Best Telugu Horror Movies 2025

The year 2025 has been a strong one for Telugu horror, with several notable releases spanning psychological thrillers to supernatural dramas. Highlights include Kishkindhapuri , which achieved both critical and commercial success, and , a big-budget supernatural action-horror. Top Rated & Popular Releases Kishkindhapuri Release Date: 12 September 2025 Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Anupama Parameswaran

Plot: A ghost tour at an abandoned radio station goes wrong when guests awaken a vengeful spirit.

Reception: Critics praised it as a cinematically curious thriller, and it became a box office success, grossing over ₹24 crore. Release Date: 7 November 2025 Cast: Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Khosla Kumar

Plot: A supernatural thriller blending Indian folklore with modern rationalism, set against the backdrop of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Highlights: Noted for its high-scale action and "Pisachi Bandana" ritual storyline. Ghatikachalam Release Date: 31 May 2025 Cast: Nikhil Devadula, Prabhakar Podakandla

Plot: A psychological horror film following a medical student battling a malevolent spirit haunting his mind. Horror Comedies & Thrillers Kishkindhapuri

The year 2025 has been a standout for Telugu horror cinema, with filmmakers pushing boundaries through supernatural mysteries, psychological thrillers, and effective horror comedies. From big-budget star vehicles to experimental independent projects, the genre has delivered a diverse range of scares. Top Telugu Horror Movies of 2025 1. Kishkindhapuri Release Date: September 12, 2025

Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Anupama Parameswaran, and Sandy

The Plot: A group of tourists visits a vintage radio station for a ghost tour, only to awaken a slumbering spirit. Trapped inside, they must find a way to escape otherworldly powers.

Why it’s a Must-Watch: According to critics, it emerged as a significant commercial success, marking a major comeback for Bellamkonda Sreenivas. Reviewers from IMDb praised the impressive locations and strong ending, despite some predictable moments. 2. Jatadhara Release Date: November 7, 2025

Cast: Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha (Telugu debut), and Divya Khosla Kumar

The Plot: Set against the backdrop of the sacred Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, this supernatural thriller explores ancient Indian folklore and the mystery of sealed vaults. It deals with themes of greed, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening.

Why it’s a Must-Watch: It’s a rare high-budget blend of horror, action, and mystery that successfully integrates real-world conspiracy theories with fictional horror. 3. Ghatikachalam Release Date: May 31, 2025 Cast: Nikhil Devadula, Prabhakar Podakandla, and Jogi Naidu

The Plot: A psychological horror film following an insecure medical student who battles a malevolent spirit haunting his mind while his family seeks spiritual cures.

Why it’s a Must-Watch: It stands out for its focus on the mental and spiritual struggle of the protagonist, moving away from standard jump-scares toward a more haunting psychological experience. 4. Subham Release Date: May 9, 2025 Cast: Harshith Reddy, Shriya Kontham, and Charan Peri

The Plot: Set in the early 2000s, a cable TV operator marries an MBA graduate, only to find she and other women in the village act unrecognizable every night at 9 PM.

Why it’s a Must-Watch: Directed by Praveen Kandregula and produced by Samantha’s Tralala Moving Pictures, this horror-comedy received positive critical scores for its unique premise and nostalgic setting. 5. Shambhala Release Date: December 25, 2025 Cast: Aadi Saikumar, Archana Iyer, and Swasika best telugu horror movies 2025

The Plot: In the 1980s, a remote village is plagued by violent deaths after a meteor falls from the sky. An atheist geoscientist is sent to investigate, only to confront unexplained forces.

Why it’s a Must-Watch: User reviews on IMDb highlighted the spectacular making and the effective blend of spiritual and devotional themes within a horror-thriller framework. Honorable Mentions & Late-Year Releases New Telugu Horror Movies List (2026) - 91Mobiles

The Best Telugu Horror Movies of 2025: A Thrilling Ride

The Telugu film industry, also known as Tollywood, has been consistently delivering a wide range of movies that cater to different tastes and preferences. One genre that has gained immense popularity in recent years is horror movies. With the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for thrilling content, Telugu horror movies have taken a significant leap forward. In this article, we'll explore the best Telugu horror movies of 2025 that are sure to send chills down your spine.

The Rise of Telugu Horror Movies

In the past, Telugu cinema was dominated by masala films, rom-coms, and action dramas. However, with the changing audience preferences and the influence of international cinema, the demand for horror movies has increased significantly. The success of movies like "Singham" (2011), "Eega" (2012), and "Baahubali" (2015) paved the way for more experimentation in the horror genre.

