In an exciting new development for the horror-comedy genre, filmmaker Dinesh Vijan is set to expand his acclaimed horror universe with a new addition revolving around vampires. The film, titled ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar,’ promises a unique take on supernatural comedy and has already generated buzz by roping in popular actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna for lead roles.
In a notable casting, Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna join hands for the first time under the direction of Dinesh Vijan, who has previously collaborated with Khurrana in the hit film ‘Bala.’ Both actors are known for their versatile performances, and their collaboration with Vijan is already creating high expectations among fans and critics alike.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, a close source has revealed, “Ayushmann Khurrana and Dinesh Vijan have previously worked together on ‘Bala’ and share a great creative bond. They have been discussing ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar’ for a while now and are all set to take the film on floors by the end of this year.” The report further states that the shooting is expected to commence in November, marking the start of what is anticipated to be another blockbuster venture in the horror-comedy series.
The source also indicated that ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar’ will mark the second collaboration between Vijan and director Aditya Sarpotdar, following the success of their recent film ‘Munjya.’ “Both actors have a very unique arc in the film, which will take the audience by surprise. The script is presently in the writing stage and will soon get into the pre-production stage,” the source added.
Dinesh Vijan first ventured into the horror-comedy genre with the 2018 blockbuster ‘Stree,’ starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. The movie, combining traditional horror elements with a comedic twist, struck a chord with the audience and critics, making it a significant box office success. Vijan followed this up with ‘Bhediya,’ featuring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, which further cemented his reputation for delivering entertaining horror comedies. Most recently, ‘Munjya,’ starring Abhay Verma, Sharvari Wagh, and Mona Singh, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, proved to be another substantial hit.
‘Munjya,’ produced on a modest budget of Rs 30 crore, managed to rake in an impressive Rs 103 crore within just three weeks of its release, with a net collection of Rs 87.
.31 crore. This feat made it the fifth highest-grossing film of 2024, following major hits like ‘Fighter,’ ‘Shaitaan,’ ‘Crew,’ and ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.’ The film’s unexpected success at the box office, despite featuring a relatively unknown cast and minimal pre-release promotion, highlighted Dinesh Vijan’s remarkable ability to craft engaging stories that resonate with a wide audience.
The success of ‘Munjya’ was largely driven by its fresh take on the horror-comedy genre and the strong word-of-mouth publicity that followed its release. Audiences appreciated the film’s blend of humor and horror, along with its engaging narrative and memorable performances by the lead actors.
With ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar,’ Dinesh Vijan is set to take his horror universe a step further. The film promises a novel storyline involving vampires, a theme that has not been extensively explored in Indian cinema. The unique arcs for Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s characters are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the genre, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film’s release.
Ayushmann Khurrana has built a reputation for choosing unconventional roles that challenge typical Bollywood norms. His involvement in ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar’ is seen as another step in his career, following his acclaimed performances in films like ‘Andhadhun,’ ‘Article 15,’ and ‘Bala.’ Rashmika Mandanna, who has quickly become a household name with her performances in films like ‘Geetha Govindam’ and ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ is also expected to bring her charm and talent to this new venture.
As Dinesh Vijan gears up for shooting, fans eagerly await more details about ‘Vampires of Vijay Nagar.’ With its intriguing premise and star-studded cast, the film is anticipated to be a significant addition to the evolving horror-comedy landscape in Indian cinema. The expanding horror universe created by Vijan continues to captivate audiences, combining laughter with supernatural thrills in a way that keeps them coming back for more.
