The horror genre in South Indian cinema has grown significantly over the past few years, with filmmakers experimenting with different sub-genres like supernatural horror, psychological thrillers, and paranormal activities. These movies not only deliver scares but also often incorporate social issues, folklore, and unique cultural elements that make them stand out in the global horror genre. Let's dive into the top 10 new horror South movies that you should add to your watchlist.
1. Game Over (2019)
Description: A psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and fear.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ashwin Saravanan, "Game Over" stars Taapsee Pannu as Swapna, a game designer who suffers from PTSD after a traumatic experience. Confined to her home, Swapna finds herself battling her inner demons as strange occurrences unfold, hinting at something far more sinister. The film’s narrative intertwines mental health issues with a supernatural twist, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Game Over" stands out for its unique approach to horror, where the fear stems as much from psychological trauma as from supernatural elements. Taapsee Pannu delivers a gripping performance, and the film’s unpredictable plot and tight direction make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
Unique Description: Psychological thriller blurring the lines between reality and fear.
IMDb Score: 7.1
2. Kanchana 3 (2019)
Description: A horror-comedy about revenge from beyond the grave.
Overview and Features
Directed by Raghava Lawrence, "Kanchana 3" is the fourth installment in the popular "Muni" series. The film revolves around Kaali (Raghava Lawrence), a man possessed by the spirit of a vengeful ghost who seeks justice. Blending horror with comedy, the film follows the chaos that ensues as Kaali tries to uncover the truth behind the ghost’s death and exact revenge.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Kanchana 3" is known for its mix of comedy and horror, with jump scares balanced by light-hearted moments. Raghava Lawrence’s performance and the film’s ability to entertain while delivering thrills make it a fun addition to the horror-comedy genre.
Unique Description: Horror-comedy with supernatural revenge and light-hearted moments.
IMDb Score: 4.5
3. Ezra (2017)
Description: A haunting thriller blending Jewish folklore with supernatural elements.
Overview and Features
Directed by Jay K, "Ezra" is a Malayalam horror film that brings Jewish mythology into Indian cinema. The story follows Ranjan (Prithviraj Sukumaran) and Priya (Priya Anand), who begin experiencing strange occurrences after bringing an antique Jewish box into their home. As the hauntings intensify, the couple unravels the mystery behind the box’s dark history and the malevolent spirit trapped within.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Ezra" is celebrated for its atmospheric tension and the way it intertwines supernatural horror with historical and cultural references. Prithviraj’s stellar performance, coupled with the film’s eerie visuals and slow-burn suspense, makes it a gripping horror experience.
Unique Description: Supernatural thriller blending Jewish folklore with haunting elements.
IMDb Score: 6.6
4. Anando Brahma (2017)
Description: A unique horror-comedy where humans scare the ghosts.
Overview and Features
Directed by Mahi V Raghav, "Anando Brahma" flips the traditional ghost story on its head by making the ghosts the ones afraid of the living. The film centers on a group of people who move into a haunted house to prove that it isn’t cursed. However, they soon discover that the spirits are terrified of them due to their odd quirks and eccentric behaviors.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Anando Brahma" offers a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre, delivering both laughs and chills. The clever premise, strong performances from Taapsee Pannu and the supporting cast, and a unique storyline make this movie a standout among recent South Indian horror films.
Unique Description: Horror-comedy where humans scare the ghosts.
IMDb Score: 6.7
5. Aval (2017)
Description: A spine-chilling haunted house thriller about a family’s terrifying ordeal.
Overview and Features
Directed by Milind Rau, "Aval" (also known as "The House Next Door") is a Tamil horror film about a neurosurgeon, Krish (Siddharth), and his wife Lakshmi (Andrea Jeremiah), who encounter disturbing paranormal activity after a new family moves into the neighborhood. As the supernatural occurrences escalate, Krish is forced to confront the dark history of the house next door.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Aval" is praised for its intense atmosphere, sharp cinematography, and compelling performances by Siddharth and Andrea Jeremiah. The film’s gradual build-up of tension, coupled with well-crafted scares, makes it one of the best horror films in South Indian cinema.
Unique Description: Terrifying haunted house thriller with intense atmosphere.
IMDb Score: 6.7
6. Dhayam (2017)
Description: A psychological horror set entirely in one room with deadly consequences.
