Yash Raj Films is stepping into a genre it has never touched before. The production house, known for romantic dramas and action blockbusters, is now making its first horror feature. Varun Dhawan will lead this new project, with Abhay Pannu, the creator of the acclaimed series Rocket Boys, serving as director.
The untitled film is planned for a theatrical release in 2027. Production is expected to begin later this year. This marks a major shift for YRF, which has produced films across romance, action, comedy, and drama but has never made a theatrical horror movie.
Yash Raj Films Enters the Horror Genre for the First Time
Over the decades, Yash Raj Films has built a legacy with some of Hindi cinema’s biggest romantic dramas and action spectacles. Its catalog includes classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Veer-Zaara, as well as the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe. Horror, however, has remained outside its feature film slate.
That is now changing. According to sources close to the studio, YRF is finally stepping into the horror genre with a theatrical feature. The project is being backed by Akshaye Widhani, Chief Executive Officer of Yash Raj Films.
An industry source confirmed the development:
“Yash Raj Films is entering the horror genre for the first time with a feature film directed by Abhay Pannu, strategically championed by Akshaye Widhani, and now headlined by Varun Dhawan as the lead. YRF has made films across almost every genre except horror. Come 2027, and the banner will finally step into this genre.”
Varun Dhawan Reunites with YRF After Sui Dhaaga
Varun Dhawan is no stranger to Yash Raj Films. His previous collaboration with the banner was Sui Dhaaga: Made in India (2018), which also starred Anushka Sharma. In that film, he played Mauji, a small-town tailor trying to build a business with his wife.
Now, he is returning to headline a very different kind of YRF project. The actor has reportedly been brought on board as the lead for the studio’s first horror feature.
“Varun has come on board as the lead for YRF’s first horror film,” a source confirmed.
This marks an important reunion for the actor and the production house. While Varun has been part of horror-comedies like Bhediya (2022), this will be his first full-fledged horror venture.
Abhay Pannu Makes Theatrical Directorial Debut
Abhay Pannu gained widespread recognition for directing Rocket Boys, the acclaimed SonyLIV series centered on Indian physicists Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. The show featured Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh in lead roles.
Now, Pannu is making his theatrical feature directorial debut with YRF’s horror project. He has also written the screenplay, giving him creative control over the story as he moves from streaming to the big screen.
This move continues YRF’s recent push to work with filmmakers offering distinct voices and storytelling styles.
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What We Know About the Film So Far
The film remains untitled, and details about the plot, Varun’s character, and the rest of the cast are still under wraps. According to reports, the project is being developed as a straight, grounded horror film, unlike Varun’s earlier horror-comedy Bhediya.
Production is scheduled to begin later in 2026. The makers are currently targeting a 2027 theatrical release. More announcements about the cast and title are expected closer to filming.
Varun Dhawan’s Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Varun Dhawan was last seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy released in theaters on June 5, 2026. The film was directed by his father David Dhawan and also starred Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.
Earlier this year, he featured in the war drama Border 2, which became a blockbuster. He also has Bhediya 2 in the pipeline, which is slated for a 2027 release.
Now, with YRF’s horror film, Varun is adding another diverse project to his growing filmography.
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A New Chapter for Yash Raj Films
Yash Raj Films has explored almost every major genre over its decades-long history. Horror has remained the one genre missing from its feature film slate. With this project, the studio is finally filling that gap.
The film is also part of YRF’s effort to work with a newer generation of filmmakers. Following the success of Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, the banner has continued expanding its slate with filmmakers including Sameer Saxena and now Abhay Pannu.
For Abhay Pannu, this project represents a major career step. For Varun Dhawan, it is a return to YRF in a genre neither has explored before. For Yash Raj Films, it is a bold move into uncharted territory.
The film is currently in its pre-production phase, with filming expected to begin later this year and a theatrical release planned for 2027.
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