Looking for a good streaming scream? How about nestling under the covers and considering an Indian horror show to watch that will freak you the hell out! Now, whether it’s a throw-the-popcorn-everywhere jump scare, an infuriatingly oblivious female character walking into that dark room (Don’t do it), a demon child smiling at you (cute, okay not maybe), or a maniacal villain in a zombie village there is something oddly satisfying about getting your heart racing.
So, now to give your nightmares some serious inspiration, sit back and relax while we unravel the list of top 5 Indian horror shows to watch on different OTT platforms.
1. Ghoul
The three part mini-series is one of the top contenders for the Indian horror shows to watch this October. This dystopian political drama has a one-of-its-kind unique storyline involving a demonic monster that wants to “finish the task, reveal their guilt and eat their flesh”. Tension and fear brews in every corner of a remote military interrogation centre where a dreaded terrorist has been brought in. The film’s story is further enhanced with the use of mind-boggling graphics and brilliant performances by the film’s actors such as Radhika Apte, Manav Kaul, Mahesh Balraj and Ratnabali Bhattacharjee.
However, what truly brought this web-series huge international acclaim was the introduction of a demonic mysterious character by the name “Ghoul” away from the old and repetitive vampires, ghosts, werewolves, demons and witches. In a nutshell, this web series is an Indian horror show to watch if you haven’t already.
Streaming Platform – Netflix
2. Betaal
Horror isn’t a particularly new genre for Bollywood, however our past experiences have rarely resulted in hits. Now, after a record dry spell, Betaal finally dropped on the OTT platform, Netflix. This zombie-horror series basically revolves around a group of army officials who find themselves fighting a huge battalion of centuries-old British soldiers-turned-zombies, when they happen to unearth an old curse. Bankrolled by Sharukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment, Betaal is filled with some jaw-dropping terrifying special effects that are shot in an eerie atmosphere set up by the production unit in the interiors of Maharashtra.
The series also has some noteworthy performances by Suchitra Pillai, Jitendra Joshi etc. Oh! Let’s not forget the zombies in the web-series who are sure to give you the creeps of a lifetime.
Streaming Platform – Netflix
3. Typewriter
An old typewriter, a haunted villa and a group of wannabe ghost hunters (read: 4 kids and a labrador) that’s the setting of this Sujoy Ghosh directorial. The series comprising just 5 episodes is set up in Bardez, Goa where a series of bizarre incidents start taking place inside a picturesque mansion as a new family moves in, thus setting the stage for a tale that goes from spooky to scary to downright- chilling. Ghosh, who is actually no stranger to thrillers, uses VFX sparingly and instead creates an aura of tension and fear through his actor’s brilliant performances. This Indian horror show to watch is one-of-its-kind with a storyline that is unique, the character build-up which is impeccable and the setup that is grotesque.
Streaming Platform – Netflix
4. Darr Sabko Lagta Hai
From zombies to spirits to paranormal activities to pure ghost stories, the show has pretty much everything to keep you awake for the night. The 20-episode series basically sees host-cum-actor Bipasha Basu meet a variety of people who have had spooky experiences with each episode detailing a different tale. This Indian horror show to watch has some notable things such as its progressive nature, the perfectly placed and timed background score and the nerve-wrecking theatrical cinematic visuals. Not to mention the impeccable acting by Bipasha Basu, who is undoubtedly Bollywood’s reigning horror queen.
Streaming platform – Zee5
5, Bhram
Bhram is an Indian thriller series based on a female novelist who puts her own life in danger while investigating a girl who died 20 years ago. The series has a sense of foreboding right from the word go. More than spooky, this thriller is more of a heady combination of paranormal and psychological elements with an innovative storyline and of course the ever-so-talented Kalki Koechlin’s acting. This Indian horror show to watch is set up at a hill station and encompasses some great visuals for a bone-chilling thrill.
Bhram is actually highly dependent on its female protagonist’s shoulder who with her dependable presence and eerie performance pretty much takes care of it.
Streaming Platform – Zee5
International horror shows like The Haunting Of Hill House and American Horror Story have truly notched up people’s expectations but the good news is show-makers closer to home are listening now. From psychological scares to twisted tales of the dead, these Indian horror shows to watch have definitely upped their game.
Well, this was our list of the Indian horror shows to watch out for, so now what are you waiting for? Just stream and forget tonight’s sleep!
