If you are a horror fan, do not skip "36 Veedhulu" and "Gadhapanama" for pure craft. For mass entertainment with chills, "Maya Bazaar 2025" will be the Diwali/Sankranti winner.
Which Telugu horror movie of 2025 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: Release dates are based on industry projections as of early 2025. Check your local listings.
The year 2025 has cemented Tollywood’s reputation as a powerhouse for the supernatural. Moving beyond the standard jump-scares of the past, the latest wave of Telugu horror blends deep-rooted folklore, psychological tension, and cutting-edge VFX. Whether you are looking for a theatrical thrill or a late-night streaming chill, here is the definitive guide to the top horror movies in Telugu for 2025. The Evolution of Telugu Horror
Telugu cinema has transitioned from the "horror-comedy" formula that dominated the last decade toward "pure horror" and "folk-horror." Filmmakers are now tapping into rural myths and cosmic dread, making 2025 a landmark year for the genre. Top Telugu Horror Movies of 2025 1. Virupaksha 2 (The Sequel)
Following the massive success of the original, the sequel dives deeper into the occult practices of the village of Rudravanam.
Highlight: Top-tier sound design that creates an immersive, unsettling atmosphere.
Why watch: It continues the legacy of logical, investigative horror. 2. Kanchana 4 (Muni 5)
Raghava Lawrence returns with his signature high-energy horror-comedy. While the franchise is known for its humor, 2025’s installment leans heavier into the emotional backstory of its spirits.
Highlight: Mass-appealing action sequences blended with supernatural elements.
Why watch: Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of laughs and screams. 3. Maa Oori Polimera 3
The Polimera series has become a cult favorite for its gritty depiction of black magic and rural rivalries. The third part explores the consequences of the dark rituals performed in the previous chapters.
Highlight: A non-linear screenplay that keeps you guessing until the final frame.
Why watch: It is arguably the most realistic depiction of sorcery in Telugu cinema. 4. Rahasya: The Hidden Myth horror movies in telugu 2025 top
A newcomer to the scene, this film focuses on "Cosmic Horror." It follows a group of archaeologists who uncover an ancient temple that doesn't appear on any map.
Highlight: Stunning visual effects and a sense of mounting dread.
Why watch: A fresh break from ghost stories, focusing instead on ancient, god-like entities. 5. Athadu Evaru? (Who is He?)
A psychological horror-thriller that plays with the concept of "doppelgängers." A man begins to see himself in the background of his own family photos, leading to a terrifying realization.
Highlight: A tight, claustrophobic script that focuses on mental isolation. Why watch: If you prefer "smart horror" over gore. Rising Trends in 2025
Folk Horror: Directors are moving away from haunted mansions and into the haunted woods and ancient villages of Andhra and Telangana.
Technical Excellence: Use of Dolby Atmos and 4K cinematography has become the standard, making the theatrical experience essential.
OTT Exclusives: Platforms like Aha and Amazon Prime are releasing "mini-horror" features and anthologies that push boundaries more than traditional cinema. Where to Watch?
While big-budget titles like Virupaksha 2 and Kanchana 4 enjoyed massive theatrical runs, many of the year's sleeper hits have found a home on digital platforms.
Aha Video: The go-to for local, raw, and gritty rural horror.
Disney+ Hotstar: Home to some of the more polished, mystery-horror hybrids.
Netflix: Features the high-concept, supernatural thrillers with global appeal. Final Verdict
2025 is the year Telugu horror finally grew up. With a perfect balance of big-star commercial hits and experimental indie projects, there is something for every type of horror fan. If you only have time for one, Maa Oori Polimera 3 is the must-watch for its sheer audacity and cultural depth. If you are a horror fan, do not
2025 has been a chillingly successful year for the Telugu horror genre. From high-budget supernatural thrillers to gritty psychological scares, the industry has pushed boundaries with innovative storytelling and impressive box office numbers.
