Top 5 South Indian Horror Movies to Watch on OTT for a Spine-Chilling Experience

From melodramas to larger-than-life spectacles, Indian film has left its stamp on the world stage. International viewers are familiar with Indian romances and blockbusters, but its horror films are not as well-known. Folklore is frequently included into Indian horror films, which have evolved a distinct aesthetic. An even more unique interpretation of the genre has been perfected by the regional South Indian cinema industry.

The following are the 5 top South Indian horror films that you should see,

Bramayugam:

Thevan (Ashokan) and Koran (Achari) , two slave men, are the protagonists of Bramayugam and it is a narrative about their escape from Portuguese slavery. The Koran is killed by a Yakshi, a natural spirit on their journey. Thevan, who is lonely and depressed takes refuge in what appears to be an abandoned mansion but it is not. He meets the master of the mansion, Kodumon Potti (Mammootty) there. Kodumon tells a fascinating story of Chathan, a demon he had imprisoned in the attic. Thevan discovers a truth much darker than any tale as he delves deeper into the mansion’s mysteries.

Streaming Partner: Sony Liv.

Trailer – Bramayugam | Mammootty | Malayalam | Trailer | Streaming on 15th March

Kantara:

The third-highest grossing film of the year was Kantara. The film which was written, directed and starred Rishab Shetty in the lead role focuses on a cultural phenomena called Bhoota Kola. It is a ritual dance custom in which the bodies of the dancers are thought to be possessed by local protective gods. Shetty portrays a man who tries to deny his fate after being born into a family of Kola dancers. Kantara follows his journey back to his destiny while his small community suffers by political conspiracies and strange happenings.

Streaming Partner: Amazon Prime

Trailer – Kantara Official Trailer | Rishab Shetty | Vijay Kiragandur | Hombale Films

Maa Oori Polimera:

Under the direction of Anil Viswanath, Maa Oori Polimera is a fantastic horror-thriller in Telugu that took everyone by surprise. The film is set in a rural community and centers on themes of black magic with an engaging narrative from beginning to end. From beginning to end, the movie keeps you intrigued.

Streaming Partner: Disney+Hotstar

Trailer – Maa Oori Polimera | DisneyPlusHotstar Multiplex | 10th Dec

Virupaksha:

The 2023 film Virupaksha is a more theatrical manifestation of the traditional South Indian horror motif of black magic. The narrative starts in a small town where an innocent couple are murdered after being suspected of doing black magic leaving an orphan son in their path. A series of strange deaths including horrific suicides to bizarre crow maulings strikes the community twelve years later.

Streaming Partner: Netflix

Trailer – Virupaksha Trailer (Telugu) | Sai Dharam Tej | Samyuktha | Karthik Dandu | Sukumar | Ajaneesh

Bhoothakaalam:

Rahul Sadasivan created a beautiful work of art with Bhoothakaalam. The film tells the story of Asha (played by Revathi), an aging single mother, and her difficulties with her young, jobless son Vinu (played by Shane Nigam). After two years of unemployment, Vinu resorts to drinking and smoking as a way to cope with it. He claims to have had paranormal activity in their home one day. Asha brings Vinu to a counselor because she fears he is mentally ill, but it doesn’t help. Later on, Asha begins to sense the supernatural as well. As the counselor learns more about the house’s past, the story gets even more compelling.

Streaming Partner: Sony Liv

Trailer – Bhoothakaalam | Malayalam Film | Official Trailer | SonyLIV | Streaming on 21st Jan