Kriti Sanon Reportedly Set to Lead a Full-Fledged Horror Film for Maddock Films
Kriti Sanon may be preparing for a chilling new chapter in her Bollywood career. The actor is reportedly set to headline an upcoming horror film produced by Maddock Films, taking on a genre that would mark a distinct change from many of her recent roles. While the project has not yet been officially announced, reports suggest it will be a large-scale, straight horror story rather than a horror-comedy.
Details including the film’s title, director, supporting cast and release date remain under wraps. A source close to the development has said Sanon has locked the project after her recent appearances in Cocktail 2 and Tere Ishk Mein. If confirmed, the film would give the actor an opportunity to explore suspense and fear as the central ingredients of a performance, rather than as elements within a broader comedy or supernatural adventure.
A New Direction for Maddock Films’ Horror Slate
Maddock Films has become closely associated with a popular horror-comedy universe, blending supernatural themes with humour and ensemble storytelling. The reported Sanon project is said to take a different route, focusing on horror in a more traditional, sustained form. That distinction could allow the production house to broaden its genre portfolio and reach audiences looking for a darker cinematic experience.
“After receiving praise for her performances in Cocktail 2 and Tere Ishk Mein, Kriti Sanon has finally locked her next project. She’s always been keen to explore different genres, and this time, she’s stepping into the world of pure horror with a large-scale film produced by Maddock, which she will be headlining,” the source said.
The same source described the film as separate from Maddock’s horror-comedy universe, adding that the makers are looking to mount it on a grand scale. However, without an official announcement, it is too early to know whether the film will lean towards psychological terror, supernatural suspense or another branch of horror. The story’s setting and visual style could also shape how it stands apart from the studio’s established genre offerings.
Kriti Sanon’s Long Association with Maddock Films
The reported project would be another collaboration between Sanon and Maddock Films, a production house with which she has built a varied working relationship. Their past projects include Raabta, Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Bhediya and Crew, among others. Across those films, Sanon has moved between romance, comedy, drama and supernatural storytelling—making a full-fledged horror lead a notable next step.
The new film is also reportedly her second solo lead with the production house after Mimi. That 2021 drama marked a major milestone in Sanon’s career and earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, which she shared with Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi. The recognition strengthened her standing as a performer capable of carrying emotionally demanding material, beyond the lighter roles that first brought her wide attention.
Why a Horror Lead Could Be a Significant Role
Horror places distinctive demands on an actor. In addition to portraying fear, performers often have to build tension through silence, physical reactions and uncertainty, particularly when the audience knows less than the character—or suspects more. A lead role in a straight horror film could therefore offer Sanon a different kind of showcase, relying on atmosphere and sustained emotional intensity rather than familiar genre conventions.
For Maddock Films, the project could represent a strategic expansion. Horror-comedies have helped make supernatural stories accessible to broad audiences, but a more serious horror production would allow the studio to test a different tone and storytelling approach. A large-scale production may also signal an ambition to create a theatrical experience built around sound, production design and suspense, though the makers have not shared any creative details yet.
The film’s eventual reception will depend on more than its genre label. A compelling central character, an original premise and carefully controlled pacing are especially important in horror, where atmosphere can be as influential as plot. Until the filmmakers reveal more, it remains unclear what kind of story Sanon will be asked to lead or how closely the project will follow familiar supernatural conventions.
Official Confirmation Still Awaited
For now, the project remains a reported development rather than a formally announced film. Maddock Films and Sanon have not publicly confirmed the title, director, cast or production schedule. Further information is expected to clarify whether the film is moving into production and when audiences might see it in cinemas.
If the reports prove accurate, the film would add another fresh turn to Sanon’s evolving Bollywood career while giving Maddock Films a chance to explore horror beyond comedy-led storytelling. For fans, the most intriguing question is how the actor will approach a role built around fear and suspense—and what kind of world the production house will create around her. Until official details arrive, the project remains one to watch, with its central promise resting on a familiar pairing in an unfamiliar genre.
