A chilling tale rooted in Indian folklore is making its way to Hollywood! Award-winning Bollywood superstar Kangana Ranaut, known for films like Emergency, Queen, and Fashion, is set to make her Hollywood debut in the new horror-drama, Blessed Be the Evil. Joining her are “Teen Wolf” heartthrob Tyler Posey and Scarlet Rose Stallone, who recently appeared in “Tulsa King.” The exciting announcement comes directly from Gatha Tiwary, President and Founder of Lions Movies. Producers are gearing up to present the film at the Cannes Film Market.
Behind the Camera
Anurag Rudra will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with Tiwary. Rudra and Tiwary will also produce the film, ensuring their vision for this chilling story comes to life. Lisa London and Catherine Stroud of London/Stroud Casting will cast the right faces for this haunting narrative. Award-winning cinematographer Wade Muller, known for his work on Occupation: Rainfall, has signed on as the Director of Photography.
In a strategic move, the production has decided to film entirely in the United States to sidestep any potential uncertainties arising from the recently announced Trump industry tariffs. Principal photography is slated to begin this summer in New York.
A Dark Tale
The official synopsis for Blessed Be The Evil paints a picture of a deeply unsettling story: Following the devastating loss of their unborn child, a couple attempts to heal and move forward by purchasing an abandoned farm shrouded in a dark and ominous past. However, their hopes for a fresh start are soon shattered as their love and unwavering faith are put to the ultimate test by a malevolent presence that lurks within the farm’s eerie confines.
Director Anurag Rudra shared his connection to the project: “Being born and spending my childhood in rural India, I was told stories that got embedded in my mind and heart. This folklore was so special that I truly believed in all the stories and wanted to showcase them internationally through the art of cinema – the strongest and most beautiful way to connect to dreams and reality.”
Producer Gatha Tiwary commented on the film’s potential, “A story like ‘Blessed Be The Evil’ is very rare. Lions Movies has developed a spine-chilling narrative with unprecedented suspense and drama. It also has great potential for international markets, both in streaming and selling.”
A Talented Cast
Kangana Ranaut, a celebrated star in Indian cinema with many awards, is renowned for portraying strong and unconventional female characters. She won consecutive National Film Awards for Best Actress. Beyond acting, Ranaut has also ventured into filmmaking, writing, directing, and producing the period drama Emergency. Ranaut currently serves as a Member of Parliament in India’s Lok Sabha.
Tyler Posey gained international recognition for his lead role as Scott McCall in MTV’s hit series “Teen Wolf,” which garnered numerous Teen Choice and ALMA Awards. He also produced and starred in the revival film Teen Wolf: The Movie. His other notable credits include the horror-thriller Truth or Dare.
Scarlet Rose Stallone, the youngest daughter of Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, is an actress and reality star. She made her film debut in Reach Me and has since appeared in projects like The Gunslingers and Taylor Sheridan’s “Tulsa King,” as well as the reality series “The Family Stallone.”
Writer/Director/Producer Anurag Rudra has a background in thought-provoking storytelling. He produced the documentary short Tailing Pond, which garnered an Academy Award nomination. His directorial debut, the horror-thriller New Me, was showcased at the Cannes Marché du Film in 2022.
Buzz Worthy
With a talented cast, a compelling premise rooted in international folklore, and a dedicated creative team, Blessed Be The Evil is already generating buzz as it heads to the Cannes Film Market. So, watch for more updates on this intriguing cross-cultural horror project!
