Telugu horror is finally finding its voice—one that whispers from dark corners rather than shouting from a pulpit. Lights off?
What makes Masooda terrifying is its relatability—the cramped apartment, the financial struggles, the helplessness of modern medicine failing against ancient evil. Sangeetha’s performance as the possessed mother is chillingly authentic. top 5 horror movies in telugu
Since Telugu cinema (Tollywood) has historically been dominated by action, drama, and romance, pure horror is a relatively niche but growing genre. This list focuses on films that genuinely tried to scare, thrill, or unsettle the audience, rather than those relying solely on comedy or CGI spectacle. When you think of Telugu cinema, you likely imagine high-octane hero entries, larger-than-life fight sequences, and vibrant song-and-dance routines. Horror, however, has often been treated as a side dish—usually a comic track featuring a bumbling ghost. Telugu horror is finally finding its voice—one that
The suffocating feeling of being trapped in a nightmare you can’t wake up from. 3. Masooda (2022) – The Realistic Nightmare Forget glamorous ghosts. Masooda brought horror back to its gritty, realistic roots. Directed by Sai Kiran, this film is about a middle-class family in a Hyderabad colony whose mother falls prey to a vengeful, demonic entity ( Dayaam ). When you think of Telugu cinema, you likely
While primarily a laugh riot, the film takes its horror seriously enough to work. The story follows a debt-ridden young man who moves into a bungalow with a group of friends, only to discover the spirit of a murdered actress. Sudigali Sudheer’s comedy and the jump scares are perfectly balanced.