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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A Horror Renaissance: How horror films are making a comeback
Hindi cinema is experiencing a horror renaissance, moving from niche to mainstream success. Films like *Tumbbad* and *Bulbbul* laid the groundwork, while *Shaitaan*, *Stree 2*, and *Munjya* propelled the genre forward. Upcoming films like *Maa*, *Thama*, and *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1* promise to continue this trend, driven by cultural depth, blended genres, and A-list talent. For decades, horror in Hindi cinema lurked in the shadows — occasionally thrilling audiences but often dismissed as niche or 'masala' material. While the Ramsay Brothers gave the genre its cult roots in the '80s, mainstream Bollywood treated horror like a ghost in the attic — seen, heard, but rarely taken seriously. However, in recent years, the narrative has shifted. The genre's true revival began with a handful of inventive horror tales like Tumbbad and Bulbbul, continued through crowd-pullers like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and finally exploded in 2024-25 with Shaitaan, Stree 2, and Munjya turning horror into a legitimate commercial and creative playground. Now, with an exciting slate of upcoming films including Maa, Thama,, and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Bollywood is in the midst of a full-blown horror renaissance — and this time, it's haunting for all the right reasons. The Groundwork: A Modern Reawakening of Hindi Horror Before 2024's monster hits, a few bold films walked so others could run. Tumbbad (2018) Rahi Anil Barve's Tumbbad was a landmark moment for Indian horror. Gorgeously shot and steeped in myth, the film explored themes of greed and ancestral curses with breathtaking artistry. Though not a box office juggernaut when first released, Tumbbad earned cult status and critical acclaim. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo More importantly, it proved that horror rooted in Indian folklore and presented with cinematic sophistication could win hearts and awards. Bulbbul (2020) Anushka Sharma's Bulbbul (produced under her Clean Slate Filmz banner)starring Triptii Dimri and Rahul Bose was another key milestone. Released on Netflix during the pandemic, this feminist horror tale turned the ghost story into a tale of empowerment and abuse. With striking visuals and a haunting score, Bulbbul redefined the genre's emotional and aesthetic potential — breaking away from jump scares and leaning into atmospheric storytelling. Bhool Bhulaiyaa Franchise No conversation about Indian horror can skip Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The 2007 original mixed psychological drama with supernatural elements and featured one of Vidya Balan's finest performances. It gave horror a commercial edge. The sequel Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan, Vidbya Balan and Tabu, tilted more toward horror-comedy — a sub-genre now thriving thanks to the Stree universe. Its blockbuster success (₹266 crore worldwide) showed that horror films, when spiked with humor and star power, could deliver family-friendly scares. Together, these films paved the way for a more ambitious and experimental horror landscape. The Trio That Changed Everything Shaitaan (2024) When Shaitaan dropped in March 2024, it gave audiences a nerve-rattling dose of occult horror — a subgenre rarely explored with such scale. With Ajay Devgn , R. Madhavan, and Jyothika in top form and Vikas Bahl's sharp direction, the film's themes of possession and parental desperation struck a chord. The Rs 211 crore+ worldwide haul marked it as one of the highest-grossing Indian horror films of all time, cementing horror's comeback as more than just a moment — but a movement. Stree 2 (2025) If Shaitaan was the dark, terrifying face of horror, Stree 2 brought the laughs with the chills. A follow-up to the 2018 cult hit, the sequel didn't just ride on nostalgia — it elevated the story. With Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao returning and Pankaj Tripathi's comic timing on point, the film balanced superstition, gender politics, and spooky set pieces with film went on to mint over Rs 600 crore at the box office. Munjya (2024) The surprise hit of the year, Munjya starring Sharvari, Abhay Verma and Mona Singh tapped into lesser-known Maharashtrian lore to deliver a unique blend of comedy and supernatural tension. Smartly budgeted and richly regional, it showed how homegrown legends could translate into big-screen gold. The Horror Horizon: Upcoming Films Keeping the Spirit Alive With the audience's appetite reawakened, the stage is set for the next wave of horror. Maa (June 2025) Directed by Vishal Furia (Chhorii) and produced by Ajay Devgn, Maa stars Kajol in a chilling tale about a mother's battle against ancient dark forces to protect her child. Slated to release on June 27, 2025, the trailer hints at a disturbing and emotionally intense film — a spiritual successor to Shaitaan, but with its own mythological flavor. Thama (Diwali 2025) Among the most awaited horror titles this year is Thama, releasing during Diwali 2025 — a slot typically reserved for big family blockbusters. