Indian movies are famous around the world for their grand scale and emotional stories. While many people internationally recognize Indian romantic films and action blockbusters, its horror films haven’t yet achieved the same level of recognition.
Indian audiences don’t lack for horror movies, and Indian cinema has developed its own unique style thanks to the country’s rich folklore. South Indian films, in particular, have really perfected this genre. They range from suspenseful, thought-provoking thrillers—similar to those found in Japanese and Korean horror—to full-on entertainment with action, comedy, and plenty of supernatural elements. Here are 15 of the best South Indian horror movies worth checking out.
15
‘Pisaasu’ (2014)
Sri Thenandal Films
The 2014 film Pisaasu, directed by renowned Tamil filmmaker Mysskin, is remembered for its fresh approach to horror, combining scary moments with a touching love story. The movie opens with Siddharth, a talented violinist portrayed by Naga, as he witnesses a disturbing accident.
He was such a kind man, doing everything he could to help her. I remember him rushing her to the hospital, and even holding her hand when she passed away – it was heartbreaking. After that, things just started getting…weird at his house. It felt like he was being drawn into something, something that would really change him forever.
14
‘Kumari’ (2022)
Magic Frames / Prithviraj Productions
Aishwarya Lekshmi stars as Kumari, a cheerful young woman unexpectedly married and sent to live in a remote village. Her new life quickly turns frightening when she learns her husband’s family owes a debt to a powerful, supernatural being, and her future child is at risk.
The 2022 Malayalam film Kumari stands out as one of the most impressive horror movies India has produced in recent years. It cleverly blends traditional Indian myths with the unsettling style of Lovecraftian horror. With its exceptional atmosphere, Kumari is a top pick among South Indian horror films. Instead of relying on complicated plots, the movie builds suspense and creates a lasting impression through its consistently eerie and captivating mood.
13
‘Arundhati’ (2009)
Mallemala Entertainments
The Telugu film Arundhati is a good example of the horror movies produced by South Indian regional film industries. Anushka Shetty, often cast as strong female leads in Telugu cinema, plays the main character in this story about reincarnation and powerful spiritual forces.
Arundhati tells the story of a long-standing feud between a Gadwal royal heir and a wicked sorcerer who wants her. Their conflict doesn’t end with their lives, but continues through rebirth over many generations, finally reaching a resolution in the present day. It’s presented as a piece of the clan’s history and legends.
12
‘Chaarulatha’ (2012)
Sax Pictures
I recently watched ‘Chaarulatha,’ and it was really intense! The movie centers around Charu and Latha, identical twins joined together, and both of them end up falling for the same guy. Things get tragic when their mom decides they need to be separated surgically, and sadly, one of them doesn’t make it. After that, the spirit of the twin who died starts haunting her sister, fueled by jealousy and anger over the man they both loved. It’s a pretty spooky and emotional story!
Chaarulatha, which is based on the Thai film Alone, starts with a disturbing idea, especially for those unfamiliar with the story. When it came out, it was a unique horror film for South Indian audiences, notable for its use of two roles for the main actor and its distinctive visual style, making it different from typical horror movies.
11
‘U Turn’ (2016)
Mysore Talkies
The 2016 Kannada film U Turn is a captivating supernatural thriller that became very popular in South India and was remade multiple times. The story centers around Rachana, an intern reporter played by Shraddha Srinath, who looks into a string of strange accidents happening at a local flyover.
As a movie buff, I quickly realized the crashes weren’t random – drivers were making illegal U-turns, and then, one by one, they started dying. It pulled me into this incredibly gripping, supernatural thriller, and I couldn’t look away. It was a really unforgettable ride!
10
‘Aranmanai’ (2014)
Sri Thenandal Films / Red Giant Movies
The 2014 Tamil film Aranmanai—which means “palace”—was a hit and started a continuing movie series. The films revolve around old, haunted mansions connected to local royal families. The first movie tells the story of a big family who go back to their ancestral home to fix it up and sell it, but they soon experience strange happenings and deaths, suggesting a vengeful ghost is protecting a hidden family history.
Aranmanai offers the complex and engaging storytelling often found in South Indian films. The story skillfully blends traditional beliefs, superstitions, and the characters’ individual desires, adding depth and cultural authenticity to its blend of horror and comedy.
9
‘Kanchana’ (2011)
Sun Pictures
The Kanchana film series is the most successful horror comedy to come out of South India, gaining fans nationwide. While similar to Aranamanai, Kanchana focuses more on humor. These movies are known for being quite long and packed with funny moments.
The idea of possession is a key part of these movies, often revealing sad stories that also offer a critique of society. This mix of scary, funny, and emotional moments is a big reason why Kanchana has become one of the most popular and successful horror franchises in Tamil cinema.
8
‘Pizza’ (2012)
Sangam Cinemas
The Tamil film Pizza, released in 2012, received praise for its original storyline and strong acting. It launched actor Vijay Sethupathi to fame, and follows his character, a pizza deliveryman, who finds himself caught up in a series of mysterious and illogical murders at a haunted house.
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Pizza tells a surprisingly complex story that mixes supernatural mystery with a crime thriller, keeping viewers guessing. It’s become a favorite among horror fans, largely thanks to a memorable twist that builds on an already intriguing idea.
7
‘Jallikattu’ (2019)
Friday Film House
India’s submission for the 93rd Academy Awards, Jallikattu, is a film that’s sure to stay with you. It’s a horror movie that focuses on realistic and relatable situations, rather than relying on the supernatural.
The film Jallikattu opens in a quiet, peaceful village in Kerala, buzzing with excitement for a big wedding celebration. When the butcher prepares to slaughter a large buffalo for the feast, the animal escapes into the forest, and the whole village joins the hunt. However, the pursuit gradually disrupts the community’s harmony, as the villagers become increasingly driven by self-interest.
6
‘Yavarum Nalam’ AKA ’13B: Fear Has a New Address’ (2009)
Big Pictures
Released in 2009, Yavarum Nalam (meaning “everyone is well”) is a thrilling and suspenseful Tamil film that’s perfect for a relaxed viewing experience. The movie stars R. Madhavan as a man who finally achieves his dream of moving his family into a new apartment, but their happiness is quickly overshadowed by a string of unsettling events.
As unsettling signs mount, Madhavan’s character becomes fixated on a TV show that strangely mirrors his own life. When the show takes a sinister turn, he frantically tries to figure out its connection to his reality, and this pursuit unleashes a chain of terrifying occurrences.
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2026-01-30 00:36