Overview and Features
Directed by Kannan Rangaswamy, "Dhayam" is a psychological horror film with an intriguing premise. Set in a single room, eight job applicants find themselves in a mysterious situation where they must answer one deadly question: who among them deserves to die? As paranoia and fear grip the room, the tension mounts, leading to shocking revelations.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Dhayam" is a gripping film that plays with the mind, keeping the audience guessing with its psychological twists and eerie tension. The film’s unique setting and engaging plot make it a standout among horror-thrillers.
Unique Description: Psychological horror set in one room with deadly consequences.
IMDb Score: 6.0
7. Pretham (2016)
Description: A horror-comedy about a mentalist and a haunted beach house.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ranjith Sankar, "Pretham" is a Malayalam horror-comedy that tells the story of three friends who buy a beach house, only to realize it’s haunted. They hire a mentalist, John Don Bosco (Jayasurya), to help them deal with the supernatural entity haunting the house. As they delve deeper, they uncover the ghost’s tragic past.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Pretham" combines horror, comedy, and mystery in a seamless narrative. Jayasurya’s portrayal of the quirky mentalist adds depth to the story, and the film’s blend of humor and ghostly thrills makes it an enjoyable watch.
Unique Description: Horror-comedy about a haunted beach house and a mentalist.
IMDb Score: 6.5
8. Petromax (2019)
Description: A horror-comedy about a group of people in a haunted house.
Overview and Features
Directed by Rohin Venkatesan, "Petromax" is a Tamil horror-comedy that revolves around a group of people who stay in a haunted house in exchange for money. What starts as a simple task quickly turns into a terrifying experience as they come face to face with vengeful spirits.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Petromax" is a fun mix of comedy and horror, with enough spooky moments to keep you on edge. The quirky characters and well-timed humor make this a light-hearted yet engaging horror film. The film successfully strikes a balance between delivering laughs and keeping the suspense alive.
Unique Description: Fun-filled horror-comedy about a haunted house challenge.
IMDb Score: 5.3
9. Boomika (2021)
Description: An eco-horror thriller where nature takes revenge.
Overview and Features
Directed by Rathindran R. Prasad, "Boomika" is a Tamil eco-horror film that centers around a group of people trying to build a resort in an isolated forest. However, strange and deadly occurrences begin to unfold as the land seems to fight back, warning them to leave. The film uses the horror genre to highlight the consequences of environmental destruction.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Boomika" is an unconventional horror film that blends environmental themes with supernatural horror. The film’s chilling atmosphere, eerie visuals, and unique message about nature’s wrath make it a thought-provoking horror-thriller.
Unique Description: Eco-horror thriller where nature fights back.
IMDb Score: 5.1
10. U-Turn (2018)
Description: A supernatural thriller revolving around mysterious deaths at a flyover.
Overview and Features
Directed by Pawan Kumar, "U-Turn" is a Tamil-Telugu bilingual horror-thriller that follows Rachana (Samantha Akkineni), a journalist investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to a flyover. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a supernatural element that holds the key to solving the mystery.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"U-Turn" is a tightly woven thriller with a gripping storyline and strong performances by Samantha Akkineni. The film’s mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and social commentary make it an edge-of-the-seat horror experience.
Unique Description: Supernatural thriller with a deadly mystery at a flyover.
IMDb Score: 7.0
FAQs
1. What are the best new horror South Indian movies?
Some of the best new horror South Indian movies include "Game Over," "Aval," "Ezra," and "U-Turn."
2. Which horror South movie blends psychological and supernatural elements?
"Game Over" is a great psychological horror film that intertwines supernatural elements with mental trauma.
3. Are there any South Indian horror-comedies?
Yes, films like "Kanchana 3," "Pretham," and "Anando Brahma" are popular horror-comedies that deliver both scares and laughs.
4. Which South Indian horror movie incorporates environmental themes?
"Boomika" is an eco-horror thriller that highlights the consequences of environmental destruction through supernatural occurrences.
5. What’s a good horror South film with a haunted house theme?
"Aval" is a haunted house thriller that keeps the suspense alive with eerie atmospheres and terrifying events.
South Indian horror cinema offers a rich and diverse collection of films that range from psychological thrillers to supernatural tales and horror-comedies. These movies not only entertain but also push the boundaries of storytelling, incorporating folklore, social themes, and innovative filmmaking techniques. Whether you’re a fan of intense horror or looking for a light-hearted scare, the 10 new horror South movies listed here are sure to keep you hooked.
