Bollywood films based on supernatural folklore: A haunting blend of myths and movies

Set against the backdrop of British India, Tumbbad explores the story of a man's obsession with hidden treasure guarded by an ancient, cursed deity named Hastar—born out of folklore as a symbol of greed. The film blends horror, fantasy, and historical fiction, all while diving deep into the metaphor of endless human desire. Hastar is not a well-known figure in mainstream mythology, which makes the film uniquely eerie. The legend—about a god banished by his mother for his insatiable greed—serves as a spine-chilling metaphor for the darkness within.

Set in the small town of Chanderi, the film revolves around a spirit named Stree who abducts men at night, leaving only their clothes behind. A group of friends, led by a tailor, sets out to uncover the mystery behind the legend. Nale Ba (“Come tomorrow”) is a real urban legend from Bengaluru where people wrote these words on doors to ward off a ghost. The film brilliantly fuses comedy with folklore-based horror, while also offering commentary on gender roles.

Bulbbul tells the story of a young girl in 19th-century Bengal who grows into a mysterious woman presiding over her household and village, where men are being mysteriously killed. Is she a witch or something more divine? The film references the chudail, a ghost with backwards feet, who haunts those who have wronged her. It’s a feminist retelling of this folklore, portraying the chudail not as a villain, but as an avenging force.

When Lachchi’s husband leaves shortly after their wedding, a ghost who has fallen in love with her takes his form and lives with her. The film is a whimsical tale about identity, love, and longing. The idea of spirits impersonating humans, especially to fulfill incomplete desires, is common in Rajasthani and North Indian lore. Paheli gives this a romantic spin, treating the ghost not as a malevolent entity, but as a soulful lover.

A successful magician’s life spirals into chaos when he becomes convinced that a woman from his past is a daayan (witch). The film explores his traumatic childhood memories and their connection to the supernatural. The daayan is a powerful entity in Indian folklore, often said to have lived among humans, feeding on children, and drawing power from her braid. The film leans heavily on these traditional beliefs to craft a gripping narrative.

A young man is forced to marry a tree to remove his "manglik" curse. The twist? The tree was home to a ghost named Shashi, who now believes she is his wife. As the story unfolds, her tragic love story from the past is revealed. Rooted in Punjabi culture, where spirits are often seen as guardians or lovers with unfulfilled desires, the story captures the intersection of superstition, love, and the afterlife.