The 1990s saw a crucial evolution with films like Yamaleela (1994). While not a traditional horror film, its narrative involving the God of Death (Yama Dharma Raja) descending to Earth established a template: the supernatural interacting with the mundane. The film used the terrifying imagery of death and the afterlife but subverted it through the protagonist’s nonchalant attitude, creating a blueprint for future horror-comedies.
Unlike Western horror-comedies which often rely on parody (e.g., Scary Movie ), Telugu comedy horror often treats the supernatural with a mixture of reverence and ridicule. The genre has evolved from the "Bhootala Bet" (Betting with Ghosts) folklore of the 1960s to the techno-savvy, slapstick-heavy narratives of the 2010s and 20s. This paper argues that the success of this genre in the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) stems from its ability to address deep-seated cultural superstitions while providing the necessary comic relief that aligns with the regional preference for "masala" entertainment. comedy horror movies telugu