K. Hari Kumar is a definitive voice in modern Indian speculative fiction and non-fiction. As a bestselling author, screenwriter, and content creator, he is known for his works in the mythology, folklore, occult and horror genres. His narratives bridge ancient folklore and contemporary psychological horror.

With a body of work spanning nine books (2 translations in Hindi and Malayalam), three films, and two web series, Hari is recognised as a leading exponent of the Indo-Gothic genre. His books with HarperCollins—including India’s Most Haunted, Daiva, Naaga, and Dakini—redefine the landscape of Indian publishing by rooting it deeply in Indic philosophy, occult traditions, and regional history.

Genre & Themes

Hari’s work exists at the intersection of horror, mythology, and psychological suspense. He is noted for his ability to blur the line between the supernatural and the psychological, using the unreliable narrator trope to heighten existential dread. A central pillar of his storytelling is the portrayal of complex female protagonists—such as Alisha Khanna in Bhram (played by Kalki Koechlin) and Anahita Anand in Dakhma—who confront both societal oppression and otherworldly terrors.

Cinema & Streaming

In the visual medium, Hari has established himself as a versatile screenwriter and creative consultant. His novel The Other Side of Her was adapted into the acclaimed Zee5 web series Bhram.

He has collaborated with established filmmakers including Sangeeth Sivan, Patrick Graham, Bharat Kukreti, and Sanjoy Nag. His portfolio includes developing original concepts and web series for major studios and platforms such as Triyambh Entertainment, Jio Studios, Viacom18, and Peninsula Entertainment. Additionally, he has credited works such as Bhram, E and is currently developing his directorial debut in South Indian cinema.

Literature

Hari is the author of India’s Most Haunted – Tales of Terrifying Places (HarperCollins India), widely regarded as a seminal text in Indian horror non-fiction. Listed among HarperCollins India’s “100 Best Books by Indian Authors” and recommended by The Times of India, it is currently being translated into Hindi (2025) following its successful Malayalam release as Indiayile Prethalayangal. His 2025 Book, Dakini has been translated into Hindi.

He also contributed the honorary foreword for the UK anthology Asian Ghost Stories (FlameTree Publishing). His critically acclaimed bestseller Daiva documents the spirit worship traditions of Tulunadu. He is currently contracting a new series of fiction and non-fiction titles with HarperCollins India focusing on India’s rich cultural heritage and folklore.

Digital Storytelling

Beyond traditional media, Hari has cultivated a significant footprint as a digital creator. His content focusing on Indian temples, mythology, and folklore has aggregated a dedicated following of over 1,00,000 across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X). His storytelling reels on Instagram have resonated widely, with viral content crossing 5 million views, positioning him as a modern custodian of cultural narratives for the digital generation.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

Hari is a frequent speaker at premier forums including the Bangalore Literature Festival, Times Literature Festival, and IISc’s Literature Festival. He has been featured on India’s top podcasts, including The Ranveer Show, The Speaking Tree, Dostcast, and The Print’s Soft Cover.

For literary enquiries, mentorship, or brand collaborations: [harryislive@gmail.com]