'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
Sourav Ganguly Biopic Buzz: Saswata Chatterjee to play a family role opposite Rajkummar Rao.
May 22,2026
The much-awaited biopic based on the life of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has officially gone on floors in Mumbai, and fresh casting updates are now creating major excitement among fans.Titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story (working title), the film will chronicle both the
Kangana Ranaut’s Viral Mangalsutra Look Triggers Wedding Buzz; Fans Ask ‘Who Is the Groom?’
May 22,2026
Kangana Ranaut has once again become the center of social media buzz after a viral video sparked rumors about her possible secret marriage. The actress-turned-politician was recently spotted wearing a mangalsutra and green bangles, leaving fans wondering whether she has quietly tied the kn
“It’s a Risky Move”: Prashanth Neel Reveals Why Jr. NTR Said Yes to ‘Dragon’ After 3 Years of Convincing
May 21,2026
The excitement surrounding Dragon has reached a fever pitch ever since director Prashanth Neel unveiled the film’s intense first glimpse ahead of Jr. NTR’s birthday. Following the massive success of blockbuster franchises like KGF and Salaar, expectations from Neel’s next
Sara Tendulkar Reacts Strongly After Paparazzi Call Her ‘Fat’; Internet Supports Her Response
May 21,2026
Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has strongly reacted after being body-shamed by a paparazzi page on social media. The young model and influencer, who is often admired for her fashion sense and public appearances, did not stay silent after an Instagram reel targ
Anurag Kashyap, Esha Gupta Follow ‘Cockroach Janata Party’; Internet Left Curious
May 21,2026
A new satirical social media movement called the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) is rapidly becoming one of the biggest viral trends on the internet. What started as a humorous online response to a controversial public statement has now evolved into a full-fledged meme movement
Bandar Trailer Released: Bobby Deol Shocks Fans With His Darkest and Most Intense Role Yet
May 21,2026
Bobby Deol continues his powerful comeback in Bollywood with the release of the official trailer for his upcoming film Bandar. The much-awaited trailer has finally arrived after weeks of speculation, teasers, and posters — and it is already generating major excitement among fans acro
NTR Birthday: Mahesh Babu and Prashanth Share Warm Hug as ‘Dragon’ Glimpse Creates Buzz; Allu Arjun Pens Special Note
May 20,2026
‘Dragon’ Glimpse Released Ahead of Jr NTR’s BirthdayJr NTR fans received a massive surprise just minutes before the superstar’s birthday as the makers unveiled the first glimpse of his upcoming film Dragon at exactly 11:52 PM on May 19.The teaser instantly went viral across
‘Munna Bhaiya’ Returns to Expose Train Ticket Scam: OTT Release Date and Streaming Platform Revealed
May 20,2026
Divyendu Sharma’s New OTT Series ‘Waiting Hai’ Creates BuzzDivyendu Sharma, popularly known among fans as ‘Munna Bhaiya’ from the hit web series Mirzapur, is once again making headlines with his upcoming OTT project titled Waiting Hai.Known for his powerful pe
Entertainment News
NTR Birthday: Mahesh Babu and
May 20,2026
‘Munna Bhaiya’ Returns to
May 20,2026
After watching Dhurandhar, Ram
Dec 19,2025
Esha Deol returned to work aft
Dec 19,2025
Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' song l
Dec 19,2025