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Bollywood has a rich history of producing memorable horror films, particularly in the 1990s, a decade that saw the creation of some truly spine-chilling movies. These films blend supernatural elements with gripping narratives, making them enduring classics in Indian cinema. Here, we take a look at five of the best Bollywood horror films from the 90s that have left a lasting impact on audiences.
‘Junoon’
Released in 1992, this Mahesh Bhatt directorial revolves around Vikram (Rahul Roy), who after nearly getting killed by a cursed tiger starts to transform into a tiger himself every full moon and hunts for prey. The film’s star cast included Rahul Roy, Pooja Bhatt, and Avinash Wadhawan.
‘Raat’
A Ram Gopal Varma-directed film released in 1992, it features stars like Om Puri, Revathi and Rohini Hattangadi. The story revolves around the Sharma family who relocates to a semi-urban locality in a house that has a ‘reputation’. Strange things start happening, and the family turns to a priest for help, while their daughter gets possessed.
‘Bandh Darwaza’
In the film, a wealthy male banishes a demon and traps him behind a door. Years later, his own daughter resurrects it. Released in 1990, the movie was directed by Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay.
‘Shaitani Ilaaka’
Released in 1990, ‘Shaitani Ilaaka’ features an evil sorceress who feeds the blood of new brides to Shaitan, an ancient and fearsome demon. Starring Sripradha and Kanwaljit Singh, this film delves into the dark practices of sorcery and demonic rituals, creating a chilling narrative.
‘Khooni Ilaaka: The Prohibited Area’
This film revolves around a village haunted by the spirit of an evil tantrik whose body was burnt by the village Thakur. The tantrik, known for trapping innocent girls for his pleasure, goes on a killing spree after a film unit arrives in the village, with members dying one by one. “Khooni Ilaaka: The Prohibited Area” combines elements of supernatural horror with the classic trope of a cursed village.
These films not only scared audiences but also set a benchmark for the horror genre in Bollywood, influencing many filmmakers and becoming cult classics in their own right.
‘Junoon’
Released in 1992, this Mahesh Bhatt directorial revolves around Vikram (Rahul Roy), who after nearly getting killed by a cursed tiger starts to transform into a tiger himself every full moon and hunts for prey. The film’s star cast included Rahul Roy, Pooja Bhatt, and Avinash Wadhawan.
‘Raat’
A Ram Gopal Varma-directed film released in 1992, it features stars like Om Puri, Revathi and Rohini Hattangadi. The story revolves around the Sharma family who relocates to a semi-urban locality in a house that has a ‘reputation’. Strange things start happening, and the family turns to a priest for help, while their daughter gets possessed.
‘Bandh Darwaza’
In the film, a wealthy male banishes a demon and traps him behind a door. Years later, his own daughter resurrects it. Released in 1990, the movie was directed by Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay.
‘Shaitani Ilaaka’
Released in 1990, ‘Shaitani Ilaaka’ features an evil sorceress who feeds the blood of new brides to Shaitan, an ancient and fearsome demon. Starring Sripradha and Kanwaljit Singh, this film delves into the dark practices of sorcery and demonic rituals, creating a chilling narrative.
‘Khooni Ilaaka: The Prohibited Area’
This film revolves around a village haunted by the spirit of an evil tantrik whose body was burnt by the village Thakur. The tantrik, known for trapping innocent girls for his pleasure, goes on a killing spree after a film unit arrives in the village, with members dying one by one. “Khooni Ilaaka: The Prohibited Area” combines elements of supernatural horror with the classic trope of a cursed village.
These films not only scared audiences but also set a benchmark for the horror genre in Bollywood, influencing many filmmakers and becoming cult classics in their own right.