Best Telugu Horror Movies of 2025

Here are some of the most anticipated Telugu horror movies of 2025:

  1. Prema Ki Prayasam: Directed by debutant Sumanth Radhakrishnan, this movie revolves around a young couple who shift to a new home, only to discover that it's haunted by a vengeful spirit.
  2. Gulabi: This horror-thriller film, directed by Krishna Sriram, tells the story of a group of friends who embark on a trekking expedition, only to find themselves trapped in a haunted forest.
  3. Kaidi No 150: Directed by Sudheer Varma, this movie is a modern retelling of the classic horror tale, "The Count of Monte Cristo." The film stars Ravi Teja in the lead role.
  4. Vainagana: This psychological horror movie, directed by Jayanag, revolves around a young musician who starts experiencing strange occurrences after shifting to a new apartment.
  5. Thegidi 2: The sequel to the hit horror-comedy film "Thegidi," this movie promises to deliver even more laughs and scares. Directed by Ramesh Selvan, the film stars Aadhavan in the lead role.

What Makes Telugu Horror Movies Stand Out

So, what sets Telugu horror movies apart from others? Here are a few factors that contribute to their success:

Why 2025 is an Exciting Year for Telugu Horror Movies

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Telugu horror movies, with a range of films that promise to deliver thrills, chills, and entertainment. Here are a few reasons why:

Conclusion

The best Telugu horror movies of 2025 promise to deliver a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. With unique storylines, talented cast and crew, and high production values, these movies are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of traditional ghost stories or more experimental sub-genres, there's something for everyone in the world of Telugu horror movies. So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of Telugu horror cinema in 2025!

Honorable Mentions

Upcoming Telugu Horror Movies

FAQs

The Telugu horror landscape in 2025 has moved beyond simple jump scares, embracing psychological depth and high-concept folklore. From the supernatural mystery of Kishkindhapuri to the folkloric action of

, the year has been a landmark for Tollywood's "horror-verse." 1. Kishkindhapuri Released on September 12, 2025, Kishkindhapuri emerged as a standout commercial and critical success.

The Plot: A "ghost walking tour" takes a terrifying turn when enthusiasts enter an abandoned radio station, unknowingly awakening a vengeful spirit.

Why it Matters: Critics praised it for its chilling atmosphere and "cinematically curious" thrills. It marked a major comeback for Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, grossing over ₹24 crore.

Cast: Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Anupama Parameswaran, and Sandy Master. 2. Shambhala: A Mystical World A Christmas release (December 25, 2025), Shambhala

blends 1980s period aesthetics with a "science vs. superstition" narrative.

The Plot: Set in 1980, the village of Shambhala is rocked by a meteor fall, followed by a string of violent, unexplained deaths. A geoscientist (Aadi) must investigate whether the threat is extraterrestrial or spiritual.

Why it Matters: It is celebrated for its impressive visual effects and lack of traditional romantic subplots, focusing purely on a "Good vs. Evil" concept. It grossed over ₹21 crore. Cast: Aadi Saikumar, Archana Iyer, and Swasika. 3.

Released on November 7, 2025, this supernatural mystery thriller is inspired by the conspiracy theories of Kerala's Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The Plot: The story revolves around "Pisachi Bandana," an ancient ritual involving hidden treasures and a powerful guardian named Dhanapisachi.

Why it Matters: It marks the Telugu debut of Bollywood's Sonakshi Sinha as the antagonist Dhanapisachi. The film is noted for blending Indian folklore with modern rationalism . Cast: Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, and Divya Khosla Kumar. 4. Following the 2022 hit, Odela 2

shifted from a grounded crime thriller to full-scale supernatural horror.


3. The Experimental Hit: Odela 2

The Goddess of Fire

Released in early 2025, Odela 2 is the sequel to the sleeper hit Odela Railway Station. This film cements actress Hebah Patel and director Ashok Teja as forces in the genre.

  • The Vibe: This film leans heavily into the protection of a village deity. It moves away from the "scary ghost" narrative to a "divine power vs. evil force" dynamic.
  • The Verdict: Critics in 2025 praised the film for its stunning visuals of the Odela Mallanna Swamy temple and for treating the supernatural element with respect rather than using it just for shock value. It is a visual spectacle that utilizes the massive scale of Tollywood production design.

Honorable Mention (Short Film)

  • Rathri Ki 10:00 ki: A 25-minute short available on YouTube that went viral for its twist ending involving smart doorbells. It is widely considered the scariest Telugu short of the decade.

Final Verdict

2025 is proving that the Telugu audience is ready for intelligent horror. The days of loud background music and cheap scares are over. Whether it is the realism of 33rd Floor or the folklore of Pada Veta, this year’s lineup proves that Tollywood knows how to scare you without making you laugh. The year 2025 has been a strong one

Watch with lights on. Especially 33rd Floor.

