Latest news with #RamsayBrothers
News18
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Top 10 Iconic Ramsay Horror Films From The 1980s You Must Watch
Last Updated: Creaking corridors. Candlelit mansions. Disfigured monsters and ghostly brides. Welcome to the spectral world of 1980s Indian horror, where the Ramsay Brothers ruled supreme For any true aficionado of retro horror cinema, the Ramsay horror movies are synonymous with eerie fog, dramatic zooms, gothic mansions, and blood-curdling screams. The Ramsay brothers created a unique kind of cinema in India. Their films mixed spooky stories with dramatic flair, featuring seductive ghosts, black magic, and scary monsters. These weren't just horror films; they were unforgettable experiences that stood out from anything else at the time. The Horror Blueprint: Ramsay Style Every film came with familiar ingredients: an isolated mansion or old bungalow, often inherited or stumbled upon; a naive protagonist unaware of its cursed past; a haunting score layered with eerie tunes; and a ghastly presence waiting to be unleashed. Let's revisit some of their most iconic frights: Guest House (1980): This unsettling tale begins when Christopher, a psychic capable of contacting the spirit realm, arrives in a remote village to conduct a séance. Lodging at a desolate guest house, Christopher becomes the target of greed when the caretaker and an accomplice murder him for his prized ring, severing his hand and burying the body. But evil doesn't rest easily. That severed hand rises from the grave, possessed and bent on revenge. Moody, macabre, and unmistakably Ramsay. Ghungroo Ki Awaaz (1981): When Thakur Ranjeet Singh rescues Kajal from a life of exploitation and brings her home as his bride, the family is not amused. Tragedy strikes when he suspects her fidelity and takes a horrifying step. Haunted by her spirit, Ranjeet flees to Bombay, only to meet Kiran, Kajal's uncanny double. With a gripping dual role by Rekha, and haunting visuals, this film weaves together obsession, betrayal, and supernatural retribution with eerie elegance. Hotel (1981): Suraj, a wealthy industrialist, builds a luxury hotel on sentimental grounds, literally, as it's constructed over a graveyard. Soon after, the staff and guests meet gruesome ends, phones stop working, and landslides isolate the building. With zombie hands clawing out from the earth and long-dead spirits avenging their desecrated graves, this horror-romance-comedy mashup delivers both chuckles and chills in classic Ramsay fashion. Sannata (1981): Sapna and her lover Vinod journey to her late father's mansion to confront his killer, only to find a body hidden in a suitcase. As a burnt-faced killer stalks the halls, guests die one by one in this fog-drenched mystery. A twisted tale of greed, murder, and supernatural justice. Purana Mandir (1984): Perhaps the Ramsay Brothers' most iconic film, Purana Mandir explores a centuries-old curse laid by the demonic tantrik 'Saamri' on the royal family of Raja Hariman Singh. Generations later, a young couple inadvertently awaken Saamri's vengeful spirit. Bursting with eerie visuals, suspense, and a deeply gothic atmosphere, this remains a milestone in Indian horror. Tahkhana (1986): A family torn apart by black magic and greed is drawn back to a mansion where a hidden dungeon, the tahkhana, houses both treasure and terror. Betrayal, monsters, and black-magic rituals await those who dare to enter. Gritty and gory, Tahkhana is quintessential Ramsay. Dak Bangla (1987): A young caretaker and his wife take charge of an ancient dak bungalow, unaware of the undead mummy lurking within. As the line between myth and reality blurs, the couple must face a centuries-old horror. A fan-favourite for its unintentional comedy and mummy-on-the-loose plot. Veerana (1988): A cult hit and perhaps the most infamous Ramsay film, Veerana follows a young woman possessed by a witch's spirit. As she seduces and slays men, the film blurs horror and erotica in classic Ramsay fashion. Jasmin's performance as the possessed protagonist has since become iconic in Indian horror lore. Mahal (1989): Seven strangers, a remote island mansion, and the promise of a fortune. One by one, they fall victim to dark forces that seem tied to the house's bloody past. A classic 'locked-room' horror mystery with a gothic Bollywood twist. Purani Haveli (1989): What begins as a young couple's trip to an old mansion turns into a fight for survival. Hidden in the haveli is a grotesque monster, released accidentally by curious visitors. As deaths mount, the true horror of the haveli is revealed. Gothic ambience, supernatural beasts, and creepy corridors make this a textbook Ramsay production. Why We Still Watch Old Ramsay Horrors? The Ramsay Brothers didn't have the budgets of Hollywood or the finesse of European horror, but they had heart and a flair for atmosphere. Their worlds were built with fog machines, fake blood, rubber masks, and dramatic zooms, but the fear and thrill they instilled was real. In today's age of polished horror and CGI, Ramsay films remind us of a time when terror was tangible, raw, and delightfully theatrical. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kajol on ‘Maa': No other title could have defined our film more aptly
Bollywood star Kajol has stepped into the world of mythological horror with 'Maa', which the actress said that no other title could have more aptly defined the movie. Talking about what comes to her mind thinking of 'Maa', a word that nearly every child learns to say first, Kajol told IANS: 'I think you put it really well. It's the first word that most children learn to say, to feel, and to think—before anything else. You know, the first person a child turns toward is their mother. So it starts from there and just goes deeper and deeper.' For Kajol, Ma means goddess and her mother Tanuja as well. 'To me, both are the same. It was actually a working title for the film, but by the time we finished it, we realized that the word itself had so many layers that no other title could have more aptly defined our film than that one word.' Bollywood has touched the spooky genre only sparingly, with notable moments scattered across decades from the cult-classic era of the Ramsay Brothers, to the breakout hit Raaz in 2002, followed by the psychological thriller Bhoot starring Ajay Devgn. Vikram Bhatt carried the baton with a string of supernatural films, but it's in recent years that the genre has seen a revival with genre-defying projects such as Tumbbad, Pari, and Bulbbul, Shaitaan and Maa. Why is the industry scared to touch the genre? Kajol said: 'Absolutely. And that's exactly why we wanted to try something new like this. I think horror takes a lot of—firstly—VFX. You need a really big budget for VFX.' Kajol mentioned that even though 'Maa' is a horror film, 'there's a lot of emotion involved in it.' 'That's actually the reason I agreed to do the film. I don't think I would have felt the same way about it if it didn't have so much emotion, such a strong emotional base. It's not just a horror film. It's a mythological horror film.' She stressed that the film has the right 'mix of culture, and at the same time, it has the feel of a thriller.' 'I wouldn't have agreed to do this film if it didn't have such an emotional core. It's not just horror. And I think, as an industry, we're all working toward better scripts. We're working on tighter, stronger writing.' She added: 'We all want better scripts—and writing takes time. So it's not that nobody wanted to touch the horror genre, it's more that we've all been waiting for the right script to come along.' The film is slated to release on June 27.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- 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 .
