In the context of Indian censorship laws, the move to OTT allowed the creators to bypass the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This resulted in explicit content that would not pass in a theatrical release. The series uses the horror premise to justify the erotica; the possession narrative allows for the hyper-sexualization of characters under the guise of supernatural influence. While this follows the formula of films like Raaz and Hate Story , the series format allows for these scenes to be extended, often interrupting the narrative flow. Critics have noted that the balance leans heavily toward erotica, with horror serving merely as a backdrop for the climax of the season.
The evolution of digital content in India has seen the rise of unique genres, and the Hindi web series stands as a significant milestone in this shift. Merging elements of supernatural horror with romantic thriller themes, this series expanded the established Ragini MMS film franchise into the world of long-form streaming. 18 ragini mms returns season 1 hindi web
The Indian horror genre has historically oscillated between Gothic romance and supernatural melodrama. However, the 2010s saw the emergence of a sub-genre often termed "horrex" (horror + erotica), pioneered by the Bhatts’ film productions. Ragini MMS Returns (2017) serves as a case study for the migration of this genre from cinema to web series. Released on the ALTBalaji platform, Season 1 consists of 11 episodes, starring Karishma Sharma, Riya Sen, and Siddharth Gupta. The series attempts to expand the lore established by the films, utilizing the episodic format to prolong tension and character arcs, albeit with mixed results regarding narrative coherence. In the context of Indian censorship laws, the
"Ragini MMS Returns" Season 1 has left a lasting impact on the Indian web series landscape. The show's success has paved the way for more horror and thriller web series, which have become increasingly popular among audiences. While this follows the formula of films like