Filmmaker: Vikram Bhatt has spent over three decades building a reputation as one of Bollywood’s greatest creators in the thriller and horror space. From films like ‘Fareb’, ‘Ghulam’, ‘Kasoor’, ‘Raaz’, ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’, ‘1920’ and ‘Haunted 3D’, Bhatt has returned again and again to stories that explore fear, mystery and the supernatural. With the latest installment of the franchise, ‘Haunted 3D. Echoes of the Past’, performed well at the box office, the director is again celebrating a successful run.Looking back on his journey, Bhatt opens up to Firstpost about overcoming personal setbacks, the enduring appeal of horror films and why a recent Hollywood blockbuster instantly reminds him of one of his biggest hits.
Why ‘Obsession’ brings back memories of ‘Raaz’
Although Vikram Bhatt admits that he has not watched the Hollywood horror sensation ‘Obsession’ in its entirety, the storyline is enough to evoke a sense of familiarity.“I haven’t seen Obsession but someone told me the story and I sat and laughed and thought it was ‘Raaz’. It’s basically Malini in ‘Raaz’ throughout the film.” The filmmaker believes that the genre continues to thrive because audiences remain enthralled by compelling horror stories regardless of geography or language. “My thought is that if you make a good horror film, people will come. This is a really good one.”
Vikram Bhatt’s success comes after a tough phase
The theater’s powerful response to ‘Haunted 3D. Echoes of the Past’ was completed during what Bhatt described as a challenging period in his personal life. Asked if the film’s success felt particularly rewarding, the filmmaker responded with his trademark humor.“Your question is more about whether the end of the story is good. I have had a series of misfortunes. And this is a small reward that God has given me for all my pains and all my trials and tribulations.” He added, “I think he still wants people to suffer. So he said ‘We’re not going to get rid of him easily.'”Before the film’s release, many industry observers were skeptical about its prospects. According to Bhatt, factors such as the absence of big stars, online trolling and legal complications are the reasons why many people downplayed the film.However, he remains confident because of the relationship he believes he has built with horror audiences over the years. “So the trust I have in my audience. I have a relationship with my audience. I know my audience.”Bhatt acknowledged that many trade experts see the project as a risky proposition. “It’s obvious that they think ‘Haunted’ is the last option. Because, you know, I don’t have stars. It’s horrible and it’s been trolled. And then there’s the NCLT case.”Despite the challenges, he never doubted that the film would find its audience. “I have a firm belief that the film will not impress the critics. It will appeal to my audience.”
Why horror doesn’t depend on superstars
Having directed several horror films, Bhatt believes that the genre operates differently from mainstream commercial cinema. In his view, the audience will experience fear instead of watching bigger heroes.“When you have big actors, you can’t have them freak out and run around.” The director explains that established stars often bring an image to the screen that dilutes the realism required for horror. “If you have an A plus hero, with a larger-than-life persona, like an Allu Arjun or a Ram Charan, it doesn’t work.”For Vikram Bhatt, the central attraction of a horror film is not the cast but the experience itself. “People come to feel a sense of dread. They don’t come for any artist.”Now, with ‘Haunted 3D. Echoes of the Past’ added another success to his filmography, Vikram Bhatt remains one of the few filmmakers in Hindi cinema whose association with the horror genre continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
