A remake of the Tamil hit Maya , Gruham (The House) is a masterclass in minimalist horror. A father and his ailing daughter move into a peculiar house that seems to shift its geometry at night. The film cleverly uses the viewer’s perception, revealing that the horror is not supernatural but rooted in a tragic, time-looping dimension. Its non-linear storytelling and eerie silence make it a unique, cerebral entry.
Telugu cinema, affectionately known as Tollywood, is globally celebrated for its grandiose spectacles, rhythmic song-and-dance sequences, and larger-than-life heroes. Yet, beneath this vibrant surface lies a chilling undercurrent: a rich, though often overlooked, tradition of horror cinema. Unlike the gore-saturated splatter of the West or the J-horror style of psychological dread, Telugu horror is uniquely rooted in its cultural landscape—steeped in folklore, karma , vengeful spirits ( Pisachi ), and the ever-present Deyyam (demon). While the genre has often been relegated to low-budget B-movies, a select few have transcended their limitations to become classics. Here is a curated list of the top 10 horror movies that have genuinely haunted the Telugu psyche. top 10 horror movies in telugu
Horror and comedy are a notoriously difficult mix, but Ohmkar’s Raju Gari Gadhi cracked the code. The plot involves a spirit trapped in a villa, seeking revenge against a reality TV show crew. What makes it work is its balance: genuinely creepy moments (the ghost’s backstory is tragic and terrifying) juxtaposed with sharp, situational humor. It revitalized the genre for modern audiences and spawned a successful franchise. A remake of the Tamil hit Maya ,