From Naagin to Bhootni – Why Audiences Still Love These Supernatural Characters on Screen

After winning hearts as the mystical Naagin, Mouni Roy is all set to return to the screen with The Bhootni. But the real question is—why do Indian viewers still find themselves drawn to characters like naagins, witches, and ghosts? Why do these supernatural figures never seem outdated?

Supernatural Stories Still Rule Indian Screens Strong

Despite the evolving landscape of entertainment and the availability of diverse content, supernatural stories continue to dominate screens—both big and small. Whether it's Naagin, Brahmastra, or the upcoming The Bhootni, the appeal of these mysterious, often magical characters remains evergreen.

From classic shows like Shh... Koi Hai, Aahat, and Fear Files, to films like Stree, Bulbbul, 1920, and Roohi—Indian entertainment has built an entire fantastical universe around these beings. So why do audiences continue to connect so deeply with these stories? here's a deeper connection with these characters" – Mouni Roy

Speaking about her upcoming film, The Bhootni, actress Mouni Roy reflects, “In the early phase of my career, I mostly portrayed characters rooted in mythology—Krishna or divine goddesses. Now, with roles in Brahmastra and The Bhootni, I feel like there’s some kind of divine connection.”

She adds, “India is a land of folklore. From North to South, we’ve all grown up listening to tales of spirits, serpents, witches, and demons. Watching these tales come alive on screen creates an instant sense of nostalgia and cultural connection.”

Do these shows encourage superstition?

Addressing the criticism often thrown at supernatural shows, actress Surbhi Jyoti, who played the lead in Naagin 3, shares, “If people weren’t watching these shows, why would producers keep making them? If audiences hadn’t loved Naagin, we wouldn’t be talking about a seventh season.”

She continues, “These are fantasy shows—pure entertainment. Just like kids adore Superman, people enjoy the fantasy of naagins and witches. That doesn’t mean they believe it’s real.”

"We applaud Hollywood witches, but question our own" – Zayn Ibad Khan

Actor Zayn Ibad Khan, who plays a witch’s son in Jaadu Teri Nazar: Dayan Ka Mausam, weighs in: “People don’t question characters like Scarlet Witch in Avengers or the vampires in Twilight, but when we bring out desi versions like naagins or chudails, suddenly it’s a problem.”

He adds, “Maybe if we started calling our characters ‘witchers’ or ‘demon slayers’, the perception would change.”

"It’s all fictional—meant to entertain" – Monalisa

Actress Monalisa, who played a witch in Nazar and Shamshan Champa, agrees that supernatural stories serve only one purpose—entertainment. “We’re not saying these things are real. These stories are purely imaginative, and audiences love them because they’re engaging,” she explains.

So, why are these characters still popular despite criticism?

Films like Stree, Pari, Munjya,  Shaitaan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Chhori 1 and Chhori  2  have proved that horror-comedy is one of Bollywood’s most bankable genres. On television, Naagin 7 is in the pipeline, and shows like Jaadu Teri Nazar are already gaining momentum.

Will supernatural shows ever go out of style?

Not anytime soon. These stories pack a punch—offering a mix of horror, drama, mythology, fantasy, and even comedy. That eclectic blend is exactly what appeals to Indian viewers.

While Hollywood has its vampires and witches, Indian audiences find comfort in their own desi dark fantasy. Characters like naagins, witches, and bhootnis aren’t just here to scare—they intrigue, entertain, and often capture the imagination in a way few genres can.

Read also:

• Asim Riaz Out of Battleground? High-Voltage Drama Unfolds on the Set
• Kesari Chapter 2 Release: Akshay Kumar Urges Fans Not to Miss First 10 Minutes
• Preetika Rao Calls Harshad Arora a Womaniser, Makes Serious Allegations
• Karan Johar: The Visionary Behind Bollywood’s Most Iconic Blockbusters

Tags : mouni roy new song | mouni roy new hit | mouni roy naagin | mouni roy mother | mouni roy old interview | mouni roy hot look | mouni roy age | Mouni Roy The Bhootni | Sanjay Dutt The Bhootni | The Bhootnii Cast | The Bhootnii First Look | The Bhootnii Movie | The Bhootnii Release Date | The Bhootnii Trailer | The Bhootni release date | The Bhootni teaser | naagin mouni roy