Here are 4 reasons 'Khauf' is the horror show you need to see | The Haunted Column

Imagine this: A young girl from Gwalior, new to Delhi, with no place to stay, stumbles upon a ladies' hostel and decides to call it home. Little does she know, the girls in the hostel are wary of her, especially the ones next to her room. They warn her about a supernatural presence in her room, claiming that the girl who stayed there before died under mysterious circumstances. This is the eerie premise of 'Khauf', a horror series directed by Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan. Starring Monika Panwar as Madhu, a simple girl who moves to Delhi for a job, the series skillfully blends supernatural horror with a parallel storyline about a serial killer. If you're on the fence about watching, here are a few reasons why 'Khauf' is worth your time:

The intriguing premise
'Khauf' follows a well-established horror formula: a haunted location, an unsuspecting protagonist, and a gripping mystery. What sets this series apart is its ability to make the premise instantly compelling. Madhu, the main character, is thrust into a world of eerie events in her new room, which the girls around her claim is haunted. The uncertainty about whether the room is truly supernatural or just a figment of overactive imaginations keeps viewers hooked. From the first episode, you're drawn into the mystery, why are the girls so hostile? Is the ghost of the previous tenant still lurking? The tension builds with each passing minute, and as the story unfolds, the involvement of a serial killer adds another layer of intrigue, creating an even deeper web of suspense. The way these two plotlines are interconnected makes the show even more engaging.

Monika Panwar’s standout performance as Madhu
Monika Panwar, playing Madhu, is absolutely magnetic in this role. From the moment she steps into the hostel, you feel her vulnerability and determination. As the supernatural events start to unfold, her performance captures both the terror and the emotional weight that Madhu carries from her past. Panwar doesn’t just portray fear; she embodies it, and you can’t help but feel her helplessness as she tries to make sense of the chaos around her. You’re not just watching her react to terror, you’re living it with her.

A talented ensemble cast that elevates the story
While Monika Panwar takes centre stage, the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story. From Rajat Kapoor to Shilpa Shukla and Geetanjali Kulkarni, each actor brings something unique to the table. Their performances complement the main narrative, making the tension in the hostel feel even more palpable. The interactions between Madhu and the girls who warn her about the room are filled with unease, and every moment feels charged with suspicion. The chemistry between the cast members gives the series a sense of realism, grounding the supernatural elements in a world that feels just a little too real.

A good blend of supernatural and psychological horror
'Khauf' doesn’t rely on the usual scares; it takes a deeper, more unsettling approach by blending supernatural events with psychological horror. The series makes you question what’s real and what’s all in Madhu's head. Madhu’s past has already put her through hell, and now, the stakes are even higher. Can she handle the weight of the horrors that keep piling on? Adding another layer to the mystery is the serial killer, who seems oddly connected to the strange happenings, and he knows more than he’s letting on. But what’s his role in all of this? It’s not just the supernatural elements that make 'Khauf' so eerie; it’s Madhu’s deeply rooted fear and pain that make the horror feel disturbingly real and intensely personal.
(Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)