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‘Scary Picture’: ‘It is experiential and heavily concept-driven,’ says Rana Daggubati on his first-ever horror movie, led by Kangana Ranaut
Rana Daggubati is planning to expand his production activities by supporting a new wave of Indian horror films. The actor-producer wants to create a platform for filmmakers who have distinctive ideas but struggle to find backing for projects outside mainstream cinema. His upcoming production ‘Scary Picture’, starring Kangana Ranaut, will serve as the first step towards this initiative. Directed by Telugu filmmaker Ravi Babu, the horror film also marks his Hindi feature directorial debut. The makers are scheduled to unveil its first promotional asset on November 13, a date associated with horror and superstition.The initiative represents an expansion of the production house’s interests beyond the mainstream Telugu films and family entertainers it is widely known for. Rana believes horror has developed into an engaging genre for younger audiences. He also sees opportunities to explore different storytelling styles through films built around strong concepts.Speaking to Variety India, Rana explained that the team intends to produce an initial collection of horror projects. It has also started accepting submissions from writers and directors. The search is open to several formats, including psychological horror, creature features, horror-comedy and social horror.“We’ve produced horror films before, but they always sat under the Suresh Productions banner alongside the family entertainers people largely know the house for. Looking at the landscape today, Horror has become one of the most exciting ways for younger audiences to engage with stories.It is experiential and heavily concept-driven, and it doesn’t limit itself to films anymore. It spans Halloween celebrations, global horror IPs, films like “Obsession,” and Indian films like the Malayalam hit “Bramayugam.” Audiences consume horror in so many different ways today. I recently attended a horror convention in Delhi and felt amazed seeing people of every age group – especially younger crowds, treat horror as their go-to genre.”
Rana Daggubati’s vision for an independent horror brand
The first batch of productions will help Rana and his team identify filmmakers who can contribute to the proposed horror ecosystem. If the initiative attracts enough interest, the actor-producer hopes to establish a separate brand focused entirely on the genre. He believes there is considerable untapped potential among Indian writers and directors working on unconventional horror concepts.“We will produce the first set of films, and if enough talent wants to build this space with us, we will turn this into an independent brand that can do much more within the genre. India has no shortage of horror ideas, yet writers and filmmakers working outside the mainstream often struggle to find producers willing to back them.”
‘Scary Picture’ features Kangana Ranaut
‘Scary Picture’ brings together Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Babu for a project that was originally developed as a Telugu film in Hyderabad. The team approached Kangana Ranaut for the lead role after developing the concept. She reportedly responded enthusiastically to the material.Rana said he was particularly pleased that an established mainstream actor agreed to take on a story that he considers edgy and experimental. The film will introduce Ravi Babu’s work to Hindi-speaking audiences in a new capacity.
Ravi Babu’s return to horror after ‘Anasuya’ and ‘Avunu’
Ravi Babu has previously explored the horror genre through Telugu films such as ‘Anasuya’ and ‘Avunu’. ‘Scary Picture’ will be his third horror project. Rana believes the filmmaker’s experience in this space makes him a suitable choice for the production.”Ravi is an established filmmaker in Telugu cinema. He has directed many films, including two very successful horror movies, “Anasuya” and “Avunu,” and this marks his third. That is the beauty of this genre. We actually began developing it as a Telugu film in Hyderabad. When we looked for our lead, we pitched it to Kangana, and she loved it. I am thrilled that an actor of her stature in mainstream cinema agreed to take on such an edgy, experimental narrative.
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The beauty of horror lies in fear, which carries a universal expression. We get scared together and seek comfort in one another, and horror cinema captures that experience. It travels across languages very naturally.”Rana Daggubati’s most recent major film appearance was in the 2024 Tamil action drama ‘Vettaiyan’, directed by T.J. Gnanavel. He played Natraj Shanmugam in the film, which also featured Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. He also played a major role in the Dulquer Salmaan starrer ‘Kaantha’.Watch
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