Black Magic and Exorcism on Tollywood. Amidst the resounding success of films like 'Masooda,' 'Virupaksha,' and "Maa Oori Polimera 2," collectively raking in over Rs 80 crores in the two Telugu states, a curious trend has emerged - one that delves into the realm of black magic and supernatural phenomena.

Leading producer Bogavalli Prasad, whose film 'Virupaksha' garnered more than Rs 50 crores, sheds light on the intriguing appeal of such movies. "We aren't promoting black magic, as the audience is intelligent enough to discern that it's just a movie and has nothing to do with real life," asserts Prasad. "Our film, one of the biggest horror thrillers in Tollywood, revolved around black magicians and evil spirits, offering a gripping and spooky narrative. The audience embraced it because our taut screenplay maintained curiosity until the very end," he adds.

Renowned writer Gopimohan emphasizes the curiosity factor that supernatural thrillers bring to the table. "Once the trailer of such films is unveiled, audiences are eager to discover what awaits them in the movie. With action and romantic films becoming predictable, supernatural thrillers have taken center stage, casting a spell on the box office," says Gopimohan. He believes that the revenue for such films primarily stems from single theaters in towns and villages, where some people hold beliefs in black magic and evil spirits. Furthermore, these films break away from the monotony of traditional song and dance routines and clichéd comedy tracks, relying solely on compelling content to captivate the audience.

Gopimohan cites the success of 'Kantara,' which explores folklore gods and their brief interventions in people's lives, as an inspiration for Telugu filmmakers. "Kantara has motivated several filmmakers to explore this path and elevate the standard of horror flicks. Invoking gods and spirits will persist, as even digital platforms are embracing such films. They are dubbed in various languages, transcending linguistic and regional boundaries," he notes.

He contends that these themes don't necessarily require big stars and can be executed within specified budgets, making them an ideal choice for aspiring directors and producers. "It is the perfect genre for young filmmakers to make their mark and then transition to regular films. With content reigning supreme, directors can rely on novel themes and showcase their mastery over filmmaking by keeping the audience enthralled," he concludes.

From an actor's perspective, Nandita Swetha, set to portray a ghost in her upcoming film 'O Manchi Ghost,' shares the toll such roles take. "We endure mental stress and physical strain for all those screams and unusual antics, often resulting in sleepless nights," reveals the actress, who previously played a ghost in 'Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada.' The fusion of supernatural elements and compelling storytelling seems to be weaving a spell over both audiences and creators alike in the Telugu film industry.