Khauf’s Creator Smita Singh Reveals the Secrets Behind the Show’s Horror Spell
From haunting soundscapes to painstakingly crafted visuals, Smita Singh credits her team for making Khauf a chilling masterpiece
Prime Video’s psychological horror series Khauf has quickly captivated audiences worldwide, and creator Smita Singh is finally lifting the veil on what went into its eerie, immersive storytelling.
Smita credits the series' unsettling atmosphere to a combination of meticulously designed visuals and a haunting soundscape. “One of our biggest visual challenges was the doctor’s haveli,” she shared. After scouting locations in Delhi, the team decided to build the set from scratch. “Pankaj proposed constructing a set, and with production designer Nitin, we created an environment that conveyed isolation, entrapment, and the emotional turmoil women face in city life,” she said.
The show’s spine-chilling score also plays a vital role. “Alokananda Dasgupta is a true horror enthusiast,” Singh said. “After reading the scripts, she was excited to explore themes that avoided jump scares. We opted for a minimalist approach that still held attention—and she nailed it.”
But it wasn’t just about music. Smita revealed the biggest challenge was balancing sound and score. “Both were so strong that placing them right was crucial. One of the greatest lessons I learned was how sound shapes emotion and tension—even more than visuals at times,” she added.
Khauf, directed by Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan, stars Rajat Kapoor, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Abhishek Chauhan, and Shilpa Shukla. Executive-produced by Sanjay Routray and Sarita Patil under Matchbox Shots, the series marks Smita Singh’s debut as creator and showrunner.
Khauf is now streaming on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories.
