Actor Varun Dhawan has been cast in the lead role for the untitled project, which will be directed by Abhay Pannu—the acclaimed creator behind the SonyLIV hit series Rocket Boys—marking Pannu's feature film directorial debut.
Project Overview & Key Details
Strategically championed by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani alongside YRF head Aditya Chopra, the film is being written and helmed by Abhay Pannu.
2027 Theatrical Window: The project is slated to go on floors later this year and is eyeing a wide theatrical release in 2027.
Reunion with YRF: This marks Varun Dhawan's return to the YRF banner after nearly nine years, following their 2018 slice-of-life collaboration Sui Dhaaga: Made in India.
Pure Horror Route: Unlike Dhawan’s previous foray into the horror-comedy realm with Maddock Films' Bhediya (2022), YRF's maiden horror project is expected to be a straight, high-concept horror feature.
Expanding the YRF Slate
Having dominated romance, drama, action (via the YRF Spy Universe), and comedy over the decades, horror remained the single major mainstream genre untouched by the studio.
Industry insiders note that backing new-age directors like Abhay Pannu reflects YRF's broader push to diversify its cinematic lineup and collaborate with fresh storytelling talent across varied formats.
Trade Verdict:
With horror emerging as one of the most commercially viable genres at the Indian box office, YRF's entry—backed by a mainstream star like Varun Dhawan and a critically recognized director in Abhay Pannu—signals a significant trade development. Title and supporting cast details are expected to be unveiled closer to the start of principal photography.
