Yash Raj Films is preparing to enter a genre it has never explored on the big screen before. After building a vast filmography spanning action, romance, comedy and thrillers, the production house is now developing its first-ever horror feature, with director Abhay Pannu at the helm.
Pannu, who earned critical acclaim for the SonyLIV series Rocket Boys, has also written the upcoming horror film. The project is expected to go on the floors later this year and is being lined up for a theatrical release in 2027. According to Bollywood Hungama, has been signed to play the lead, marking his latest collaboration with YRF.
Varun Dhawan To Lead YRF’s First-Ever Horror Movie
A source close to the project confirmed the development to the publication, saying, “Varun has come on board as the lead for YRF’s first horror film. Yash Raj Films (YRF) 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 have made films across almost every genre except horror. Come 2027, and the banner will finally step into this genre.”
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The film will also serve as Pannu’s theatrical directorial debut. His move from the acclaimed Rocket Boys series to a big-screen horror project reflects YRF’s growing interest in filmmakers with distinctive creative sensibilities. Under Aditya Chopra’s leadership, the studio has increasingly collaborated with directors bringing different storytelling approaches, with Abhay Pannu now joining the likes of Mohit Suri and Sameer Saxena.
The move also comes after the strong response to , which has further encouraged YRF to experiment with new voices and genres.
For Varun Dhawan, meanwhile, the horror film will reunite him with YRF after their previous collaboration on Sui Dhaaga. With the actor now leading the studio’s maiden horror venture, the project could become one of YRF’s most intriguing theatrical offerings as it prepares to enter an entirely new cinematic space in 2027.