The year 2025 has brought a wave of innovative horror to Telugu cinema, moving beyond traditional jump scares to embrace supernatural thrillers, psychological dread, and unique "slapstick horror." From major star-led blockbusters to gritty indie projects, here are the best Telugu horror movies of 2025. Top Anticipated & Released Titles The Raja Saab

: One of the most talked-about films of the year, starring Prabhas. Directed by Maruthi, it blends horror with romance and fantasy. It is widely considered a "must-watch" for its high production value and charismatic lead.

: A high-stakes supernatural thriller featuring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha. The plot centers on a ritual called "Pisachi Bandana" that awakens a powerful guardian, mixing action with intense horror elements. Kishkindhapuri

: Starring Bellamkonda Srinivas and Anupama Parameswaran, this film takes place in an abandoned radio station. A "ghost walking tour" turns deadly when the group accidentally awakens a vengeful spirit.

: A sequel starring Tamannaah Bhatia, this film follows a savior named Odela Mallanna Swamy who protects a village from malevolent evil forces.

: Set in the 1980s, this supernatural thriller follows a geoscientist (Aadi) investigating violent, inexplicable deaths in a remote village following a meteor strike. Genre-Bending Horror

: A unique entry in the horror-comedy space. Set in the early 2000s, it depicts a village where women begin acting "cold and unrecognizable" at 9 PM every night.

: For those who prefer psychological horror, this film explores the terrifying realism of superstitions and "blind beliefs." It is inspired by real-life incidents.

: A "faith vs. rationality" thriller where four friends challenge a village myth, only to be stranded in a haunted village. Quick Look: Release & Streaming Guide Release Date Streaming Platform The Raja Saab April 2025 Prabhas, Nidhhi Agerwal JioHotstar Tamannaah Bhatia Prime Video Harshith Malgireddy JioHotstar Kishkindhapuri October 2025 Bellamkonda Srinivas November 2025 Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha Prime Video December 2025 Aadi, Swasika For fans of the broader genre, international hits like The Conjuring: Last Rites and

(Tamil-language but widely dubbed) have also dominated Telugu-speaking regions this year. New Telugu Horror Movies List (2026) - 91Mobiles

Shadows of the South: The Definitive Guide to the Best Telugu Horror Movies of 2025

The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade. Gone are the days of simple ghost stories with comedic sidekicks. In 2025, Telugu horror has matured into a genre that blends high-concept folklore, cutting-edge visual effects, and psychological depth.

While the year is still unfolding, a clear trend has emerged: the rise of the "Folk-Horror Universe." Filmmakers are digging deep into regional mythology—moving away from generic haunted mansions to explore the terrifying lore of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh villages.

Here is a detailed look at the best Telugu horror movies of 2025, categorised by release status and critical reception.


Must-watch classics & modern hits

  • Awe (2018) — anthology with strong supernatural elements and psychological horror.
  • Raat Akeli Hai — (Note: Hindi film; ignore)
  • Avunu (2012) — tense, low-budget haunted-house thriller.
  • Avunu 2 (2015) — direct sequel continuing the haunting.
  • Arundhati (2009) — high-production supernatural fantasy-horror with a powerful antagonist.
  • Anando Brahma (2017) — horror-comedy with clever twists and strong performances.
  • Demonte Colony — (Note: Tamil film; ignore)
  • Geethanjali (1989) — classic supernatural romance-horror.
  • Kanchana series (as Kanchanamala) — (Note: originally Tamil; Telugu dubbed versions popular)
  • Raat Akeli Hai — duplicate/irrelevant (ignore)

1. Nijam Kaadhu Ani Cheppanu (I Swear It’s Not Real)

Director: Ravi Shankar Varma Where to watch: Theatrical Release (Prime Video streaming set for July)

This film is the surprise blockbuster of the year. Set in the bureaucratic offices of Amaravati, the plot follows a rationalist lawyer who moves into a "haunted" government quarters. Unlike typical jump-scare fare, Nijam Kaadhu Ani Cheppanu relies on archival horror—ghosts that exist within forgotten case files and typewriters that type messages from the 1980s. Prema Ki Prayasam : Directed by debutant Sumanth

Why it’s great: The sound design is phenomenal. The use of the Telugu language's natural cadence to create rhythmic whispering is genuinely unsettling.

🎯 Pro Tip for 2025 Viewers

  • February–March – Usually small-budget horrors release here; hidden gems
  • Pre-Dussehra (Sept–Oct) – Big studio horrors target this slot
  • Check Aha & ETV Win – They’re aggressively backing Telugu horror originals in 2025


📊 How to Find the Actual Best Ones Later in 2025

Use these criteria when reviews drop:

  1. IMDb rating ≥ 6.5 (for horror, anything above 7 is rare in Telugu)
  2. Positive mention of sound design – key for Telugu horror
  3. No “routine ghost story” complaints from critics like 123Telugu or GreatAndhra