The raw, menacing portrayal of Pasupathi and the film’s atmospheric dread. 2. Maya (2015) – Psychological Slow-Burn From the director of Ghazi (Sankalp Reddy), Maya stars Nayanthara and Aari. Unlike typical jump-scare fests, Maya is a sophisticated psychological horror-thriller. The story follows a woman trapped in a bungalow with a mysterious little girl and a series of time-loops.
It feels like it could happen to your next-door neighbor. 4. Rajugari Gadhi (2015) – The Trendsetter for Modern Horror While Arundhati was a grand spectacle, Rajugari Gadhi (and its franchise) popularized low-budget, high-impact horror for the multiplex generation. Directed by Ohmkar, this film mixes a reality TV show setup with a genuine haunted palace legend. top 5 horror movies in telugu
But over the last decade, a new wave of filmmakers has proven that Tollywood can indeed deliver spine-chilling terror. Here are the top 5 Telugu horror movies that actually deliver on their promise of fear. No list begins without this cult classic. Directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, Arundhati is less a ghost story and more a gothic revenge epic. Anushka Shetty delivers a career-defining performance in a dual role—as a modern-day woman and her aristocratic ancestor. The raw, menacing portrayal of Pasupathi and the
The "found footage" style segments and the eerie depiction of the ghost Chandramukhi . 5. Prema Katha Chitram (2013) – Horror Comedy Done Right It is impossible to ignore the South Indian horror comedy genre, and this film is the best of the lot. Directed by J. Prabhakar, this is an official adaptation of the Tamil hit Yaamirukka Bayamey . Unlike typical jump-scare fests, Maya is a sophisticated
Telugu horror is finally finding its voice—one that whispers from dark corners rather than shouting from a pulpit. Lights off?
The film pits her against the terrifying Pasupathi (Sonu Sood), a sadistic feudal lord who returns as a vengeful spirit. With its grand sets, haunting background score, and a climax involving a Yantra (mystical diagram), Arundhati set the gold standard for Telugu horror. It is terrifying, majestic, and unforgettable.