Shabbir Mallick

Shabbir Mallick has made his mark with a knack for weaving stories that really stick with you. Take Bhoot Chaturdashi, for example—this 2019 horror flick isn’t your usual haunted house ride. It leans hard into Bengali folklore and local superstitions, pulling you into a gritty, claustrophobic journey where a bunch of friends, thinking they’re out for a bit of thrill-seeking, end up way over their heads. The tension doesn’t let up, and the creepiness just sort of sneaks up on you. Mallick doesn’t waste time with cheap jump scares; he’s all about building that slow-burn dread. The cinematography’s got this earthy, raw edge, and the sound design? Pretty much guaranteed to make you jump at shadows for a week. Then there’s Pyre (2024), which—wow, talk about a shift. This one’s less about ghosts and more about the monsters people can become when things get desperate. Set in a rural landscape that feels both timeless and suffocating, Pyre digs deep into the psyche, peeling back layers of grief, fear, and primal survival instincts. It’s got a vibe that’s less supernatural and more psychological—a burning intensity, if you’ll excuse the pun. Mallick’s storytelling is sharp as ever, and he’s not afraid to get a little messy with emotions. Both films prove he’s not just another director chasing trends; he’s carving out a space for stories that get under your skin and stay there.