Bollywood always had horror movies in its court, the genre never found the success it deserved, except for some occasional hits like Raaz, 1920, and Tumbbad. It could never set its foot in mainstream Bollywood. However, it seems like a new wave is stirring.
In the era of streaming, Bollywood attempts to revive horror with movies like Maa, Mandala Murders, and Nikita Roy. Though with these, Bollywood poises a revival which blends mythology, and psychology, along with horror, instead of solely focusing on inviting fear. They explore thematic shifts, and cultural relevance.
The Shift Towards Horror
Why is Bollywood making a shift, and focusing on horror? One of the reasons, is the changing taste of the Indian audience. Now, they are more interested in what is called “elevated horror”, which delves deep into psychology instead of mere jump scares. They are bound to set you at unease.
About the Three Films That Signal The Shift
Maa (2025)
It is not a typical Bollywood horror. Instead, it weaves mythological beliefs into the story. The tagline, “Rakshak. Bhakshak. Maa.” clearly hints at the themes of destruction, and protection. Expanding the “Shaitaan” universe, the movie portrays Kajol as a protective mother who transforms into Maa Kali to protect her daughter, and fight a demonic curse, rooted in fear, blood, and betrayal.
Know more about the film here.
Mandala Murders (2025)
Set to release on Netflix, this movie merges occult horror with crime thriller. Taking on Instagram, Netflix captioned the picture as: “Har vardaan mein ek shraap chhupa hai, mol chukane ka waqt jald aane wala hai” (There is a curse hidden in every boon, the time to pay the price is coming soon). A secret society in Charandaspur creates a mystical world where everything is interconnected. Just like the ‘mandala’ art, the story in intricate with a web of secrets which have to be unraveled to uncover the truth.
Know more about the film here.
Nikita Roy (2025)
This movie brings horror into the mainstream spotlight. Set to release on July 18, Sonakshi plays the role of an author-detective who is known to disprove of the supernatural beliefs. She is troubled by a cursed ancient book with sinister powers. It explores the psychological unraveling of a woman caught between faith, fear, and fate. In the trailer, it is hinted that the lines between real, and unreal blur. It delves into psychological disorientation, and supernatural menace.
Common Threads That Link All Three
- Culturally Rooted: Horror now draws upon themes from mythology, folklore, and ritual.
- Female-driven: As can be seen, all the three movies are female-driven.
- Aesthetically elevated: Thoughtful cinematography, sound effects, and narrative
Bollywood now uses horror to explore real-world anxieties -be it motherhood, patriarchy, or faith. It seems like it is finally ready to take horror to the next level, and step into the light -by embracing what lurks in the dark. Whether it’s the personal, and political in Maa, or the mythic intrigue of Mandala Murders, or the commercialized Nikita Roy, they point towards a revival that is both artistic, and aesthetic.
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