This short film-turned-feature (directed by Karthik Varma Dandu) is one of the most disturbing entries on the list. Set in rural Telangana, it tells the story of a malevolent spirit called “Gangotri” that latches onto a family’s bloodline, causing gruesome physical deformities and violent deaths. The film’s strength lies in its authentic folk setting, ritualistic chanting, and practical effects. It taps into the primal fear of hereditary curses and the terrifying power of local shamans.
This indie gem, directed by debutant Gautham Krishna, is a stark departure from formulaic horror. The plot follows a young couple who move into a secluded farmhouse, where the husband begins to secretly film their intimate moments. When he discovers a mysterious, ghostly figure appearing only in his recordings, reality begins to unravel. Maya Bazaar is not about jump scares; it’s about voyeurism, paranoia, and the dread of surveillance. Its found-footage style and ambiguous ending make it a cult favorite among serious horror aficionados. top 10 telugu horror movies list
Long before Arundhati , director Mohan Gandhi’s Grahanam was a pioneer. Shot on a shoestring budget, this film follows a novelist who moves into a deserted bungalow to cure his writer’s block, only to be haunted by a woman’s spirit. The horror is entirely atmospheric—creaking floors, flickering lamps, and the protagonist’s descent into madness. There are no songs or comic relief, making it a rare, pure horror experience. It remains a benchmark for minimalist, psychological terror in Telugu. It taps into the primal fear of hereditary
Directed by Ohmkar, this film successfully revived the horror-comedy genre in Telugu. Set in a haunted resort, a group of friends and a skeptical ghostbuster (Ashwin Babu) encounter the spirit of a murdered woman seeking revenge. What makes Raju Gari Gadhi stand out is its balance—genuinely spooky sequences with situational comedy, largely delivered by the late Brahmanandam. The plot’s twist, revealing the ghost’s tragic backstory involving infidelity and murder, gives it an emotional core rarely seen in mainstream horror. When he discovers a mysterious, ghostly figure appearing
Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this film is a bizarre, unforgettable experiment. It uses the zombie apocalypse genre to critique caste politics and media sensationalism in the Rayalaseema region. While the shaky camera and over-the-top acting divided critics, its concept is revolutionary. The “ghosts” here are not supernatural but the living dead—victims of honor killings and political violence. It is a messy, angry, and deeply unsettling film that proves horror can be a powerful vehicle for social commentary.
Based on true events, Masooda follows a middle-class family whose daughter falls prey to a vengeful, centuries-old djinn (spirit) named Khadar Bhai. Directed by Sai Kiran, this film eschews glamorous sets for claustrophobic, real-world apartments. The horror emerges from helplessness—the mother’s desperate fight against a patriarchal, supernatural entity. Nazia’s performance as the possessed daughter is chillingly authentic. Masooda is significant for its realistic portrayal of exorcism and its exploration of how old-world superstition clashes with modern urban life.
Directed by J. Prabhakar Reddy, this film cleverly disguises horror within a romantic comedy frame. The plot involves a debt-ridden young man who, along with his girlfriend, fakes a suicide attempt to extort money. However, they unknowingly invoke the spirit of a woman who committed suicide for love. The film is notable for its taut second half, where the ghost systematically torments the group, and its shocking climax that redefines the “ghost with a grudge” trope. It proved that low-budget horror could be a box-office goldmine.
