: This film has been widely praised for its unique narrative structure, starting as a light horror-comedy before pivoting into intense psychological dread. Reviewers on IMDb highlight its chapter-by-chapter reveals and a shocking climax that keeps audiences on edge. The Rajasaab
: Directed by Maruthi Dasari and starring Prabhas, this high-budget film blends horror with romance and comedy. It is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, expected to deliver a grand cinematic experience with significant supernatural elements. Vishwambhara
: While primarily a fantasy thriller starring Chiranjeevi, this film incorporates dark, supernatural realms and intense thriller sequences that border on horror, making it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes genre blending.
: A suspenseful thriller with significant horror undertones, this film follows an investigative path that leads into dark, atmospheric territories. It currently holds a solid audience rating for its pacing and tension. Honorable Mentions & Anticipated Titles Akhanda 2: Thaandavam
: Though categorized as an action-drama, the sequel to Akhanda is expected to lean heavily into its supernatural and occult themes, providing the visceral "mass" horror experience the franchise is known for. Diés Iraé
: While technically a Malayalam-language production by Rahul Sadasivan (director of Bramayugam), its significant crossover appeal and dubbed release have made it a major talking point in Telugu horror circles for its high-quality production and folk-horror elements.
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 best telugu horror movies 2025
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.
2025 has been a standout year for Telugu horror, blending supernatural thriller elements with high-stakes, action-packed narratives, moving away from simple comedy-horror
Here is a guide to the best Telugu horror movies released in 2025, according to critical reception and audience popularity: 🏆 Top Telugu Horror Movies 2025 Kishkindhapuri (Sept 2025) Horror Thriller
A group of enthusiasts visits an abandoned radio station for a ghost tour, only to awaken a vengeful spirit. Highlights: : This film has been widely praised for
Starring Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas and Anupama Parameswaran, this film received positive reviews for its intense atmosphere and successful box office run. Where to Watch: (Nov 2025) Supernatural Horror/Action
Inspired by myths surrounding the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the film explores the conflict between science, faith, and ancient rituals. Highlights:
Stars Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha (Telugu debut), offering a high-budget supernatural thriller experience. Where to Watch: Prime Video (Dec 2025) Horror Thriller
Four childhood friends reunite to challenge a village myth, leading to a terrifying experience when they are stranded in a haunted village. Highlights:
A commercially successful film featuring Thrigun and Hebah Patel. Where to Watch: Prime Video (May 2025) Horror Comedy
A newly married couple faces supernatural disturbances after the wife becomes engrossed in a mysterious TV show, revealing a cold and distant persona every night at 9 PM. Highlights:
Produced by Samantha Ruth Prabhu, this film is noted for its unique horror-comedy take. Where to Watch: JioHotstar Ghatikachalam (May 2025) Psychological Horror
An insecure medical student battles inner demons and a malevolent spirit haunting his mind. Highlights:
Features a thrilling psychological plot with high-tension scenes. 🚨 Upcoming / Highly Anticipated (Late 2025 - Early 2026)
The year 2025 has been a standout for Telugu horror, moving beyond standard jump scares to explore deep-rooted folklore, psychological trauma, and innovative sub-genres like "urban horror" Beyond the Chills: The Best Telugu Horror Movies
. From big-budget supernatural spectacles to experimental indie chillers, Tollywood's 2025 lineup delivered several commercial and critical hits. Top Rated Telugu Horror Movies of 2025
Director: Swaroop Reddy
Cast: Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Ananya Nagalla
Found-footage horror finally arrives in Telugu cinema with Nijam Cheppu. The premise is terrifyingly simple: A popular YouTube ghost hunting team decides to livestream from a condemned tuberculosis sanatorium in the hills of Araku. The film is presented as raw, unedited footage from six body cams and two drone shots.
Why it made the list: Authenticity. The actors improvised most of the dialogue, and the "team" has a natural camaraderie that makes the violence feel real. By the 45-minute mark, the livestream comments (which appear on screen as subtitles) start glitching, predicting the characters’ deaths seconds before they happen. It is a visceral, nauseating experience that redefines what "realistic" horror looks like in Tollywood.
Best for fans of: Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, REC, and The Blair Witch Project.
Published: April 25, 2026 By: [Author Name]
The Telugu film industry has historically leaned heavily on action, drama, and romance. However, 2025 has marked a definitive shift. This year, Tollywood decided to stop borrowing horror templates from the West and started digging deep into native folklore, psychological dread, and unexplored rural myths.
If you are looking for genuine scares and high production value, here are the best Telugu horror movies of 2025 that you cannot miss.
Since 2025 has just begun, most "best horror movies" lists are speculative. This feature helps you separate confirmed releases, likely hits, and ones to track.