Kolkata reels in Thai horror for a spine-tingling experience

Get ready for chills! The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata is bringing Frightening the Soul: Thailand’s Mutelu Supernatural Film Festival in Kolkata to the city in 2025. This electrifying event will plunge Indian audiences into Thailand's captivating realm of supernatural horror films. Prepare to be immersed in storytelling deeply interwoven with Thai cultural beliefs, folklore, and the potent mysticism of Mutelu – the powerful spiritual forces and supernatural elements central to Thai culture.

The film festival will showcase a handpicked selection of three remarkable Thai horror films from independent productions and a new generation of directors, offering a rare opportunity to experience Thailand’s unique approach to supernatural storytelling. The line-up includes: The Undertaker, a comedy-horror blending supernatural elements with Thai cultural beliefs in an entertaining and spine-tingling narrative; Shutter, a cult classic that redefined ghost storytelling in Southeast Asia and remains one of the scariest horror films of all time; and Home for Rent, a chilling psychological horror film that delves deep into eerie occurrences within a family home, offering a truly unsettling experience.

“We are beyond excited to bring Thai horror cinema to Kolkata, a city renowned for its love of storytelling and culture,” said Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, adding, “As the first-ever Thai Film Festival in Kolkata, this event marks a historic milestone in fostering Thailand–India cultural exchange. It showcases the universal power of cinema to bridge diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions. India’s passionate movie culture makes it an ideal destination for Thailand’s supernatural cinema. Through this Thai film festival, we hope not only to captivate Indian audiences, but also to spark a deeper curiosity about Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and incredible travel experiences.”

Beyond the screen, in Thailand, the mystical and spiritual are an integral part of everyday life, and this festival offers a unique opportunity to explore this dimension. Visitors will be introduced to mystical traditions, ancient temples, sacred rituals, vibrant festivals, and spiritual sites. We hope this festival not only thrills audiences but also inspires them to discover Thailand’s enchanting cultural and travel experiences firsthand.

The festival will open with a glamorous red-carpet reception and a special screening of Shutter, a beloved Thai film that masterfully blends horror and psychological suspense in a genre-defining way. The film is widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most iconic horror films, praised for its eerie atmosphere, compelling storytelling, and haunting twist ending.