In the Indian movie scene, the horror-comedy genre is truly having a moment. Mixing spooky elements with humor, these films have captured the hearts of the audience. A standout addition to this category has been the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' series, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'. Starring popular actors like Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan, this franchise set the standard for films that balance scares with slapstick comedy, making it a beloved cinematic experience.
Streaming platforms have massively contributed to the genre's growth, bringing gems like 'Romancham' to a wider audience. Directed by Jithu Madhavan, this Malayalam movie is based on the real-life college experiences of playing with an Ouija board. Despite its modest budget, 'Romancham' managed to rake in a stunning ₹70 crore. Its success showcased the potential of regional films in the horror-comedy space while featuring actors like Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan, and Sajin Gopu. You can catch it on Disney+ Hotstar if you're up for some laughs mixed with chills.
In the Tamil film industry, titles like 'Chandramukhi' (2023) continue to break ground. Featuring superstar Rajinikanth along with Jyotika, the film cleverly fuses horror with Vadivelu's fantastic comic timing. Such movies prove Tamil cinema's prowess in combining supernatural elements with humor. Fans also have fond memories of films like 'Pizza', which introduced a chilling yet amusing narrative revolving around a pizza delivery boy's bizarre predicament.
For those who enjoy family-centric spooky stories, 'Conjuring Kannappan' leads the pack on Netflix. It takes a fascinating dive into a family's paranormal troubles caused by a disturbed dreamcatcher, bringing nightmares into reality. Similarly, 'Anando Brahma' tells the thrilling tale of skeptics attempting to debunk ghostly myths, now streaming on platforms like Zee5.
Regional films have also found their stride in horror-comedy, as seen with the Kannada film 'Ondh Kathe Hella', known for its odd guesthouse escapades shared among friends on a road trip. The broad appeal of stories like 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Stree', and the upcoming 'Munjya' underscores just how much the genre resonates with different audiences. By blending humor with folklore and supernatural themes, these movies offer something for everyone, making horror-comedy an enduring and entertaining staple in Indian cinema.