Sohum Shah Aims To Transform Indian Horror By Remaking Ramsay Brothers' Classics

Sohum Shah, known for his dual role as actor and producer, has achieved notable success with the re-release of his 2018 horror thriller, Tumbbad. This triumph has inspired him to delve deeper into the horror genre within Indian cinema. Following Tumbbad's return to theatres and its subsequent box-office success, Sohum is now focused on reviving classic horror films. He has acquired rights to remake iconic Ramsay Brothers' films: Veerana, Purani Haveli, and Purana Mandir.

This initiative indicates a shift towards a more profound exploration of horror, moving away from the current trend of horror-comedy. Sohum expressed his thoughts in a statement quoted by BollywoodLife: "I have taken the rights of their films Veerana, Purana Haveli and Purana Mandir. So I will be making these films. I have always felt that we can do a lot more with this genre. As a business it makes sense." He criticised the dominance of horror comedies today, advocating for pure horror which allows greater creative expression and appeals to audiences seeking genuine thrills.

"Jo bhi films ban rahi hain aajkal woh horror comedies ban rahi hain. As a writer you can do whatever you want to do with pure horror movies. People don't want to see the predictable storylines and with horror, you have so much you can do. There is a huge audience out there who want to watch pure horror so business-wise it is time," he added. This perspective highlights his commitment to offering something fresh and unpredictable in the genre.

In addition to revamping classic horrors, Sohum is considering creating a cinematic universe that could link Tumbbad with his newly acquired projects. "Well, we will see how that pans out but Tumbbad in itself is a whole universe. And that was the case when we made it back in 2017. There's scope for a prequel, sequel, and backstories of the characters. So yes, that is something that we will look at creating," he revealed.

This approach suggests an ambition beyond typical sequels or remakes, aiming for immersive world-building that captivates audiences through interconnected narratives. The potential for prequels and sequels offers rich storytelling opportunities within this universe.

Adding to fans' excitement, Sohum's upcoming projects include Tumbbad 2 and Crazxy from Sohum Shah Films, slated for release on March 7, 2025. The announcement of Crazxy has already generated buzz with its motion poster reveal. As Sohum Shah Films continues to innovate within Indian cinema, audiences eagerly await what comes next in his journey.

A New Era for Indian Horror

Sohum's strategic acquisition of Ramsay Brothers' classics and vision for Tumbbad 2 highlight his dedication to advancing the horror genre in India. By challenging norms and exploring pure horror's uncharted territories, he aims to redefine expectations for Indian audiences.

His focus on originality and depth could lead to a resurgence of serious horror films that both captivate and terrify viewers equally.