Varun Dhawan to Star in Yash Raj Films First Supernatural Horror Project Directed by Abhay Pannu

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is set to venture into the horror genre for the first time, leading an upcoming project produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). The film will be helmed by Abhay Pannu, the acclaimed director behind the popular web series The Rocket Boys.

This collaboration marks Dhawan’s return to the YRF banner eight years after his last project with the studio, the 2018 film Sui Dhaaga. While the title of the new horror production remains undisclosed, reports indicate that the project is scheduled to commence production soon, with a global theatrical release targeted for 2027. The film is being produced by YRF Chief Executive Officer Akshaye Widhani, with a screenplay penned by Pannu.

The shift into horror represents a strategic expansion for YRF, a studio historically recognized for its romantic and family-oriented cinema. Founded by the late Yash Chopra, the banner has produced numerous iconic films, including Deewar, Silsila, Chandni, and Lamhe. Under the leadership of Aditya Chopra, the studio further cemented its success with blockbuster hits such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, while recently expanding into the digital space with the series The Railway Men.

For Dhawan, the move comes as he looks to regain momentum following the lackluster box office performance of his recent films, Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and Baby John, both directed by his father, David Dhawan. Despite recent challenges, the actor has received critical acclaim for his performance in Border 2. Industry observers note that Dhawan is placing significant expectations on both this untitled YRF horror production and the upcoming sequel, Bhediya 2.