Rishab Shetty-directed Kannada blockbuster Kantara, which also released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, has turned out to be a massive box office hit, eyeing Rs 400 crore in gross collections worldwide. The supernatural thriller is based on the folklore of Bhoot Kola, a ritualistic dance form in coastal Karnataka.
If you’ve been impressed by the folkloric treatment in Kantara, here are five movies based on Indian legends and lores to catch on OTT.
Kothanodi (2015)
Directed by Bhaskar Hazarika, Kothanodi is an Assamese language film featuring Seema Biswas, Adil Hussain, Zerifa Wahid, Urmila Mahanta, Kopil Bora and Asha Bordoloi. It is based on four short stories from the Assamese folk anthology Burhi Aair Sadhu. Four women from different walks of life try to battle their inner demons in a society ruled by evil forces in this fantasy drama, which was awarded the Best Feature Film in Assamese at the 63rd National Film Awards.
Watch it on: SonyLIV
Tumbbad (2018)
Based on the folktales of Maharashtra, Rahi Anil Barve’s Tumbaad revolves around a family that has built an altar for the worship of the devil. Starring Sohum Shah in the lead role of Vinayak Rao, the story follows his search for a hidden treasure in the village of Tumbbad in 20th century India. The fantasy horror film earned praise for its visual brilliance and storytelling.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
Odiyan (2018)
Directed by V.A. Shrikumar Menon, the Malayalam language fantasy drama is based on the legend of the Odiyan clan that inhabited the Malabar region of Kerala. According to folklore, the clan has shape-shifting abilities. The film stars Mohanlal in the main role, alongside Prakash Raj and Manju Warrier. Odiyan revolves around Manikyan (Mohanlal), a notorious shape-shifter who returns to his village after an exile of 15 years. His arrival causes much unease to the villagers, especially Ravunni Nair (Raj), who holds a grudge against him.
Watch it on: Zee 5
Pari (2018)
Pari is a supernatural horror film directed by Prosit Roy. Frontlined by Anushka Sharma and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, it is based on Islamic gothic fables from Bengal. Arnab (Parambrata), a kind-hearted man, tries to help Rukhsana (Anushka), a chained woman in a hut who is probably a victim of abuse. However, he soon realises that things are not as they appear to be. Pari keeps the viewers engaged with its tight screenplay, jump scares and atmospherics.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
Bulbbul (2020)
Based on the north Indian legends of chudail (demonic women), Bulbbul tells the story of a mysterious woman who rules over a village in colonial Bengal in the 1880s. As the men in her village are found murdered, Bulbbul’s childhood companion Satya returns to investigate the supernatural mystery. Written and directed by Anvita Dutt, Bulbbul stars Triptii Dimri in the lead role alongside Avinash Tiwary, Paoli Dam, Rahul Bose and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
Watch it on: Netflix