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Opinion From ‘Sinners' to ‘Stree' — why horror is the new social commentary
Ryan Coogler's film Sinners is about a lot of things. Blues music, cultural appropriation, the African-American experience, the lives of immigrants, one's battle with faith, and the carnal attraction felt between lovers. But all these heavy-handed topics are interspersed with a tale of bloodthirsty vampires who want to attack a group of partygoers at the opening of a throbbing new nightclub in Mississippi in the 1930s. Sinners joins a growing list of horror films in the last decade or so that have tried to address complex political and social topics. Hollywood films that come to mind are Get Out, The Purge series, Midsommar and The Hunt among others. What is it about the horror genre that makes it palatable for audiences to deal with social, political, racial and religious issues than say a straight-up drama or comedy? Years of awards-bait movies and a slight disdain towards the sweeping 'issues'-based films from casual moviegoers have put the drama genre on a bit of a back foot. Comedies tend to polarise audiences a lot more today than in decades past and news comedy shows and talk show panels tend to provide a regular stream of satire right into homes. Enter horror, a genre where the externalisation of the issue in the form of a ghost/monster/spirit tends to make it a tad more convenient to address. The viewer need not necessarily come in with the burden of having prior knowledge about the subject matter. They can simply walk in with the expectation of the thrill of being scared and walk out with some food for thought. One might make the argument that horror was always a genre of the outsider. That films like Rosemary's Baby, or The Exorcist induced shock and questioned the status quo even back in the day. What sets the recent crop of horror films apart is that the characters who have agency are often those who find themselves marginalised in real life. This, in turn, leads to the exploration of subjects and cultures that are rarely dealt with. There's race (Us, Candyman), Gen-Z paranoia (Talk to Me, Bodies Bodies Bodies), feminism (The VVitch, The Substance), and LGBTQ+ issues (I Saw the TV Glow, Titane). Back home, we are witnessing a surge of films in the horror-comedy genre kicked off by the stupendous success of Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024). The Stree films cleverly addressed themes like gender norms, consent, the male gaze and patriarchy. As compared to the West, horror has not been as consistent a force at the box office for Bollywood. After gothic classics like Mahal and Madhumati from the 1940s and '50s, the genre was mostly synonymous with the campy Ramsay Brothers films of the '80s and '90s, transitioning into a phase in the 2000s when Ram Gopal Varma brought an urban flavour to films like Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai. Following this, there was a lull until horror's recent resurgence. Having bigger production and VFX budgets has helped tell stories in a richer, grander fashion, and adding the comedic element has also attracted family audiences to the theatres. There's also a renewed interest in tales of the supernatural inspired by Indian folklore, fairy tales and mythology. The re-release of Tumbbad in 2024 was a massive success. Set in British-ruled India, it critiqued our obsession with wealth while taking a cue from the stories of local deities. The Kannada film Kantara, while not an out-and-out horror film, also incorporated supernatural elements from folklore to delve into class politics, depicting the conflict between the tribal community and the ruling class. There have also been some bright spots in the streaming space with the likes of Bulbul, which dealt with domestic violence, Ghoul, which had a premise around authoritarianism, and the recent series Khauff, which explores women manoeuvring a city like Delhi. We seem to be going through a time when horror filmmakers and writers seem to have figured out how to marry pulp with prestige. A generation that grew up with Stephen King novels and arthouse cinema seems to be blending the two while throwing their own, unique lived-in experiences into the mix. The horror tropes might still be present, but they come with just enough of a tweak to make them fresh and exciting. Sinners has been a rare success. An original hit film in a sea of sequels and IP franchises. As we continue to live in a world ravaged by war, terror attacks and constant political turmoil, the thirst for stories that address our anxieties and fears from people with diverse backgrounds will only increase. The monsters aren't going back under the bed anytime soon.
