Psychological Horror ‘No Onions’ Stuns at WAVES Film Bazaar
The Indian film industry continues to redefine horror with No Onions, a chilling psychological thriller that premiered at the prestigious WAVES Film Bazaar. Directed by rising talent Riya Mehta, the film merges atmospheric dread with incisive social commentary, earning early acclaim for its unnerving narrative and standout performances.
A Slow-Burn Nightmare in Rural India
Set in a remote Maharashtra village, No Onions follows Ananya (Prachi Desai), a woman returning to her ancestral home after her grandmother’s mysterious death. What begins as a family duty soon descends into horror as Ananya uncovers a sinister local legend—the deliberate absence of onions, a culinary staple, from every household.
Mehta’s direction blurs reality and paranoia, crafting terror not through jump scares but through lingering unease. The film’s folk horror roots intertwine with psychological tension, leaving audiences questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.
Horror as Social Critique
No Onions elevates the genre by using its premise to mirror societal ills. The missing onions symbolize deeper deprivation: the erasure of women’s voices and the toxicity of tradition. As Mehta explained in a Q&A, “The horror isn’t supernatural—it’s the horror of oppression, passed down like a curse.”
The village’s secret, tied to patriarchal control, reflects real struggles faced by rural Indian women. This layered approach has drawn comparisons to classics like Tumbbad and The Witch.
Powerhouse Performances & Technical Brilliance
- Prachi Desai delivers a career-best performance, portraying Ananya’s descent into terror with raw intensity.
- Radhika Apte captivates in a brief but haunting role as a village elder.
- Cinematography & Sound: Arjun Bajaj’s shadow-drenched visuals and Nihar Ranjan Samal’s unsettling sound design immerse viewers in the village’s dread.
Festival Buzz & Release Plans
After electrifying WAVES Film Bazaar, No Onions is tipped as a game-changer for Indian horror. Netflix and Amazon Prime are reportedly vying for streaming rights, while theatrical distributors plan a wide release. Critics praise it as “a masterclass in slow-burn terror” and “the most original horror film in years.”
Why You Can’t Miss No Onions
In a genre crowded with clichés, No Onions dares to unsettle and provoke. It’s not just a horror film—it’s a mirror to societal horrors, wrapped in a visually stunning nightmare. As Mehta says, “The real monsters are the ones we ignore.”
Mark your calendars—and maybe keep the lights on.
