Zombie Reddy (2021) Director: Prasanth Varma (Director of Hanu-Man ) Why watch: A unique blend of a political backdrop (Kurnool factionism) and a Train to Busan style zombie outbreak. It has great makeup, creative kills, and a mass-hero interval sequence. It proved Telugu audiences love desi zombies.
Unlike Bollywood or Hollywood, Telugu horror has a unique flavor: it often blends (like Yakshis and Brahmarakshas ) rather than relying purely on gore or jump scares. However, recent years have seen a shift toward genuine psychological terror and zombie thrillers.
& Maa Oori Polimera 2 (2023) : These gritty thrillers focus on black magic and witchcraft in remote villages, featuring intense twists.
Anushka Shetty’s double role as Arundhati and Jejamma is legendary, while Sonu Sood’s portrayal of the evil mystic Pasupathi remains one of the most terrifying villains in Telugu cinema.
Prema Katha Chitram (2013) Director: J. Prabhakar Reddy Why watch: This film revived the horror genre in Tollywood. It is genuinely scary in the second half but hilarious in the first. The story of a suicidal man and a vengeful ghost became a massive hit. For a more recent laugh-with-fear, try Rajugari Gadhi 2 (2017).
: A recent breakout hit that was praised for its realistic characters and effective world-building. It follows a helpful neighbor trying to save a mother and daughter from a demonic force.
is the epic that proved horror could be a massive commercial success.
While films like Mantra and Malli laid the groundwork, , directed by Kodi Ramakrishna and starring Anushka Shetty, is widely regarded as the best horror movie in Telugu —a film that redefined the genre by blending folklore, grandeur, and genuine dread.