Here is a breakdown of the top Telugu horror and supernatural movies that defined 2025. The Top Performers of 2025 Release Date Notable Fact Kishkindhapuri Sept 12, 2025 Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Anupama Parameswaran
Grossed over ₹24.10 crore; first hit for Sreenivas in 6 years. Shambhala Dec 25, 2025 Aadi Saikumar, Archana Iyer
Earned ₹21.05 crore; praised as a solid "comeback hit" for Aadi Saikumar. Eesha Dec 25, 2025 Thrigun, Hebah Patel
A commercial success revolving around four friends challenging a village myth. Ghatikachalam May 31, 2025 Nikhil Devadula, Aarvika Gupta
A psychological horror film focusing on inner demons and malevolent spirits. Standout Horror Sub-Genres Supernatural & Mystery Thrillers Kishkindhapuri
: A unique premise featuring a "ghost walking tour" in an abandoned radio station. Its success is credited with paving the way for larger horror projects like the upcoming The Raja Saab. Shambhala
: Set in the 1980s, it blends science and superstition when a geoscientist investigates violent deaths following a meteor strike in a remote village. Jatadhara
: A big-budget supernatural thriller starring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha, exploring ancient "Pisachi Bandanas" (rituals) that release powerful guardians. Show more Horror Comedy Subham
: Directed by Praveen Kandregula and produced by Samantha, this film takes a humorous yet eerie look at a newly married woman who begins acting strangely every night at 9 PM. Bakasura Restaurant
: Featuring Viva Harsha, this film blends culinary settings with supernatural comedy. Show more Psychological & Gritty Horror Ghatikachalam
: Explores the mental struggle of a medical student haunted by a spirit that only he can perceive. 12A Railway Colony
: Starring Allari Naresh, this film leans into the "haunted location" trope with a focus on suspense and atmospheric dread. Show more Disclaimer: Release dates are based on industry projections
Check out trailers and reviews for some of the year's most talked-about horror releases: 02:29
The Telugu film industry, long celebrated for its larger-than-life heroes, gravity-defying stunts, and soul-stirring romance, has quietly been undergoing a terrifying transformation. For decades, "horror" in Tollywood was often relegated to comedic subplots (the Avakaya ghost) or formulaic revenge thrillers. But 2025 marks a definitive shift.
With a new wave of年轻 filmmakers borrowing from Korean horror, J-horror, and psychological thrillers, the Top Horror Movies in Telugu 2025 are not just about jump scares—they are about existential dread, folklore, and claustrophobic tension.
If you are a fan of the genre, here is your definitive guide to the most anticipated and spine-chilling Telugu horror releases of 2025.
Historically, Telugu horror has been dominated by comedy-horror hybrids (e.g., Prema Katha Chitram, Raju Gari Gadhi). However, 2025 witnessed a paradigm shift with filmmakers adopting darker, more sophisticated storytelling. This paper evaluates the five most impactful Telugu horror movies of 2025.
In 2025, Tollywood is moving away from "haunted houses" and shifting toward "Folk Horror."
Movies like Kantara and Virupaksha proved that audiences love stories about village deities, ancient curses, black magic (Chetabadi), and tantrics. The fear factor in 2025 comes not from ghosts, but from the wrath of nature and gods.
2025 looks set to be a strong year for Telugu horror. The industry is investing in better writing and VFX. The top pick to watch out for is undoubtedly the expansion of the Virupaksha universe or a major Horror-Comedy franchise revival.
The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) is currently obsessed with the horror-comedy genre, following the massive success of films like Virupaksha and Munjya. 2025 is set to be a landmark year where big-budget spectacles meet spine-chilling thrills.
Here are the most anticipated Telugu horror features slated for 2025.
Director: Naveen Chandra Release Date: May 9, 2025
Found footage makes a grand entry into Tollywood with Studio 84. The premise is simple: A podcast team investigating the abandoned Ramanaidu Studios (where a tragic fire killed 12 junior artists in 1984) brings a medium to communicate with the spirits. Naturally, everything goes wrong.
The Gimmick: The entire film is marketed as "lost footage." The directors actually filmed inside a deserted studio complex at 3 AM without artificial lighting—only using the actors' body cameras and night vision. The result is a gritty, raw, and nauseatingly realistic experience. The final 15 minutes, involving a game of hide-and-seek in the editing room, has been called "the most stressful sequence in Telugu cinema."
Why watch: It redefines the "ghost in the reflection" trope. You will never look at a red light on a camera again.