While Revathi has appeared in a wide variety of genres, pure horror is a rare part of her filmography. Even then, she has starred in two of the best horror films of all time in Indian cinema: Raat and Bhoothakaalam. Whether the terror is quiet and creeping like in Bhoothakaalam or explosive and consuming as in Raat, Revathi commands the screen with authenticity.
In Bhoothakaalam, she delivers an internalised performance as a mother who fights the ghosts of the past and a fragile relationship with her son (Shane Nigam). She thrives in restraint and does not resort to any horror histrionics. When her character experiences unsettling events in the house, she reacts with a realistic, understated fear and unease rather than in exaggerated ways. This approach allows you to gradually realise that the horrors in Bhoothakaalam may be as paranormal as they are psychological. It is the kind of horror that lingers long after the end credits roll. The film also deals with her mental health issues. Revathi’s subtle exploration of her character means that it never becomes a stereotypical portrayal with regard to mental health. As a result, you better relate to her internal struggles, aversion towards antidepressants, and growing fear for the paranormal.
On the other hand, in Ram Gopal Varma's Raat, Revathi delivers a more external performance as a woman under the spell of an evil spirit. It involves more explicit physical manifestations of terror and apprehension, such as wider eyes, distorted expressions, and sudden movements, a palpable sense of dread and vulnerability, as well as the chilling behaviour of being under supernatural influence. In Bhoothakaalam, there is a quiet sense of foreboding, which reflects the psychological and emotional layers of the horror. The fear is apparent in her eyes, her despair, and the tension between her and her son. In Raat, her descent into possession is a visceral spectacle, proving that sometimes, the most terrifying horrors are those that take over. This contrast illustrates Revathi's range and ability to adapt her acting style to the specific demands of the story.
Revathi also features in Ram Gopal Varma’s horror film Darna Mana Hai with an array of stories, such as in an anthology. In a particular segment, the horror revolves around a young girl who struggles with her homework, leading to increasingly bizarre and disturbing events. Revathi's role as the mother involves her reacting to the unusual behaviour of her daughter’s teacher (Raghubir Yadav). She displays a growing sense of fear, confusion, and desperation as the situation escalates, with echoes of a home invasion thriller. Her role in Darna Mana Hai is shorter due to the anthology format as compared to a full-length feature such as Raat or Bhoothakaalam, but it still contributes to her diverse horror filmography. Given her talent, even a smaller role could showcase her ability to convey the necessary emotions within the horror space.
