Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi is returning to the horror genre with Rooh, a high-concept musical-horror spectacle directed by Breathe creator Mayank Sharma. Co-written by Vishal Kapoor and produced by Vicked Films, the film is scheduled for a pan-India multi-lingual theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in 2027.
MUMBAI, India — Indian actor Emraan Hashmi is set to make his return to the supernatural thriller genre with a newly announced cinematic project titled Rooh. Formally unveiled on June 23, 2026, the high-concept musical-horror production will be directed by filmmaker Mayank Sharma, widely recognized as the creator-director of the streaming franchise Breathe.
Slated for a wide pan-India theatrical release in 2027, the large-scale feature film will be mounted simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages. This development brings the actor back into the distinct, music-driven atmospheric horror space that defined a prominent era of his commercial screen career.
Technical Collaborations and Genre-Blending Structure
The production details disclosed during the official project announcement indicate that Rooh aims to blend conventional supernatural jumpscares with deep emotional layers and an extensive musical soundtrack. The screenplay has been co-written by director Mayank Sharma alongside screenwriter Vishal Kapoor. Kapoor is a noted specialist within the contemporary Indian horror landscape, having previously written critically acclaimed localized genre features such as Lapachhapi and its mainstream adaptation Chhorii.
The announcement was accompanied by an unsettling motion poster that establishes the visual tone of the film. The creative imagery depicts an ember-lit, burning forest before introducing a levitating female form suspended in mid-air. The teaser pans out to reveal a close-up profile of Hashmi exhibiting dark eyes, which is a classic cinematic motif associated with spiritual possession. The film is being produced under the specialized banner of Vicked Films Productions by industry veterans Vikram Khakhar and Sunny Khanna.
Contextualizing Hashmi's Footprint in Indian Horror Cinema
The corporate announcement of Rooh signals a highly anticipated return for Hashmi, whose public brand has been linked to the commercial boom of supernatural thrillers in Bollywood. The actor historically anchored several of the industry's most lucrative horror franchises, most notably headlining Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009), Raaz 3 (2012), Ek Thi Daayan (2013), and Raaz Reboot (2016). His last major foray into the genre was the 2021 Amazon Original film Dybbuk.
The decision to shape Rooh as a "musical-horror spectacle" leverages a proven commercial model in Indian cinema, where atmospheric tension is enhanced by a high-stakes commercial soundtrack. This formula proved immensely popular in the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Industry insiders note that this project arrives at a time of broader market revitalization for the horror genre in India, following successive box-office successes of diverse folklore and comedy-horror blockbusters.
Official Sources Section
According to official press notes and production statements issued via Vicked Films Productions on June 23, 2026, the project has entered its pre-production phase. The producers have confirmed that Rooh is planned as a large-scale theatrical project utilizing international creative and technical collaborations to elevate its overall visual and sensory delivery across global exhibition channels.
Quote Section
In an official statement released to media registries, headlining actor Emraan Hashmi elaborated on his motivations for returning to the supernatural space:
"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."
Director Mayank Sharma also shared his artistic objectives for the upcoming multi-lingual project:
"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, immersed in an unsettling atmosphere and presented with a contemporary cinematic treatment. I'm thrilled to collaborate with Emraan for this deeply layered character. My team and I hope to bring audiences a truly unique horror experience."
Why It Matters
The announcement of Rooh carries solid practical implications for theatrical exhibitors, media distributors, and film enthusiasts:
For Multiplex Operators and Exhibitors: Multi-lingual, genre-specific films act as vital drivers for theatrical footfalls across diverse demographics, establishing a reliable commercial calendar for the 2027 movie season.
For Multi-Lingual Distribution: Mounting the project in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu permits producers to access regional South Indian markets simultaneously, maximizing domestic satellite and digital streaming licensing valuations.
For Cinema Fans: The project promises a modernized, high-budget treatment of classic supernatural themes, moving away from B-grade tropes toward character-driven narratives.
Key Facts at a Glance
Lead Actor: Emraan Hashmi returns to his signature horror-thriller roots.
Director & Co-Writer: Mayank Sharma, the creative force behind the streaming thriller series Breathe.
Genre Architecture: Styled as a high-concept, atmospheric "musical-horror spectacle".
Target Release: Scheduled for a wide multi-lingual theatrical release in 2027.
Languages: Slated to open concurrently in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
FAQ Section
Q: When is the horror film 'Rooh' scheduled to release in theatres?
A: The film is officially slated for a wide theatrical release across multiplexes in 2027.
Q: In what languages will 'Rooh' be available to watch?
A: To capture a broad pan-India market, the producers are filming and releasing the feature across three languages: Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Q: Who are the primary creative professionals writing the movie?
A: The story and screenplay are co-written by director Mayank Sharma and noted horror scriptwriter Vishal Kapoor, who is recognized for Lapachhapi and Chhorii.
Q: What are some of Emraan Hashmi's previous famous horror films?
A: Hashmi has a long history in the genre, having previously starred in major supernatural titles such as Raaz: The Mystery Continues, Raaz 3, Ek Thi Daayan, Raaz Reboot, and Dybbuk.
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