Remember the line ” O stree, kal ana” in the blockbuster sequel of Stree? Stree, Kantara, Munjiya, Daman, and others have achieved cult-like status among horror-loving audiences. They also add an extra tinge of cultural aspects and mysteries. These movies make a great buck at the box office and stamp impactful notions in the audience’s psyche.
Entertainment is the most sought-after thing in today’s stressed world. People seek ways to vent their frustration and to relax through some me-time. These horror movies have entertained people immensely. Whether going to the theater alone, with partners, or with family, the experience is exciting. Binge-watching in one’s bedroom also offers terror. The suspense, the thrill of the unknown, and the adrenaline rush of vicarious spookiness create many wow factors that engross the audience. The filmmakers heighten the films’ horror to elicit panic among audiences.
The information shared on the movies also educates the audience. Unverified information can profoundly influence audiences, whether it is factual or fictional. As a result, they believe what they see on screen. A few people consider these fake and enjoy them only for entertainment. Specifically, children and younger generations believe what they see on screen. On the other hand, the cultural aspects of tribal peoples, such as the public’s unquestioning beliefs, also receive broader recognition.
Such movies spotlight local folktales, handed down through generations. The film Kantara superbly publicizes the Kannada culture of deities. In Daman, the tribal people of Odisha can express their beliefs through age-old traditions, tantra, and gods. The Stree movie is based on a true story from a small village. In that village, men were not allowed to roam at night. It was believed a ghost would haunt them in the wee hours. True stories and folktales are presented in such films through exaggeration.
The scientific temper, which encourages critical thinking, is generally absent from these films. Horror and paranormal enthusiasts enjoy these films because they feature many absurd elements that science disapproves of. The children believe that the film’s content is real and behave accordingly. Adults and parents must teach children scientifically. They should prevent children from watching these things as they are harmful influences. Many adults also believe in stories, but should consider using their rational minds to analyze and scrutinize everything. These movies can only be watched for entertainment purposes.
Society is filled with many old, unquestioning beliefs, rituals, and black magic that affect the generally weak women of the backward sections. Many ladies are murdered in the name of witch-hunting, and the trend is nowhere near being stopped. The proliferation of such movies on a national level encourages the blind beliefs of the unsuspecting villagers who justify their action of witch-hunting. Though many government-backed programs and NGOs operating in these areas try to mitigate the damage, it’s challenging to reduce the effects of superstition.
Lastly, the horror industry is growing in terms of box office collection and audience gain. Lately, many YouTube channels of paranormal investigators have emerged. They serve as catalysts in spreading horror into the general public’s psyche. Many storytellers on social media have been using the algorithm to increase their follower count. Many television serials, web series, and films are produced to cater to specific audiences. The multi-million-dollar industry will not slow down, but its effects will be replicated in future generations as scientific temper declines.
The Witty Stride 