Bollywood has always been known for its diverse range of genres, from intense dramas to heartwarming romances. However, in recent years, one genre that has slowly but surely gained popularity and carved a niche for itself is horror comedy. The horror-comedy genre in Bollywood has evolved, with filmmakers blending scares with laughs to create an entertaining experience for the audience. This genre uniquely combines elements of fear with humor, allowing viewers to enjoy the thrill of a horror film without getting too spooked. With the upcoming release of Stree 2, it’s the perfect time to rewind and revisit the spooky yet hilarious world of horror comedies that have captured the hearts of audiences across the nation.
The Buzz Around Stree 2: What’s Cooking?
Before going there, let’s first talk about the movie everyone is talking about “Stree 2”. The sequel to the film, with most of the cast reprising their roles, run by Amar Kaushik, again starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, is expected to have the same quirky charm and suspense that made Stree a blockbuster. With news under wraps, the fans are waiting to see what surprises are in store for this movie with high hopes and expectations. A perfect blend of folklore, some rib-tickling humor, and a few jump-scare moments should be the elements to make Stree 2 yet another game-changer in the horror-comedy space.
Taking a Look Back at the First Ones of the Genre:
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
One cannot talk about horror comedies in Bollywood without mentioning Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), directed by Priyadarshan. This film, starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Shiney Ahuja, was a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and a gripping storyline. The movie became an instant hit, thanks to its engaging narrative and memorable performances, particularly Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Manjulika this character will be remembered for decades it is a cult favorite for everyone. Over his two-and-a-half-decade career, this film is celebrated as one of the best blends of suspense and comic timing for Akshay Kumar, who plays the role of Dr. Aditya Srivastava. You can revisit the melancholy of Bhool Bhulaiyaa on Disney+ Hotstar, so go and dive into the nostalgia of “Ami j tomar, sudhu j tomar”.
Stree (2018)
Stree came as a whiff of fresh air into Bollywood, an altogether new concept with a combination of horror, comedy, and social issues. Again, the movie has been directed by Amar Kaushik and stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi. It tells the story of a small town haunted by the spirit of a woman who kidnaps men during the night. The writing is what makes Stree stand out, where every scream is accompanied by a laugh. With success like that, there could only be one eventuality, which is the conception of Stree 2, and you can stream the movie right on Disney+ Hotstar.
Munjya (2024)
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, Munjya is a horror-comedy that took the box office by storm. Starring Abhay Verma and Sharvari, the film follows Bittu, a young man who accidentally unleashes a vengeful spirit from his ancestral village, leading to a wild mix of laughter and scares. With its unique blend of Indian folklore, atmospheric visuals, and a well-crafted ghost, Munjya stands out as a must-watch in the genre. Although it was a huge hit, Munjya is yet to be available on any OTT platform.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)
The same haunted haveli with a new twist to it is in this Anees Bazmee directorial sequel. Starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 maintains the essence of the first part while introducing fresh characters and a more modern storyline. The horror-comedy film is totally unique in a way. The film stands out for its clever blend of horror elements with light-hearted moments, making it a worthy successor and yes you can enjoy the cult music of “Ami je tomar, Sudhu j tomar” in an all-new avatar. You can catch this spooky laugh fest on Netflix.
Bhediya (2022)
Directed by Amar Kaushik, Bhediya is a supernatural comedy starring the Bollywood superstar Varun Dhawan in a bizarre avatar. It features the actor in a unique and fun-filled manner. The film features Varun Dhawan, who is in a weird avatar. What makes Bhediya stand out is its combination of top-notch visual effects and quirky humor, making it a unique entry in the genre. The film is available for streaming on JioCinema.
Roohi (2021)
Roohi, directed by Hardik Mehta, is another horror comedy that attempts to capture the magic of Stree. Starring actors like Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Sharma, the film is about a ghost that kidnaps brides who are honeymooning. Despite mixed reviews, Roohi offers some solid laughs, especially with Varun Sharma’s comedic timing. The movie can be streamed on Netflix.
Laxmii (2020)
This is an Indigenous Tamil movie redone with the Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and with his leading lady Kiara Advani under the direction of Raghava Lawrence with a man possessed by the spirit of a transgender woman seeking revenge. The movie had mixed reviews but perhaps the best part of this movie is the remarkable manner in which Akshay Kumar effortlessly shifts his performances from comic to horror and the other way round. The movie is on Disney+ Hotstar.
Golmaal Again (2017)
For the fourth installment of the Golmaal series, Golmaal Again, Rohit Shetty has twisted the film with a new supernatural plot. Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra, and Arshad Warsi are packed in a haunted house where a ghost needs their help. What is distinct about this movie is the slapstick edge which compensates for the spooky setting of the movie considered a treat for family entertainment. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
Go Goa Gone (2013)
The first zombie comedy film made in Bollywood, Go Goa Gone, was directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. Starring Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, and Vir Das, the film revolves around a gang of friends who meet zombies while partying in Goa. This movie becomes very special not only due to its wackiness but also for the fact that somebody has dared to think about a zombie film in a Bollywood backdrop. Go Goa Gone is available for streaming on Netflix & Jiocinema.
Phone Bhoot (2022)
Phone Bhoot, directed by Gurmeet Singh, features Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter, and Siddhant Chaturvedi as ghostbusters in a zany horror-comedy. The film’s standout feature is its quirky and offbeat humor, mixed with a dash of supernatural elements, creating a fun and light-hearted watch. The movie is available on Prime Video.
Though all the movies are not equally loved and have mixed reviews, but incase you are a fan of this genre you can surely give this a try.
Stree, Stree 2, Munjya, and Bhediya all are a part of the Horror Comedy Universe. The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, produced by Maddock Films, is also expanding the genre’s horizons with its intriguing lineup of supernatural horror comedies. As this universe grows, it promises to bring even more excitement and innovation into the world of films.
Bollywood horror-comedy has always been there to give the audience a good laugh or a scare, respectively. And with Stree 2, the genre’s going to have scores more fans since it’s something few will contest in the ability to engage and entertain pretty much all kinds of audiences. These movies range from cult classics like Bhool Bhulaiyaa to new favorites like Munjya, proving that chills and laughter can be merged so effectively in creating a bonafide cinema-going experience. So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready to scream… with laughter!
