Ahan Shetty is poised to star in a groundbreaking film, marking India’s first horror feature inspired by a real-life national tragedy. The project will be produced by Khyati Madaan’s Not Out Entertainment and Prashant Gunjalkar, with production slated to commence in early 2026. The script is penned by Patrick Graham, known for creating Ghoul and Betaal, India’s only horror series produced under Blumhouse Television, the company behind films like Get Out, The Purge, and Paranormal Activity. This collaboration positions the film as a theatrical horror event that is unprecedented in Indian cinema.
While specific details regarding the plot and director remain undisclosed, the film is described as a mass entertainer that intertwines horror with a compelling love story and a thriller-like narrative. The title will be revealed soon, along with an announcement regarding the female lead. Ahan Shetty, who made his debut in Sajid Nadiadwala’s Tadap, has quickly established himself as a reliable star in mainstream cinema. His upcoming appearance in the high-profile patriotic drama Border 2, alongside Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, is scheduled for Republic Day 2026. This new horror film represents a significant shift for Ahan as he transitions from themes of romance and patriotism to darker, genre-defining storytelling, marking one of his most daring career moves.
The project is led by Khyati Madaan, who founded Not Out Entertainment earlier this year with the goal of revitalizing Hindi theatrical cinema through genre-focused narratives. With over ten years of experience at Red Chillies Entertainment, Disney India, and Maddock Films, Madaan is curating a varied slate, including Abhootpurva, a romantic horror comedy, and a slice-of-life drama directed by Habib Faisal. Prashant Gunjalkar, founder of Pals & Peers, is also involved, bringing years of experience in talent management, brand partnerships, and entertainment. By blending a national tragedy theme with horror and mainstream appeal, the film seeks to provide a theatrical experience that Hindi audiences desire.