The success of films like Munjya, Stree 2, Tumbbad, Bramayugam etc have proven that the Indian audience is ready to spend on movies that can intrigue and take them to unseen worlds in cinema halls. And just as we assumed that there might be a dearth of such films in theatres in 2025 amid the Sikandar and Chhava, Panorama Studios, the banner behind Drishyam and Shaitaan, dropped the teaser of BAIDA, an upcoming sci-fi supernatural thriller film releasing nationwide in cinema halls on March 21. Before you read any further, we recommend you watch the teaser first:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=966uthk5-cc https://www.youtube.com/embed/966uthk5-cc?si=FwSCh3CP33RNn79f1
Intrigued? We were too, and hence decided to do some research about this film. So, here’s all we know till now.
Sci-Fi in the Backdrop of Hindi Heartland
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It is for the first time that concepts like sci-fi and time travel, along with Indian cultural heritage such as Sarangi and Sanskrit, are weaved together in a Hindi film. While the first look video of BAIDA has established that it will be a gripping cinematic experience with sleek visuals and catchy music, the official poster of the film suggests an eerie setup. A man can be seen standing under what appears to be a mysteriously arched trunk of a tree, and in the backdrop is a dense forest engulfed in fog. And not just in the terms of the landscape, but regional elements of the Hindi heartland, including Bhojpuri, is featured prominently in BAIDA.
From the Makers of Chaipatti:
Baida is the first theatrical release by the makers of Chaipatti, a horror comedy short film that instantly became a hit on YouTube, and subsequently on Disney+ Hotstar, MX Player and Shorts TV. While Chaipatti was a quirky story of three friends inviting a spirit with a book, BAIDA seems to be an intense tale of illusion following the journey of a former spy entrapped in the sinister world where someone has defied time and death. It marks the return of the trio of Sudhanshu Rai, Puneet Sharma and Shobhit Sujay.
Vibes of Tumbadd & Stranger Things
There are not many Hindi films whose first look & teaser gets the audience hooked, but BAIDA instantly triggered speculations around its concept, with netizens already equating the look & feel of Baida with not just Tumbbad and Bramayugam, but also Stranger Things and Dark. The film suggests an eerie set up with dense forests, heavy fog, dark nights and huts in the hinterland. The Editor of the film is Kantara and 777 Charlie-fame Pratheek Shetty.
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Magic of Storytelling
The story of BAIDA has been written by Sudhanshu Rai, India’s most heard storyteller for sci-fi, thriller, detective and supernatural stories across Live Storytelling Shows, YouTube, FM Radio etc, with more than 500 stories to his credit. Therefore, we can expect a gripping story to be the hero in this film, irrespective of the whatever the cast is. Even on OTTs, the team of Sudhanshu Rai and Puneet Sharma has impressed with Chaipatti, Detective Boomrah and Chintaa Mani.
On-Screen Debut of Dr Shekhawat
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Tarun Khanna, popular for his portrayal of Mahadev on the small screen, is reportedly playing a pivotal character in the film named Dr Shekhawat. Notably, Dr Shekhawat is one of the creations of Sudhanshu Rai as a storyteller and is already immensely loved in the storytelling world including YouTube, audio platforms and FM Radio. The character is likely to be the perfect blend of brain and brawn, with a lot of charisma.
Sleek Visuals, Catchy Music
If there’s one thing that BAIDA has established with its first look video, it’s that it will be a gripping cinematic experience with sleek visuals and catchy music. The concept too appears to be a cross between Hollywood and Bollywood, and the first look is already catching on amongst cine goers.
Shot Near Gorakhpur in UP
Shot majorly in a small village near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the film is rustic yet contemporary. In one of his recent interviews, Sudhanshu shared an instance where an entire village came over to watch the shoot, even delaying it to a great extent. Later, the same people helped in the shoot of the film as they became part of the art team and created a beautiful set. Thus, the film truly belongs to the heartland of the country.
An Ensemble of Household Faces
The cast of the film includes popular actor Hiten Tejwani, who has been loved immensely by the television audience in India. His look from the sets of BAIDA had gotten leaked on the social media a few months ago wherein he could be seen in an exhausted look dressed in a kurta, suggesting an intense character. The cast further includes Sourabh Raaj Jain, the popular Sri Krishna from Mahabharat who also appeared in shows like Patiala Babes.
So, if not first, Baida is certainly the first of its kind sci-fi supernatural thriller releasing in cinema halls across India on March 21.
