Vikram Bhatt reacts to global success of Hollywood horror 'Obsession': 'I sat back, laughed and thought this is 'Raaz''
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has spent over three decades building a reputation as one of Bollywood's most prolific creators in the thriller and horror space. From films like 'Fareb', 'Ghulam', 'Kasoor', 'Raaz', 'Awara Paagal Deewana', '1920' and 'Haunted 3D', Bhatt has repeatedly returned to stories that explore fear, mystery and the supernatural. With the latest installment of the franchise, 'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past', performing well at the box office, the director is once again celebrating a successful run.
Looking back at his journey, Bhatt opened up with Firstpost about overcoming personal setbacks, the enduring appeal of horror films and why a recent Hollywood blockbuster instantly reminded him of one of his biggest hits.
Why 'Obsession' brought back memories of 'Raaz'Although Vikram Bhatt admits he has not watched the Hollywood horror sensation 'Obsession' in its entirety, the storyline was enough to trigger a sense of familiarity.
“I haven’t seen Obsession but someone was telling me the story and I sat back and laughed and thought this is 'Raaz'. It’s basically Malini of 'Raaz' in the whole film.” The filmmaker believes the genre continues to thrive because audiences remain drawn to compelling horror stories regardless of geography or language. “My take is that if you make a good horror film, people are going to come. This one was really good.”
Vikram Bhatt's success after a difficult phaseThe strong theatrical response to 'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past' comes after what Bhatt describes as a challenging period in his personal life. Asked whether the film's success felt particularly rewarding, the filmmaker responded with his trademark humour.
“Your question feels more like does the story end well. I had a series of misfortunes. And it’s a bit of a reward that God has given me for all my pains and for all my trials and tribulations.” He added, “I think he still wants people to suffer. So he said ‘Let’s not get rid of him so fast.’”
Before the film's release, several industry observers were sceptical about its prospects. According to Bhatt, factors such as the absence of major stars, online trolling and legal complications led many to underestimate the film.
However, he remained confident because of the relationship he believes he has built with horror audiences over the years. “So the confidence I have is with my audience. I have a relationship with my audience. I know my audience.”
Bhatt acknowledged that many trade experts viewed the project as a risky proposition. “It was obvious they would think 'Haunted' would be the last choice. Because, you know, I didn’t have stars. It was horror and it was already being trolled. And then there was a NCLT case.”
Despite the challenges, he never doubted that the film would find its audience. “I had faith that the film might not appeal to the critics. It will appeal to my audience.”
Looking back at his journey, Bhatt opened up with Firstpost about overcoming personal setbacks, the enduring appeal of horror films and why a recent Hollywood blockbuster instantly reminded him of one of his biggest hits.
Why 'Obsession' brought back memories of 'Raaz'Although Vikram Bhatt admits he has not watched the Hollywood horror sensation 'Obsession' in its entirety, the storyline was enough to trigger a sense of familiarity.
“I haven’t seen Obsession but someone was telling me the story and I sat back and laughed and thought this is 'Raaz'. It’s basically Malini of 'Raaz' in the whole film.” The filmmaker believes the genre continues to thrive because audiences remain drawn to compelling horror stories regardless of geography or language. “My take is that if you make a good horror film, people are going to come. This one was really good.”
Vikram Bhatt's success after a difficult phaseThe strong theatrical response to 'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past' comes after what Bhatt describes as a challenging period in his personal life. Asked whether the film's success felt particularly rewarding, the filmmaker responded with his trademark humour.
“Your question feels more like does the story end well. I had a series of misfortunes. And it’s a bit of a reward that God has given me for all my pains and for all my trials and tribulations.” He added, “I think he still wants people to suffer. So he said ‘Let’s not get rid of him so fast.’”
Before the film's release, several industry observers were sceptical about its prospects. According to Bhatt, factors such as the absence of major stars, online trolling and legal complications led many to underestimate the film.
However, he remained confident because of the relationship he believes he has built with horror audiences over the years. “So the confidence I have is with my audience. I have a relationship with my audience. I know my audience.”
Bhatt acknowledged that many trade experts viewed the project as a risky proposition. “It was obvious they would think 'Haunted' would be the last choice. Because, you know, I didn’t have stars. It was horror and it was already being trolled. And then there was a NCLT case.”
Despite the challenges, he never doubted that the film would find its audience. “I had faith that the film might not appeal to the critics. It will appeal to my audience.”
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