Yash Raj Films is stepping into horror for the first time with Abhay Pannu set to helm the project.

Yash Raj Films is gearing up to explore uncharted territory as it plans its first-ever horror film, marking a significant shift for the studio known for romance, action, and large-scale entertainers. According to reports, filmmaker Abhay Pannu, best known for creating Rocket Boys, has been brought on board to write and direct the project.

The yet-untitled film is expected to go on floors in late 2026, with a planned release in 2027. What makes this development particularly notable is that the banner, despite its decades-long legacy, has never ventured into the horror genre before.

Sources suggest that the move is part of a broader strategy within YRF to expand its storytelling canvas and collaborate with a new generation of filmmakers. The decision reportedly gained momentum with backing from CEO Akshaye Widhani, who encouraged exploring fresh genres and narratives in an evolving cinematic landscape.

Unlike the recent trend of horror-comedies dominating Bollywood, this project is expected to be a straight-up horror film, signalling a tonal shift for the studio. With Abhay Pannu also penning the script, the film is likely to bring a distinct storytelling voice, blending scale with a more grounded, atmospheric approach, potentially focusing on immersive world-building, character depth, and a more intense cinematic experience.

The announcement has already sparked curiosity within the industry, as Yash Raj Films’s entry into horror could potentially reshape the genre’s mainstream appeal. Known for setting benchmarks across formats, the studio’s foray into horror is being seen as both a bold creative decision and a strategic expansion.

It also signals a willingness to tap into evolving audience preferences, particularly as horror continues to gain traction with younger viewers and urban markets, opening up new storytelling avenues, fresh collaborations, and the potential to redefine how large-scale production houses approach the genre in the coming years.

Also read: Yash Raj Films announces their line-up of films to release in 2021