Kangana Ranaut's 'Scary Picture' and Sajid Khan's 'Hero Ki Horrorine' Unveiled on Friday the 13th as Two Hindi Horror Films Head to 2027

Two Hindi horror films were formally introduced to audiences on Friday, Nov. 13, with their makers timing the reveals to a date long associated with superstition. Actor-producer Rana Daggubati unveiled the first promotional asset of Scary Picture, a horror film starring Kangana Ranaut and directed by Telugu filmmaker Ravi Babu, while producers Ektaa R Kapoor and Amar Butala announced the title and first-look poster of Hero Ki Horrorine, a horror-comedy directed by Sajid Khan. Both films are slated for theatrical release in 2027.

Scary Picture: Kangana Ranaut Returns to Horror

Daggubati shared the first asset of Scary Picture on Instagram with the caption "A new nightmare is about to unfold," NDTV Profit reported. According to the outlet, the promotional material presents the film as a presentation by Dr D. Ramanaidu, features Ranaut in the lead role, credits D. Suresh Babu and Ravi Babu, and states that the film is scheduled to arrive in 2027.

The film is produced by veteran producer Suresh Babu under Suresh Productions, a banner Moneycontrol described as "synonymous for decades with large scale family entertainers and mainstream Telugu cinema." Moneycontrol and the Times of India, which carried an ANI report, both noted that the project marks the production house's move into the horror genre.

Scary Picture is Ravi Babu's first Hindi feature as director. He has previously directed the Telugu films Anasuya and Avunu and is known for his work in horror, according to the Times of India. Moneycontrol reported that the project brings him together with Ranaut "for an edgy and experimental narrative."

NDTV Profit reported that the project was first announced at HorrorCon India 2026 in New Delhi on Oct. 31, where Daggubati revealed Ravi Babu as director, and that Ranaut later shared the announcement on social media. The outlet noted that Ranaut previously starred in Raaz: The Mystery Continues, released in 2009, and appeared in Chandramukhi 2 in 2023.

Details of the film's plot, the remaining cast and Ranaut's role have not been revealed, the Times of India reported.

Rana Daggubati on Building a Horror Pipeline

Daggubati said the film is intended as the start of a broader effort to support horror filmmakers. "What we want, starting with Scary Picture, is to create a consistent stream of production support and release opportunities for filmmakers who love this genre," he said in a statement carried by Moneycontrol, NDTV Profit and the Times of India.

"India is diverse in every genre, and horror is no different. Every region has its own fears, its own stories and its own ways of telling them," Daggubati said. He added: "We’re open to every subgenre: psychological, creature, horror-comedy, social horror, or whatever new narratives filmmakers bring to us."

The Times of India described the film as "an important step in Rana Daggubati’s vision to build a dedicated ecosystem for horror filmmaking in India."

Hero Ki Horrorine: Ektaa R Kapoor, Amar Butala and Sajid Khan

The same day, Kapoor and Butala announced Hero Ki Horrorine. The film is a Jai Ho Media Ventures production presented by Balaji Telefilms Ltd. and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor and Amar Butala, according to Bollywood Hungama and India Today. The news agency IANS reported that the horror-comedy is scheduled to release in theatres on Jan. 7, 2027, the date Bollywood Hungama first reported when the project was announced in August.

The first-look poster shows a long-haired female figure in a blood-red sari with a mutilated face, white eyes, sharp teeth and claw-like fingers, set against smoke and darkness, India Today and IANS reported. The makers have not disclosed details of the story, India Today said.

IANS reported that the film stars Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of veteran actor Govinda, and Nitanshi Goel, who gained recognition with Laapataa Ladies, in the lead roles. Sunita Ahuja, Jamie Lever, Chunky Panday, Brijendra Kala and Simratt Kaur Randhawa are also part of the ensemble. According to IANS, the project marks Ahuja's Hindi film debut as a leading actor.

The Producers' Track Records

Butala's production credits include Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kesari and Mission Majnu. Sajid Khan is known for directing commercial entertainers including Heyy Babyy and the first two films in the Housefull franchise, Bollywood Hungama reported ahead of the title reveal.

The announcement follows two theatrical releases from Kapoor this year: Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, and The Vvaan, featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, Bollywood Hungama reported. The outlet described Bhooth Bangla as a box-office success. On television, Balaji's recent fiction slate includes Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 and Naagin 7, and the company has partnered with YouTube for premium shows, according to India Today.

IANS noted that Kapoor previously backed the Ragini MMS franchise, which began with a 2011 film starring Rajkummar Rao and Kainaz Motivala and was followed by Ragini MMS 2, starring Sunny Leone, before expanding into the digital series Ragini MMS: Returns.

Sources

• NDTV Profit: Scary Picture: Rana Daggubati Unveils First Asset, Kangana Ranaut Set For Horror Return
• Moneycontrol: Rana Daggubati unveils first look of Scary Picture featuring Kangana Ranaut
• The Times of India (ANI): Kangana Ranaut's 'Scary Picture' gets first reveal
• IANS: Ektaa R Kapoor unveils title of upcoming movie Hero Ki Horrorine
• India Today: Hero Ki Horrorine first look
• Bollywood Hungama: Ektaa R Kapoor and Amar Butala announce Hero Ki Horrorine on Friday the 13th
• Bollywood Hungama: Ektaa R Kapoor reunites with Sajid Khan and Amar Butala for new horror film
• Bollywood Hungama: Ektaa R Kapoor joins hands with Amar Butala for Hero Ki Horrorine