Creator Smita Singh breaks down Khauf’s horror magic, credits visuals & background scores

Premiering to rave reviews from critics and audiences around the world, Prime Video’s Khauf is making waves. Lauded for its raw yet nuanced storytelling, powerful performances, and its full commitment to the horror genre, the show has quickly earned a reputation as a “must-watch.” Among the most praised elements are its chilling background score—guaranteed to send shivers down one’s spine—and the meticulous attention to detail that brings an unsettling sense of realism to every scene.

Talking about the realistic visual depiction, creator-writer Smita Singh said, “One of the visually challenging aspects for us was depicting the doctor in his haveli, which required extensive research. We traveled to Delhi to explore various locations, and ultimately, Pankaj proposed that we construct a set to do it justice. With the help of our talented production designer, Nitin, they collaborated to create a rich, authentic experience. They truly grasped the level of detail needed. It was a complex and dynamic environment, allowing us to convey feelings of isolation and entrapment within the doctor’s space, along with the darker elements of city life and the emotional struggles of women navigating its streets and alleys. My goal was to portray everything in a raw, genuine, and unsettling manner, which became our ongoing focus.

Adding further on what made the show more immersive, she said, “I was quite fortunate with music, as Alokananda Dasgupta is a true horror enthusiast — she has seen every horror film, even the most obscure ones. After reading the scripts, she was excited about what she could contribute. I’ve had more sessions with her than anyone else. The process of creating the music for this show was very personal, given its unique pace and the absence of jump scares. We aimed for a minimalist approach that remained captivating, and I think she did a fantastic job developing those themes.”

Speaking about the blend between music and sound, she said, “The key element was sound. Integrating sound and music was a significant challenge, as both were exceptional. I had to decide where to place the music and how to balance the sound effectively. One of the greatest lessons I learned while making this show, whether it’s horror or not, is the immense contribution of sound in creating the atmosphere. Fortunately, all three elements came together beautifully for me.”

Marking Smita Singh’s debut as a creator and showrunner, Khauf is executive-produced by Sanjay Routray and Sarita Patil under the banner of Matchbox Shots. Directed by Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan, the series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Rajat Kapoor, Abhishek Chauhan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Shilpa Shukla in key roles. Khauf is exclusively streaming on Prime Video in India and across 240+ countries and territories.