For many Bollywood fans, horror and Emraan Hashmi have always been a successful combination. From haunting supernatural thrillers to chart-topping soundtracks that became cultural phenomena, the actor built a strong connection with audiences through a string of memorable horror films during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Now, after several years away from the genre, Hashmi is preparing to step back into familiar territory with an ambitious new project titled Rooh.
The upcoming film is being positioned as a large-scale musical horror spectacle designed specifically for the theatrical experience. Slated to release in 2027 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, Rooh aims to blend supernatural elements, emotional storytelling, and music-driven drama into what the makers describe as a modern horror experience. With horror films increasingly finding success at the box office in recent years, the announcement has already generated curiosity among moviegoers.
A Horror Film With Music at Its Core
Unlike conventional horror films that rely entirely on scares, Rooh appears to be taking a broader cinematic approach. The project is being developed as a fusion of horror, emotion, and music, a combination that has often worked well in Emraan Hashmi’s filmography. The actor’s biggest horror hits were not remembered only for their stories but also for their iconic soundtracks, many of which remain popular years after release.
Speaking about the project, Emraan Hashmi shared, “’Rooh’ is a film that immediately connected with me because it brings together new-age horror, emotion and music in a very powerful way. This is a space that audiences have always associated with me, and the world Mayank is creating feels intense, emotional and cinematic. That is what excited me the most about ‘Rooh,’ and I am really looking forward to audiences experiencing it on the big screen.”
The statement reflects why the film feels like a natural fit for the actor. Over the years, audiences have associated him with atmospheric thrillers and supernatural dramas such as Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Raaz 3, Raaz Reboot, and Ek Thi Daayan. Those films not only performed well commercially but also helped define a distinct horror identity within mainstream Bollywood.
Mayank Sharma Brings a New Vision
Directing Rooh is Mayank Sharma, best known as the creator and director of Prime Video’s Breathe franchise. Sharma has earned praise for crafting tense psychological narratives that focus on character-driven storytelling rather than relying solely on surface-level thrills. That creative background has made his involvement one of the most intriguing aspects of the project.
The screenplay has been written by Sharma alongside Vishal Kapoor, whose previous work includes horror titles such as Lapachhapi and Chhorii. Both films were praised for bringing fresh ideas into the genre while exploring emotional and social themes alongside supernatural elements.
Talking about the film, Sharma said, “As someone who has always loved the horror genre, ‘Rooh’ is my attempt to create a film that goes beyond fear. It’s emotionally layered and immersed with unsettling atmosphere and presented with contemporary cinematic treatment… I’m thrilled to collaborate with Emraan for this deeply layered character. My entire team and I hope to bring audiences a truly unique and unforgettable horror experience.”
His comments suggest that Rooh will focus as much on emotional depth as traditional horror storytelling, potentially giving the film broader appeal beyond genre fans.
International Scale and Big Ambitions
One of the more notable details surrounding the project is the scale at which it is being developed. The makers have confirmed that international creative and technical collaborations are being incorporated into the production. While specific details remain under wraps, the goal appears to be creating a visually ambitious film capable of appealing to audiences beyond India.
The film is being produced by Vikram Khakhar and Sunny Khanna under the banner of Vicked Films Productions. According to the team, the objective is to create an immersive cinematic journey rather than a standard horror release. This approach aligns with a growing trend in Indian cinema where genre films are increasingly being mounted on larger budgets with stronger technical execution.
The multilingual release strategy also signals confidence in the project’s broader market potential. Releasing simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu could help the film reach audiences across major theatrical territories.
Why Rooh Could Be One of 2027’s Most Anticipated Horror Films
The horror genre has experienced a significant resurgence in India over the past few years. Audiences have shown a growing appetite for supernatural stories that combine strong emotional narratives with innovative filmmaking techniques. Against that backdrop, Rooh arrives with several ingredients already working in its favor.
The return of Emraan Hashmi to a genre that helped shape his career is likely to attract longtime fans. The involvement of Mayank Sharma brings credibility from a filmmaker known for psychological tension and layered storytelling. Meanwhile, the emphasis on music could once again become a major selling point, particularly given Hashmi’s history of delivering films remembered as much for their songs as their stories.
While details about the plot remain tightly guarded, the combination of horror, music, emotional drama, and large-scale production values has already positioned Rooh as one of the more interesting projects currently on Bollywood’s release calendar. If the makers can successfully deliver on their ambitious vision, the film could mark a major return to form for one of Hindi cinema’s most recognizable horror stars.
