Bollywood’s Untapped Fear Factor: How Shaitaan and Maa Could Revive the Horror Genre

Bollywood has long neglected the horror genre, often relying on outdated tropes and formulaic storytelling. However, recent films like Shaitaan and Maa are challenging this trend.

By Saivya Singh 03 Jun 2025 in Bollywood

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**Bollywood’s Untapped Fear Factor: How Shaitaan and Maa Could Revive the Horror Genre**

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For an industry known for its vibrant musicals and melodramatic romances, Bollywood has historically sidestepped the horror genre. Despite India’s rich folklore filled with ghosts, demons, and the supernatural, horror in Hindi cinema has remained underdeveloped—often stuck in the realm of B-grade tropes or reliant on jump scares with little substance. But with recent releases like Shaitaan and the upcoming Maa, that narrative may be starting to shift.

Shaitaan (2024), directed by Vikas Bahl and starring Ajay Devgn and R. Madhavan, marked a compelling step forward. Rather than relying solely on supernatural gimmicks, the film explored psychological horror and black magic within a domestic setting. It struck a nerve with audiences, not just because of its technical polish, but because it grounded the fear in something deeply human—losing control over your family and home. It showed that horror, when rooted in emotion, can be just as powerful as any song or action sequence.

Building on that momentum, Maa is poised to push the envelope even further. Directed by Vishal Furia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande, the film stars Kajol in a fierce and intense role. Set within the universe of Shaitaan, Maa delves into mythological horror, weaving a narrative that highlights the eternal battle between good and evil, with Kajol portraying a protective mother confronting supernatural forces to save her daughter.

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These films demonstrate that horror in Bollywood doesn't have to be limited to haunted havelis or predictable plotlines. Instead, it can be intelligent, layered, and commercially viable. The success of global horror cinema—from The Conjuring to Hereditary—shows that audiences are hungry for stories that challenge and disturb. Bollywood, with its cultural depth and narrative range, has the potential to craft horror that is uniquely Indian yet globally resonant.

If films like Shaitaan and Maa continue to push boundaries, they could redefine horror in India—not as a niche, but as a legitimate and powerful genre ready to haunt the mainstream.

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