Ahan Shetty is set to star in a new horror film, marking a significant departure from his previous roles. The film is being touted as India's first horror film inspired by a real-life national tragedy. Production is slated to begin in early 2026.
The film is produced by Khyati Madaan's Not Out Entertainment and Prashant Gunjalkar. Madaan, who has over a decade of experience with studios like Red Chillies Entertainment, Disney India, and Maddock Films, launched Not Out Entertainment with the goal of revitalizing theatrical Hindi cinema through genre-defining narratives. Gunjalkar is the founder of Pals & Peers, bringing expertise in talent management, brand collaborations, and event-led entertainment to the project.
The script is penned by Patrick Graham, known for creating the horror series "Ghoul" and "Betaal," which were developed under Blumhouse Television. Blumhouse Television is the production company behind iconic horror hits like "Get Out," "The Purge," and "Paranormal Activity".
This new film is described as a mass entertainer blending horror with a love story and a thriller narrative. The makers are aiming for a massy theatrical horror experience, something they believe Hindi cinema has been lacking. The film's title is expected to be revealed soon, and the announcement of the female lead is also forthcoming.
Shetty made his debut in "Tadap," a romantic drama that performed well at the box office. He will also be seen in "Border 2," a patriotic drama also starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, which is scheduled for release on Republic Day 2026. This horror film marks a shift for Shetty, positioning him in a genre-bending role.