Amazon Video’s new horror series ‘Khauf’ is leaving viewers shaken and thinking deeply. Co-director Surya Balakrishnan admits she wasn’t even a horror fan before working on this show.
Known for short films like ‘Kheer’ and ‘Arre Baba’, Surya was more into slice-of-life stories. But ‘Khauf’ changed her mind by showing how horror can be layered and more than just jump scares.
The story is set in a working women’s hostel, inspired by writer Smita Singh’s real-life experiences in Delhi. Surya couldn’t relate at first but trusted the vision—and now, more women are saying the horror feels all too real.
The show blends supernatural fear with real-life anxiety women face every day. Even the ghost is symbolic, representing internal and societal fears more than just being a scary spirit.
Aside from fiction, Surya also recently completed a documentary called ‘Amar Katha’ about the Amarnath Yatra. She points out how the pilgrimage has changed over time, causing environmental concern.
Despite festival rejections being common, Surya remains unfazed. She switches between ads, docs, and shows with ease—always hungry to tell stories that mean something, just like ‘Khauf’.