Varun Dhawan is set to explore a new genre with Yash Raj Films as the actor joins the production house’s upcoming horror project, directed by Rocket Boys creator Abhay Pannu and targeted for a 2027 theatrical release.
Varun Dhawan is preparing to step into unfamiliar territory with an upcoming horror film backed by Yash Raj Films (YRF). The project, which is expected to mark YRF’s first horror feature, will see Dhawan take on the lead role under the direction of filmmaker Abhay Pannu, best known for the acclaimed series Rocket Boys.
The film is currently being developed as a theatrical release and is expected to arrive in 2027. While the makers have yet to reveal the official title, storyline or details about Dhawan’s character, the combination of a major Hindi film studio, an established actor and a filmmaker moving into a new genre has already created interest around the project.
Varun Dhawan enters the horror space
For Varun Dhawan, the upcoming YRF film represents another opportunity to move beyond the conventional commercial genres associated with much of his career.
The actor has previously worked across comedy, romance, action and drama, but a full-fledged horror film gives him a substantially different space to explore as a performer. Details of the character are being kept confidential, making it difficult to determine the exact nature of his role at this stage.
The project is also notable because YRF is venturing into horror with a theatrical feature. The production house has built a strong identity around mainstream Hindi cinema, including romance, action and drama, and has expanded its presence through large-scale franchises.
With horror becoming an increasingly visible part of the Hindi film landscape, YRF’s decision to enter the genre makes the project particularly noteworthy.
Abhay Pannu to make his theatrical directorial debut
The film will be directed by Abhay Pannu, the filmmaker associated with Rocket Boys. Pannu created and directed the acclaimed series, which dramatized the lives and scientific contributions of Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai.
His next project represents a significant shift in tone and format.
Moving from a historical drama series to a theatrical horror film gives Pannu an opportunity to establish a different filmmaking identity. He is also understood to have written the screenplay for the upcoming project.
The film will therefore bring together Pannu’s writing and direction with Dhawan’s screen presence, although the makers have not yet disclosed how the story will approach the horror genre.
Varun Dhawan and YRF reunite
The upcoming film marks another collaboration between Varun Dhawan and Yash Raj Films.
Dhawan previously appeared in YRF’s Sui Dhaaga: Made in India, where he shared the screen with Anushka Sharma. The 2018 film was directed by Sharat Katariya and presented Dhawan in a character-driven social drama.
His reunion with the banner now comes in a completely different setting.
Rather than returning to a familiar romantic or dramatic format, Dhawan is taking on a horror project, while YRF is simultaneously entering a genre that has not traditionally been a central part of its theatrical slate.
What is known about the YRF horror film?
At present, the makers are keeping most details under wraps. The project does not yet have an officially announced title, and information about the storyline remains limited.
Here is what has been reported about the film so far:
- Lead actor: Varun Dhawan
- Production banner: Yash Raj Films
- Director: Abhay Pannu
- Screenplay: Abhay Pannu
- Genre: Horror
- Release plan: Theatrical
- Expected release year: 2027
- Official title: Yet to be announced
- Female lead: Yet to be announced
- Supporting cast: Yet to be announced
The film is expected to go on floors later in 2026, although the exact production schedule has not been officially detailed by the makers.
YRF takes its first reported step into horror
Yash Raj Films has a long-standing association with some of Hindi cinema’s biggest commercial successes. The studio has particularly established itself through romance, action, drama and large-scale franchise filmmaking.
Its reported move into horror could signal an expansion of that cinematic portfolio.
The Hindi horror genre has also evolved considerably in recent years, with filmmakers experimenting with traditional supernatural elements, horror-comedy, psychological themes and genre hybrids. Against that backdrop, the involvement of YRF and Varun Dhawan gives this yet-to-be-titled project a potentially distinctive place in the studio’s upcoming slate.
However, it is too early to determine the film’s tone or storytelling approach because the production team has not released those details.
When will Varun Dhawan’s YRF horror film release?
The film is currently being planned for a 2027 theatrical release. An exact release date has not been announced.
More information about the title, female lead, supporting cast, filming schedule and story is expected to emerge as the project progresses.
For now, the film brings together three interesting elements: Varun Dhawan stepping into horror, Abhay Pannu making his theatrical directorial debut and Yash Raj Films entering the horror space.
That combination makes the project one of the more intriguing upcoming additions to Hindi cinema’s 2027 slate.
HeZindagi News Update
HeZindagi will update this story when Yash Raj Films or the film’s makers officially announce further details, including the title, cast, production schedule and theatrical release date.