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana , Rashmika Mandanna , Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this supernatural thriller follows the unravelling of a 100-year-old curse. The film is expected to blend folk horror with dark humor and philosophical undertones — a tonal mix that could turn Thama into a sleeper blockbuster during the festive season. Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 Following the monstrous success of Kantara, Rishab Shetty returns with a prequel set in a more ancient time. Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 promises more of the rich mythology, intense performances, and blurred lines between divinity and terror that made the first one a cultural phenomenon. While initially delayed, the film remains a key title in the horror-fantasy space and is expected to be a game-changer once again. Why Horror Works Now — And What Comes Next There's a reason horror is suddenly booming: Cultural Depth: Whether it's Munjya's Maharashtrian roots or Kantara's Karnataka-based folklore, Indian horror now taps into authentic cultural reservoirs. Blended Genres: The rise of horror-comedy and mythological horror has made the genre more versatile and accessible. A-List Backing: With actors like Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shraddha Kapoor embracing horror, the genre enjoys legitimacy and visibility. Streaming's Influence: Films like Bulbbul showed that experimental horror could thrive even without theatrical backing, encouraging filmmakers to push boundaries. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Did Shraddha Kapoor quit Rahi Anil's film over Rs 17 crore fee? Director reacts
Actor Shraddha Kapoor has exited director Rahi Anil Barve's upcoming thriller after the makers refused her Rs 17 crore fee demand, as per a report in PeepingMoon. Addressing the buzz, the director urged fans not to believe any rumours without confirming or denying her exit from the Kapoor was reportedly cast in a thriller directed by 'Tumbbad' filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve and produced by Ekta Kapoor. However, on Monday, social media was filled with reports claiming that she had exited the project over a fee dispute. According to reports, Shraddha allegedly demanded Rs 17 crore along with a share of the film's profits, which the makers found excessive, leading to disagreements and her eventual report also stated that the producers have begun recasting the lead role and are currently in discussions with other Rahi Anil Barve addressed the situation to clarify the ongoing speculation. Although he didn't directly comment on Shraddha's reported exit, he urged the public not to trust the circulating rumours. He shared a note on Instagram and X, stating, 'Please don't believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We'll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you (sic).'Not much is known about the project or the plot at the Kapoor was last seen in the film 'Stree 2', the sequel to the horror comedy 'Stree'. The sequel received immense success. Shraddha's captivating performance broke records at the box Watch advertisement
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Did Shraddha Kapoor quit Rahi Anil Barve's film after she was refused ₹17 crore fee? Director responds
Several reports suggest that Shraddha Kapoor has parted ways with Rahi Anil Barve's thriller film after the makers refused to pay her ₹17 crore fee. The director, as per a PeepingMoon report, has come forward to address the rumours and asked fans not to believe speculation about the project without confirming or denying Shraddha's exit. Also read: Shraddha Kapoor teases Stree 2 director Amar Kaushik over his 'chudail' comment; he apologises: 'Darr lagraha hai' Shraddha is said to be a part of a thriller helmed by Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve and produced by Ekta Kapoor. However, on Monday, several reports on social media claimed that the actor has left the project due to a fee issue. As per the report, Shraddha allegedly demanded a fee of ₹17 crore plus a share of the film's profits, and the makers felt the amount was too high. That led to a difference, following which Shraddha exited the project. The report also claimed that the producers have started the process of recasting the lead role and have initiated talks with other actors. Later, Rahi came forward to set the record straight. While he didn't specifically mention Shraddha's exit, he asked people not to believe in the rumours around the project. 'Please don't believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We'll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you,' Rahi wrote on his social media along with a note. In the note, which is posted on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Rahi stressed on the same message again, saying they will make an official announcement at the right time. Not much is known about the project or the plot at the moment. A post shared by Rahi Anil Barve (@rahianilbarve) Shraddha was last seen in Stree 2 opposite Rajkummar Rao. The film also starred Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. Actors Varun Dhawan and Akshay Kumar also made special cameos in the film. Recently, the makers of the Stree franchise announced the release date for the third instalment of this horror-comedy film. Amar directed the film, which is slated for release on August 13, 2027.
