As the year 2023 is about to end, the Indian film industry saw all genres of movies gracing the silver screen and our digital devices. Horror movies have also been quite a trademark this year. Quite a few movies managed to send shivers down the spine, combining elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
This year’s lineup includes a diverse range of films, from whimsical tales to spine-chilling mysteries. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout Indian horror movies of 2023.
1. Conjuring Kannappan
Debutant filmmaker Selvin Raj Xavier takes audiences on a whimsical journey with Conjuring Kannappan: Dream Come True. The horror movie released on December 8, 2023. The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring Sathish, Regina Cassandra, Nasser, Saranya Ponvannan, and a host of international actors.
The protagonist finds himself trapped in a ghostly dream where the line between reality and the dream world blurs. The stakes are high as death in the dream spells doom in the waking world. As the character battles spectral inhabitants in a haunted house, the film poses the haunting question: will he succumb to the dream’s clutches, or emerge victorious in this surreal battle for survival? Netflix has already secured streaming rights, adding to the anticipation surrounding this dreamlike horror flick.
2. 1920: Horrors of The Heart
1920: Horrors of The Heart is a Hindi-language horror movie directed by Krishna Bhatt and produced by Vikram Bhatt. The film, released in 2023, stars Avika Gor and Rahul Dev in lead roles, supported by Barkha Bisht, Randheer Rai, Danish Pandor, Ketaki Kulkarni, Avtar Gill, and Amit Behl.
Set in 1920 Bombay, the horror film unfolds a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and supernatural encounters. Meghna, played by Avika Gor, discovers shocking secrets about her family’s past, leading her on a path of revenge. The movie explores themes of possession, family secrets, and the thin line between the living and the dead. With unexpected twists and turns, 1920: Horrors of The Heart promises a spine-chilling experience for horror enthusiasts.
3. Gaslight
Directed by Pavan Kirpalani and produced by Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri, Gaslight hit Disney+ Hotstar on March 31, 2023. Starring Sara Ali Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Chitrangada Singh, the horror movie unfolds a mysterious tale of a young girl returning to her ancestral palace, only to unravel unsettling truths.
Meesha Gaikwad, played by Sara Ali Khan, discovers odd occurrences in her childhood home, questioning her stepmother’s motives and the truth behind her father’s absence. The film explores the psychological manipulation and gaslighting Meesha endures, creating an atmosphere of suspense and paranoia. Meesha further digs deeper into family dynamics and tries to find out about the reality of her father’s death.
4. Neelavelicham
Neelavelicham, directed and co-produced by Aashiq Abu, is a Malayalam horror movie released on April 20, 2023. A reboot of the 1964 blockbuster Bhargavi Nilayam, the film stars Tovino Thomas, Rima Kallingal, and Roshan Mathew.
Based on Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s famous short story, the horror movie follows a depressed writer who stays in an abandoned mansion named Bhargavi Nilayam. He soon uncovers the tragic tale of the mansion owner, Bhargavi’s love and death. As he delves into the mystery, the writer encounters supernatural elements, challenging his beliefs and sanity. Neelavelicham promises to captivate audiences with its eerie ambiance and a gripping narrative rooted in the horror genre.
5. Aseq
Aseq, written and directed by Sarim Momin, offers a unique blend of horror and thriller elements. Released on June 23, 2023, and available on JioCinema, the horror movie features Vardhan Puri, Sonnalli Seygall, and Siddhanth Kapoor.
The storyline revolves around Ronnie, portrayed by Vardhan Puri, facing financial challenges and a tumultuous breakup. Unexplained and eerie events unfold in his house after the arrival of his new love, Lail, played by Sonnalli Seygall. With the support of his friends, Ronnie embarks on a mission to confront the supernatural force plaguing his life. Aseq promises audiences an intense and suspense-filled tale, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
