Horror films have traditionally portrayed women as ghosts, witches or possessed characters who exist mainly to scare the audience. But over the years, Hindi cinema has slowly changed that formula. Female supernatural characters are now often given their own stories, motivations and, in some cases, even become protectors or unlikely heroes. As Yami Gautam’s Nayyi Navelli prepares to release on October 16, here are some Bollywood films that put supernatural women at the centre of their stories. (Image: IMDb)
Stree (2018): Shraddha Kapoor’s mysterious character in Stree remains one of the most memorable supernatural women in recent Hindi cinema. Set in the fictional town of Chanderi, the horror-comedy revolves around a female spirit who appears during an annual festival and abducts men. But the story eventually reveals that there is more to Stree than simply being a terrifying ghost. By the end, she goes from being feared by the town to becoming its protector. The film also cleverly turns the usual horror equation on its head by making men experience the kind of fear women often face while walking alone at night. (Image: Prime Video)
Pari (2018): Anushka Sharma’s Pari took a darker and more unusual route. Her character, Rukhsana, is connected to the supernatural world through the mythical Ifrit. Instead of presenting her as a straightforward villain, the film gradually reveals her tragic circumstances. Rukhsana becomes a character caught between supernatural forces and human cruelty, making her more complicated than the typical horror-film monster. (Image: Prime Video)
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Bulbbul (2020): Triptii Dimri’s Bulbbul is perhaps one of the clearest examples of a woman transforming into a supernatural figure and reclaiming her power. Set against a Bengali backdrop, the film follows Bulbbul from her childhood and marriage to her eventual transformation into a mysterious figure who protects women from violence. The film draws on the folklore of the chudail, but gives the familiar supernatural figure a much deeper backstory.
Roohi (2021): Janhvi Kapoor’s Roohi takes the horror-comedy route. Her character becomes possessed by a supernatural entity known as Mudiyapairi, a witch associated with backward-facing feet. The interesting twist is that the supernatural presence isn’t simply treated as something that has to be destroyed. Roohi eventually accepts this part of herself, giving the film an unusual take on possession and female identity. (Image: IMDb)
Stree 2 (2024): The story went a step further in Stree 2. The mysterious woman from the first film returns, but this time her supernatural powers are crucial in the fight against another dangerous entity. The sequel therefore pushes Stree even further away from the conventional image of a female ghost who exists only to frighten people. She becomes an important force fighting a bigger threat. (Image: IMDb)