News18
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shraddha Kapoor Walks Out Of Rahi Anil Barve's Film? Director REACTS
Last Updated: Amid reports of Shraddha Kapoor exiting Ektaa Kapoor's upcoming project over a fee dispute, director Rahi Anil Barve gave a clarification about it. Shraddha Kapoor was reportedly set to star in a thriller helmed by Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve and produced by Ekta Kapoor. However, yesterday, several reports on the Internet claimed that the actress has exited the project due to a remuneration issue. As per a PeepingMoon report, the actress reportedly demanded an upfront fee of Rs. 17 crore plus a share of the film's profits, and the makers felt the amount was too high. Now, director Rahi Anil Barve has broken his silence. While he didn't specifically mention Shraddha Kapoor's exit, he asked people not to believe in the rumours currently floating on the Internet. On Monday, director Rahi Anil Barve took to X (formerly Twitter), and wrote, 'Please don't believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We'll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you." Check out the post below. Please don't believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We'll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you. — rahi anil barve (@BarveRahi) May 19, 2025 When ETimes contacted the director, he neither confirmed nor denied Shraddha's exit from the film. 'These are all rumours. Everything is a rumour," he said. When asked directly about the actress walking out of the project, he said, 'Right now all I can say is that I'm finishing Rakt Brahmand. I am working on my next. That's it." According to Peeping Moon, Shraddha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor couldn't agree on the financial terms. While Shraddha reportedly demanded Rs 17 crore, plus a slice of the profits, Ekta felt that it was too steep, especially for a woman-centric film. The popular producer feared it might blow up the entire budget. The report suggests that the makers are already in talks with a leading actress to replace Shraddha. On the work front, Shraddha Kapoor has Stree 3 in the pipeline. Apart from that, there's buzz that Shraddha might be collaborating with producers Dinesh Vijan, Bhushan Kumar, and Boney Kapoor. However, nothing's locked in yet. She is also gearing up for Naagin Trilogy, a mega-budget venture directed by Vishal Furia. First Published:
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shraddha Kapoor drops a blast from the past with then & now photos
decided to take a trip down memory lane by treating her InstaFam with some then and now photos. The 'Stree' actress revealed that she has been planning her latest look ever since her childhood. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shraddha is seen sporting the same bangs which she had as a kid once. Not only that, it seems her face has also not changed too much over the years. "Swipe to see iss look ki planning kis umr se chal rahi hai >>>", she mentioned in the caption. An adorable Shraddha was seen holding a rabbit as a child. On the other hand, in her present look, the diva was all stylish in a red top, accessorized with several gold chains, gold hoop earrings, complimentary rings, and gold bracelets with evil-eye chimes. On Sunday, Shraddha savored some yummy 'theple' with the famous lehsun ki chatni, achaar, and dahi. The true foodie took to her handle and dropped a couple of photos relishing the appetizing meal in a white spaghetti top and a messy hair bun. "Mere theple ginne se pehle apni plate mein jhaank lo" (Take a look at your own plate before counting my theple)" the funny caption read. Work-wise, although Shraddha is yet to announce her next, the reports suggest that she will be working with 'Tumbbad' maker Rahi Anil Barve in her next. According to the reports, she has locked a multi-film contract with producer Ektaa Kapoor, who will also back the untitled drama. Over and above this, Shraddha is also reported to be in talks for the upcoming installment of the popular 'Dhoom' franchise. If these reports are confirmed, she will be paired with her ' Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar ' co-star yet again. However, an official confirmation regarding these projects is still awaited.
