The recent string of box office failures for Tollywood's horror films has cast a shadow over the genre, leaving audiences and filmmakers questioning the future of spooky thrillers. While "Love Me," "Bak," "Geetanjali Mallivachindi," and the highly anticipated "Chandramukhi 2" have fallen short, films like "Virupaksha," "Masooda," "Maa Oori Polimera 2," and "Oori Peru Bhaivarakona" have found success, indicating a potential for the genre.

Writer Gopi Mohan believes that well-crafted stories with fresh plots are key to captivating audiences. "Just a few goosebump moments and eerie sounds aren't enough," he says. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping pace with the diverse and terrifying content available on OTT platforms. Renowned screenwriter Kona Venkat, who penned "Geetanjali Malli Vachindi," offers a unique perspective, pointing out that female-centric ghost stories resonate strongly with audiences. He draws parallels to ancient epics and local folklore, where tales of female spirits like Saakini and Daakini, or the ubiquitous image of a woman in a white saree, are ingrained in our cultural psyche.

Producer Anil Sunkara, who backed "Oori Peru Bhaivarakona," highlights the success of incorporating mythology into ghost stories. He suggests that connecting the presence of spirits to religious texts like the "Garuda Puranas," which justify their existence and motivations, resonates with audiences. Anil Sunkara also points out the ease of creating sequels for ghost stories, given the timeless and boundless nature of spirits. He believes that "Virupaksha 2" and "Maa Oori Polimera 3" are well-positioned to capitalize on this aspect.

Actress Nandita Swetha, who starred in "Ekkadi Pothovu Chinnavada" and is set to appear in "O Manchi Ghost," reveals the challenges of portraying ghosts. The intense physical and mental demands, including prolonged screaming, unusual movements, and sleepless nights, often seep into their personal lives, leading to a disconnect with reality. She notes that it can take months to fully detach from the role and reclaim normalcy.

While the recent trend suggests that Tollywood's ghost stories might be facing a dip in popularity, filmmakers are hopeful that by focusing on innovative narratives, captivating storylines, and employing a balance of myth and modern horror, they can revive the genre and once again enthrall audiences with spine-tingling tales.