Yash Raj Films has spent years carving out its reputation in romance, action, comedy, and grand-scale entertainment, but it seems the production house is gearing up to dive into a whole new realm: horror.
Recent reports suggest that YRF is in the works for its very first theatrical horror film, with Varun Dhawan reportedly in discussions to take the lead. The film is set to be directed and written by Abhay Pannu, the mastermind behind Rocket Boys, who will be stepping into the director's chair for the first time in a theatrical setting.
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If these rumors hold water, it could be a fascinating mix. Varun has already proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning between commercial hits and more heartfelt roles, while horror is a genre that YRF hasn't really tackled on this scale before. The thought of the studio venturing into this territory with a mainstream star certainly piques interest.
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Aug 10, 2026For Varun, this film would mark his second collaboration with YRF, following Sui Dhaaga. In that film, he took on a completely different character as Mauji, and since then, he’s been on a journey of exploring diverse roles. A horror film would allow him to step further away from the usual romantic comedy genre and embrace something much darker.
The project is being planned as a theatrical release, with filming expected to kick off later this year and a target release date set for 2027. However, the film is still without a title, and many details about the plot and the rest of the cast remain tightly under wraps.
Abhay Pannu is definitely the most intriguing name attached to this project. After his success with Rocket Boys, he’s now ready to make his big-screen directorial debut. Tackling horror for his first theatrical outing is quite the bold move, especially with YRF’s support and a popular actor like Varun Dhawan reportedly leading the charge.
The film is set to be produced by Akshaye Widhani under the YRF banner. Right now, Varun is the only big name confirmed for the cast, which leaves plenty of room for the filmmakers to surprise everyone with their choices.
Varun was last seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, where he shared the screen with Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. He’s also reportedly in advanced talks for a Hollywood-backed action project, which would add yet another exciting international venture to his already diverse lineup.
As of now, there’s no official title, first look, or release date for the horror film. However, the fact that YRF is diving into the horror genre with Varun Dhawan leading the way and Abhay Pannu directing is enough to pique the interest of Bollywood fans. If the team can bring something fresh to a genre that Indian audiences are increasingly enjoying in new ways, this could turn out to be one of YRF's most surprising films in years.
