'Horrex': The New Thrillers in Bollywood
Jan 15,2015
New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) "Scary is the new sexy," says actress Bipasha Basu ahead of the release of "Alone", but Bollywood trade experts believe filmmakers have for long entertained viewers with 'horrex', an amalgamation of horror and sex.
The "Raaz" and "Ragini MMS" franchises, "1920", "Haunted - 3D" and now "Alone" are a case in point.
"Alone" is not the first time that Bipasha has got up, close and personal with an actor on screen for a horror movie. She did it in "Raaz", but she's uninhibited in admitting that "Alone", releasing Friday, is her boldest ever work.
Whether it'll work for the film or not is yet to be seen, but a combination of intimate scenes and horror adds an intriguing touch to a horror film, says Bhushan Patel, who has directed "Alone", about conjoined twins who had promised to be together and how the death of one sister leads to a series of chilling incidents.
"Sex and scares have always gone hand in hand in films. It is an integral part of the genre. If you see old English films like 'Dracula', they all had their share of sex (scenes)," Patel told IANS.
Patel, who has directed films like "1920: Evil Returns" and "Ragini MMS 2" as well, says 'horrex' works like "magic" on the screen.
Tanuj Garg, former CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures which has produced films like "Krishna Cottage" and "Ragini MMS", says infusing horror with erotica grabs more eyeballs.
"When you add erotica into horror, it becomes more appealing and exciting. The formula has worked on a large scale. I think just erotica or horror by itself wouldn't have garnered that much fascination as the combination has," Garg told IANS.
Just a cursory glance at films of late 1980s like "Veerana", "Purani Haveli" and "Bandh Darwaza", will prove that some thrills with titillating scenes can add some frills to a movie.
Patel says the inclusion of veiled issues like sex has always managed to capture attention.
"The fascination continues as it is the dark side. The dark side is interesting and alluring. Sex is a taboo and often scares people. People are indulging in it every day and so what's wrong in showing it and talking about it?" Patel asked.
No matter how they defend the use of sex, makers of such movies have faced flak over making sex as the driving force of a film with no storyline.
Garg pointed out that the content in Bollywood films is well within limits thanks to the strictness of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
"I don't think we can cheat anyone by using sex as a driving force due to restrictions in terms of how much the censor will allow. So one has to balance the two elements," Garg noted.
Echoing this, Patel said: "Sex is a tool in horror films to take the story forward. I don't think sex is used unjustifiably."
Hence the staple ingredients of a Bollywood horror film: some spooky noises, a dark ambiance, a woman in distress, a hero, evil spirits, lovemaking scenes and sensual songs.
Distributor Rajesh Thadani held a different point of view and said that horror films have been reduced to sleaze fests to ensure success.
"It is the easiest way to make a successful film. The collections of these films is also decent," Thadani told IANS.
Adding to that, trade expert Vinod Mirani said: "Films, especially of the horror genre, in India are getting poorer in content."
"Horror films lack in content and they try to make it up with sound effects, loud background music, low light choreography and, in desperation, sex," Mirani told IANS.
It's needless to say that movies like "Haunted - 3D", "Raaz 3" and "Ragini MMS 2" were given 'A' certificate, making it open only to adult audiences. But the makers have no qualms as their target itself is adults only!
Top Stories
Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Creates Box Office Storm: Two Major Tamil Films Postponed as Fans Celebrate Thalapathy's Final Movie
Jul 16,2026
The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has reached unprecedented levels ahead of its July 23, 2026 release. Widely believed to be Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, the movie has prompted two Tamil filmmakers to postpone
Salman Khan’s New House Approved: Is He Finally Leaving Galaxy Apartments After 52 Years?
Jun 30,2026
Rumours about Salman Khan leaving his iconic Galaxy Apartments residence have been making headlines after reports claimed the Bollywood superstar was preparing to move into a new luxury home in Bandra. However, the reality is quite different. While the Khan family's sea-facing Bandra prop
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen’: Priyanka Chopra Shares Special Birthday Wish for Mother Madhu Chopra
Jun 17,2026
Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas melted hearts on social media after sharing a special birthday message for her mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra. The actress took to Instagram Stories to celebrate her mother's birthday and expressed gratitude for her constant guidance and support.The heartfelt p
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence on ‘Don 3’ Controversy, Says ‘Ranveer Singh Is Being Targeted After Dhurandhar’
Jun 12,2026
Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked discussion with her comments on the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and his reported exit from Don 3. Speaking in a recent interview, Kangana suggested that Ranveer may have been unfairly targeted following the su
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
'Bad breath from her mouth...' When Bobby Deol refused to film an intimate scene with Manisha Koirala, the reason will leave you stunned.
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol recently opened up about several funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early phase of his film career, including playful pranks on co-stars Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Manisha Koirala.The actor made these revelations during his appearance on the popular
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Night: ‘We Were Dancing and Suddenly…’
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her personal memories from the night of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks while promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.During the trailer launch event of the film, Kangana revealed that she was attending a party
Entertainment News
'Bad breath from her mouth...'
Jun 03,2026
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 M
Jun 03,2026
Cocktail 2 Trailer Out: Shahid
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Pla
Jun 02,2026
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhu
Jun 02,2026