Around 2,000 years ago, the Celts, a tribal group from Central Europe, celebrated a festival that marked the night when the worlds of the living and the dead merged. However, in today’s pop-culture portrayal of Halloween, we often overlook the folk references. As we explore terrifying tales from folklore, a sense of strangeness envelops our minds, revealing the chilling stories written in our ancestral history.

In recent times, Indian filmmakers have ventured into the sub-genre of folklore horror that hauntingly tingles the spine, tickles the nerve and baffles the brain of the audience.

As we near the Halloween Day, Shivangi Sharma, Chief Entertainment Officer, Excitel curates a list of top 5 folklore movies like Tumbbad, which lingers on your head and heart (literally), even after the credits roll.

1. LAPACHHAPI (2016, Zee5)A newly married couple, Neha (Pooja Sawant), who is 8-months pregnant, and her debt-ridden husband Tushar (Vikram Gaikwad), move into a sleepy, isolated village, only to confront something sinister. What, why and how is the question?“Lapachhapi,” meaning “hide and seek,” plays a psychological game of peekaboo. Through distinct storytelling, director Vishal Furia blends a social message into the realm of horror. He crafts a masterpiece where danger lurks everywhere, whether from the living or the dead. Whether it’s the spooky sugarcane fields, creepy characters or a chilling curse, this film blends folklore and societal evil with ease and is a must-see this Halloween.
2. PARI (2018, Prime Video)Ever got intrigued with the world of the Djinns? Ever wondered what unfolds when a Djinn encounters the human world? Pari is a tell-tale of the same. The story, set in Kolkata, features Anushka Sharma as a half-blood Djinn and portrays her journey into the world of the living.This supernatural horror film is a pure departure from the staple Bollywood horror cinema, in terms of editing, cinematography, storyline and of course, the concept of Djinns and Ifrits.

   The ultimate icing on the cake is the acting prowess of Anushka Sharma. Watch out for how she oscillates from one scene of subtle compassion to a frame of brutal horror, in a minute.

3. Ek Thi Daayan (2013, Disney+ hotstar)The most enigmatic element of Indian folklore has been witches (Daayan), with innumerable portrayals and interpretations throughout the history of Indian horror cinema.Apart from the famous romantic number that we still hum, this 2013 supernatural horror film serves a lot more to the viewers.

   The story unfolds the mysterious cosmos of magic and mysticism, wherein the lead characters (played by Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Konkona Sen Sharma and Kalki Koechlin) find themselves trapped into, knowingly or unknowingly.This film unravels how the world of witches invades human lives, weaving a tale of love and evil.

4. CHURULI (2021, Sony Liv)Churuli, a Malayalam film, contrives a human world which looks beyond the space of reality and myth; science and supernatural; good and bad.

   Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, this psychological horror is a story of two cops (played by Chemban Vinod and Vinay Forrt), on the lookout for a fugitive in a remote village and yet, are unknown to the inhuman darkness that’s waiting for them.

   Right after setting foot into this bizarre world, where folklore meets fantasy, they know something isn’t right. However, the question is will they be able to escape from this maze?

5. Stree (2018, Prime Video)

A genre-bending horror comedy Stree brings on table a social commentary on gender sensitivity through the lens of an urban legend.

A ghoulish witch terrorizes a sleepy small town, but it isn’t that simple. She only hunts the menfolk with an agenda. Traversing this veil of mysterious folklore, Stree takes us through the age-old evils of patriarchy and superstitions.

Helmed by stellar performances from Rajkumar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor and Pankaj Tripathi, Stree is a new age horror film which challenges us to rethink what horror means.

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to get those creative juices flowing and craft a costume that’s uniquely you. Whether you’re channeling a classic horror villain, a mythical figure, or a quirky character with a spooky twist, there’s something magical about stepping into someone else’s shoes for the night.

To make sure you stand out and feel totally in character, we’ve rounded up some eerie, enchanting, and playful looks that are sure to inspire your Halloween transformation this season. Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable night!

1. Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family)This deadpan, gothic icon is the queen of all things dark and mysterious. Wednesday’s look is minimalist yet striking, with her signature braided pigtails, a black collared dress, and an expressionless face that says, “I don’t care, but in the creepiest way.” Complete the outfit with a pair of black stockings and sturdy black shoes. For a touch of the macabre, carry a creepy doll with its head falling off. Bonus points if you nail her unamused stare!
2. Yakshini (Pocket FM’s Yaksini…Ek Dayan)For a mystical and enchanting Halloween, channel the Yakshini, an ethereal enchantress with a haunting beauty. To embody her, opt for a flowing sari in deep hues like maroon or dark blue. Gold jewellery, especially large earrings and a statement necklace, is essential to capture her otherworldly elegance. Add in loose, wavy hair with flowers entwined and accentuate your makeup with smouldering eyes to radiate Yakshini’s allure. Don’t forget the mysterious and almost predatory aura she carries with her.
3. The Joker (DC Universe)If chaos is your Halloween vibe, the Joker is the perfect choice. With his maniacal grin, smudged makeup, and sinister charm, this iconic villain will keep everyone on edge. The purple suit, green vest, and messy green hair are signature elements of his look. Smear some red lipstick across your face into a disturbingly wide grin and top it off with a wild, unpredictable attitude. You can even play with the Joker’s more recent iterations from Joker or The Dark Knight, depending on how gritty you want to get.
4. Bulbbul (Netflix’s Bulbbul)For a hauntingly beautiful look, transform yourself into Bulbbul, the mysterious and vengeful spirit from the Netflix film. Wear a traditional Bengali saree in vibrant reds and golds, adorned with antique jewellery. The look should exude elegance mixed with an eerie undertone—especially if you opt for a blood-red bindi and smudged kohl-lined eyes. Bulbbul’s ethereal grace and haunting gaze will make for an unforgettable and dramatic Halloween entrance.
5. Monjulika (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)Ah, the ghostly Monjulika! She’s equal parts terrifying and iconic in Indian horror lore. To get her look, dress in a tattered, dark sari with wild, dishevelled hair. Dark, heavy eye makeup, along with smeared red lipstick, gives her that crazed, vengeful appearance. Add in some gold jewellery, especially anklets, to channel her ghostly dancer vibe. And don’t forget her twisted dance moves, which you can break into anytime someone’s too comfortable at the party!
6. Half-Wolf (Bhediya)If you’re more of a creature feature fan, go wild with a half-wolf, half-human look inspired by Bhediya. You can play with makeup here—get creative with prosthetics or face paint to give yourself a partially transformed, menacing wolf snarl. Wear torn-up clothes, and make sure your hair is messy and dishevelled. Add in some sharp claws, fake fangs, and glowing contact lenses for that animalistic, predatory finish. This is perfect if you’re into slightly gory, yet primal looks.
7. Rajpal Yadav’s Vagabond Look (Bhool Bhulaiyaa)For a more fun and quirky costume idea, dress as Rajpal Yadav’s unforgettable character from Bhool Bhulaiyaa. His character is dressed like a vagabond, with ragged clothes splattered with red paint, giving him a chaotic, comical, yet eerie look. His wild hair, peculiar expressions, and painted face will make your costume a hit, especially with fans of Indian horror-comedy films.
8. Kartik Aaryan/Akshay Kumar’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa VibeFor those who want a touch of swagger this Halloween, Kartik Aaryan or Akshay Kumar’s character from the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe is a fantastic choice. Sport a casual yet quirky bandana, throw on dark shades, and pair it with a traditional kurta for that fusion of mystery and style. The key here is to nail the confident, playful energy while sprinkling in a little horror-comedy charm. Add some lightheartedness to your costume with their laid-back yet clever personas.
9. Ghost BrideFor an eternally creepy yet timeless look, the Ghost Bride never fails to spook. Don a flowing white gown, add a lace veil, and carry a bouquet of wilted flowers. Pale makeup with dark, hollow eyes will give you that ethereal, tragic beauty. To amp up the scare factor, go for a ghostly glow with white or blue-tinted makeup. The contrast of the soft bridal look with the unsettling makeup creates the perfect haunting ensemble.
10. AnnabelleEnd your night with a fright by dressing as the infamous doll Annabelle. All you need is a white vintage-style dress with a red ribbon sash, some creepy pigtails with bows, and porcelain doll makeup with cracked details. The spooky factor comes in when you remain completely motionless, letting the eerie silence do the work for you. If anyone asks, just smile… creepily.With these spine-chilling and quirky characters to choose from, you’re sure to turn heads (and maybe scare a few) at these year’s Halloween festivities. Whether you’re going for mystical allure or chaotic evil, each of these costumes offers something unique for your Halloween cosplay game.So, who will you be this spooky season?