Janhvi Kapoor’s filmography has steadily moved between commercial entertainers, biographical dramas, and character-driven stories. But if recent reports are accurate, her next project may pull her into a genre that Hindi cinema rarely explores at a grand scale.
The actress is reportedly in advanced talks to star in a high-concept creature horror film being developed by Jio Studios. The project is said to be directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the filmmaker behind Tumbbad, a movie that has only grown in stature since its release and is now regarded by many as one of India’s finest horror-fantasy films.
The timing of the report is interesting. Janhvi is currently facing intense public discussion surrounding Peddi, her recently released film opposite Ram Charan. Yet behind the scenes, it appears she may already be looking ahead to a role that could redefine how audiences view her as a performer.
A New Genre, A New Challenge
According to a report by Pinkvilla, Janhvi has been considering multiple scripts before showing strong interest in Barve’s latest offering. Sources quoted in the report claim that preliminary work on the creature horror film has already begun, with the team aiming to take the project on floors later this year.
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest the film’s scale and genre elements are among the key reasons Janhvi responded positively to the narration. Creature horror remains an underexplored space in mainstream Hindi cinema. Apart from a handful of notable attempts, filmmakers have largely stayed away from stories requiring elaborate world-building, visual effects, and unconventional storytelling.
For an actor often scrutinised for her project choices, stepping into a genre with limited commercial precedent could signal a willingness to experiment beyond familiar territory.
The reported role is also said to demand significant preparation. Sources indicate that once contractual formalities are completed, Janhvi will participate in extensive acting workshops designed to immerse her in the character’s emotional arc and the film’s distinct universe.
Rather than relying solely on star power, the process appears focused on helping the actor adapt to the psychological and physical demands associated with horror storytelling. If true, it would mark one of the more intensive preparation phases of her career.
Why Rahi Anil Barve’s Name Matters
Any project associated with Rahi Anil Barve automatically attracts attention from horror enthusiasts. His 2018 film Tumbbad wasn’t an immediate box office juggernaut, but over time it transformed into a cult phenomenon celebrated for its haunting atmosphere, mythological influences, and visual ambition.
The film demonstrated that Indian horror could move beyond jump scares and formula-driven storytelling. It embraced folklore, greed, fear, and generational trauma while creating a cinematic world unlike anything audiences had experienced in the genre.
Because of that legacy, expectations surrounding Barve’s future projects have remained high. The prospect of him returning with a creature-based horror narrative naturally fuels curiosity. Fans will likely wonder whether the filmmaker can once again blend emotional depth with unsettling imagery and myth-inspired storytelling.
For Janhvi Kapoor, collaborating with a director known for taking creative risks could provide an opportunity to surprise both critics and audiences.
Peddi Controversy Continues to Follow Janhvi
The reported development arrives during an eventful period for the actress. Discussions around Peddi continue across social media platforms, with much of the criticism directed at how Janhvi’s character, Achiyyamma, was portrayed in the film.
Several viewers accused the makers of hypersexualising the character through specific camera angles, dialogues, and scenes they considered outdated and regressive. One romantic sequence, in particular, became a flashpoint for online criticism. Audiences objected to moments where the male lead allegedly continued pursuing Achiyyamma despite her objections, while a non-consensual kiss depicted in the film drew further backlash.
The controversy reportedly prompted the filmmakers to revisit certain portions of the movie. Reports suggested that the director apologised and made modifications to some scenes following public criticism.
Amid the debate, veteran actor Jagapathi Babu came out in support of Janhvi. He argued that actors operate within the creative framework established by directors and writers and should not individually shoulder blame for decisions made during the filmmaking process.
Whether the creature horror project officially moves forward remains to be seen, but the possibility alone has generated excitement. For Janhvi Kapoor, it represents a chance to shift the conversation away from controversy and toward reinvention.
If the reports prove accurate, audiences may soon witness the actress confronting monsters of a very different kind. And under the guidance of the filmmaker who gave Indian cinema Tumbbad, this unexpected detour into horror could become one of the most fascinating chapters of her career.
