The unexpected box office collections of Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, a supernatural film that made over ₹17 crore at last count without boasting of any big stars or marketing and promotional budgets, reinforces that horror is a theatrical-friendly genre in India. According to reports from Mint, this success demonstrates that low-budget films can thrive without star power, with audiences preferring compelling narratives over familiar faces.
Experts noted that the figures of low-budget titles like Haunted and Hollywood flick Obsession, which crossed ₹80 crore in India, and Munjya (₹107 crore) prove the genre doesn't depend on star value. As reported by Mint, Ashish Misra, head of commercialization at theatre operator Cinepolis India, explained that horror has always travelled in India but historically on the back of established properties. The shift worth noticing is that films with no recognizable face, modest budgets and no franchise are now achieving similar success.
Industry executives emphasized the unique theatrical experience horror films offer. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director of multiplex chain PVR Inox Ltd, noted that watching a horror film in a packed cinema is fundamentally different from watching it alone at home. According to Mint, the collective reactions, suspense and emotional engagement make the experience more immersive, which is why horror performs exceptionally well on the big screen.
From a business perspective, horror films offer a strong risk-reward equation. As reported by Mint, horror films are often produced on relatively modest budgets, allowing them to deliver healthy returns even without blockbuster openings. The genre generates conversations across social media, with audience reactions and memorable moments encouraging organic word-of-mouth. In the case of Obsession, momentum was built almost entirely through audience recommendations and social media conversations.
Anand Pandit, co-producer of Haunted, highlighted the importance of big ideas that have not been explored before. According to Mint, when an idea succeeds, it opens doors for several fresh concepts. Industry experts suggest that the trend extends beyond horror, with any film built on a strong premise that gives people a reason to watch it in a room full of strangers capable of achieving similar success through word-of-mouth marketing.
