As the clocks ushered in the anniversary of a Bollywood cinematic experience that delved into the world of supernatural horror, film producer Prerna Arora took a moment to reminisce and celebrate the lasting impression of ‘Pari,’ a project that rests among her notable silver screen ventures. With a career comprising critically acclaimed movies like ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha,’ ‘PadMan,’ and ‘Rustom,’ ‘Pari’ stands out for its foray into a genre that skillfully blends spine-tingling elements with a captivating narrative.
Released on March 2nd, 2018, ‘Pari’ anchored itself as a standout film, particularly within the Indian horror genre, a feat acknowledged by audiences and critics alike. Praised for its haunting storytelling and compelling performances, the film reaches its six-year milestone, still holding a special place in the craft of spine-chilling cinema. It starred Bollywood A-lister Anushka Sharma, who was not only pivotal on screen but also served as the co-producer. The film unfolded a chilling tale of a demon-daughter’s emotional ordeal entangled with love, human connections, and a haunting quest for survival against a relentless adversary.
Prerna Arora, with a distinctive knack for identifying and manifesting engrossing stories, couldn’t help but express an emotional connection with the film during a candid conversation about hitting this significant six-year mark. “Reflecting on ‘Pari,’ it feels like only yesterday that we were in the throes of production, diligently working to craft an immersive tale for our audience,” Prerna shared. “From the onset of pre-production to the final touches in post, there’s a treasure trove of memories that we created and hold dear.” This resonance with the film highlights Prerna’s remarkable journey in the Indian film industry as a producer of substance.
The collaboration with Anushka Sharma was something that Prerna particularly emphasized when reminiscing about the film’s journey. Anushka, having just recently dipped her toes into production with only two films before ‘Pari,’ was praised for her professionalism and dual expertise that awed her collaborators. “Anushka as an artist and a producer embodies a rare blend of total commitment and remarkable insight. Her involvement and concentration at every production phase was nothing short of inspirational,” Prerna acknowledged with admiration.
Aside from Sharma’s critical role, ‘Pari’ featured a talented ensemble including Parambrata Chatterjee, Rajat Kapoor, and Ritabhari Chakraborty, each contributing to the spine-chilling fabric of the story. Directed by Prosit Roy, the film carved its niche within the horror genre for its innovative approach and storytelling finesse.
As Prerna Arora looked back at the success and legacy of ‘Pari,’ she also hinted at the future that fans of her work can eagerly anticipate. Her upcoming production ‘Dunk,’ starring Nidhhi Agerwal in a leading role, promises to pivot to a dramatic expose of the land mafia milieu. The film, also featuring actors Shivin Narang and Suchitra Krishnamoorthy, is anticipated to harness the same compelling narrative excellence that has been a hallmark of Prerna’s productions.
In addition to ‘Dunk,’ Prerna’s creative voyage will continue with ‘Hero Heroine,’ a bilingual Hindi-Telugu venture with Divyah Kumar Kholsa in the leading role, an undertaking that further embodies her commitment to diverse storytelling and cross-regional cinematic appeal.
Prerna Arora’s lamentation of ‘Pari’s’ past success coupled with her enthusiasm for future projects, including the digital release of ‘Dunk’ with Nidhi Aggarwal, emphasizes her dynamic presence in an ever-evolving film industry. Her insights reveal not only the perennial nature of filmmaking but also a reflective appreciation of stories that have left indelible marks upon the cinematic tapestry and the promise of more to enchant and engage audiences worldwide.
