Not a conventional horror film, Awe is a genre-bending masterpiece. Set largely in a single restaurant, the film interweaves multiple stories, including one involving a possessed girl and a vengeful spirit. Its eerie atmosphere, unexpected twists, and commentary on mental health make it one of the most unique horror experiences in Telugu cinema. The climax is genuinely unsettling.
Realistic setting, no over-the-top heroism, and relentless tension. 4. Rajavari Chepala Cheruvu (2024 – Short but notable) Genre: Folk Horror / Short Film
Directed by debutant Ravi Nandireddy, Maya stars Nayanthara and Aari Arujunan. The story follows a young couple who move into a new apartment, only to realize it’s haunted by a terrifying spirit connected to the landlady’s dark past. The film relies on atmospheric tension, slow-burn dread, and minimal jump scares. It was a critical and commercial success, proving Telugu audiences embrace quality horror. best horror movies in telugu
While not a full-length feature, this recent short film (available on OTT) has garnered praise for its folk horror elements set in rural Telangana. It uses local legends, eerie visuals, and a minimalist narrative to create dread. It signals a new direction for Telugu horror — rooted in folklore rather than urban legends.
If you prefer scares mixed with laughs, this is the benchmark. A remake of the Marathi hit Zapatlela , the film follows a group of friends who encounter the ghost of a vengeful dwarf. While it leans into comedy, the ghost’s makeup, voice, and sudden appearances are genuinely scary for first-time viewers. Not a conventional horror film, Awe is a
Based on true events, Masooda is a sleeper hit that terrified audiences. It follows a middle-class family whose daughter falls prey to a malevolent, jinn-like entity. The film grounds its horror in everyday reality — dimly lit corridors, creaking doors, and a mother’s desperate fight. The antagonist’s design and voice modulation are bone-chilling.
Unique setting, artistic cinematography, and a fresh take on horror. 5. Prema Katha Chitram (2013) Genre: Horror Comedy The climax is genuinely unsettling
Not a pure horror film, but Nenu Sailaja contains a legendary 15-minute horror sequence inside a haunted bungalow. The scene is so well-executed — with flickering lights, shadowy figures, and a shocking mirror jump scare — that it’s often discussed in Telugu horror circles as a masterclass in short-form horror.