After making waves with
the announcement of a multi-platform content alliance between Abundantia
Entertainment of India and Crypt TV of the USA, the two companies announced
their first production together – Chhori - the Hindi remake of the hit-Marathi
horror film, Lapachhapi (translated as ‘Hide and Seek’).
Talented and youth-favourite star Nushrat Bharucha
with films like the Pyaar Ka Punchama series, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Dream
Girl to her credit has been brought on-board to play the lead role in the film
and Vishal Furia, who directed the original, helms the Hindi remake as well.
Lapachhapi(2017) caught people’s attention with
its genre-breaking take on horror as it told the story of age-old societal
beliefs and practices that give rise to tales of pure terror.
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| Jack Davis |
The film’s unique blend of scary and social drama
made it a thrilling as well as an emotional ride. Apart from his successful
outing with the film, Vishal Furia also has to his credit, another horror film,
Bali (Marathi), starring Swapnil Joshi and successful streaming shows like
Criminal Justice and Bombers.
Abundantia Entertainment, producer of successful
and impactful content across screens like Airlift, Baby, Toilet-Ek Prem Katha,
Shakuntala Devi (under production), Durgavati (under production), Sherni (under
production) and the Amazon Original Series Breathe- is currently developing the
film under its horror content vertical ‘Psych’ along with Crypt, the producer
of various award-winning films and series’ like The Birch, The Look-See and
Sunny Family Cult.
The work on the script is currently underway and
Vishal Kapoor, who also wrote the original, is writing Chhori.
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| Vikram Malhotra |
A thrilled Nushrat Bharucha says, “I am extremely
excited to be a part of Chhori. This genre excites me and the fact that the
story is anchored in practices of our society, makes it relatable and
impactful. I have wanted to work with Vishal Furia and I am so glad we've
finally collaborated on Chhori, which is so close to his heart. Abundantia
Entertainment and Vikram Malhotra have always backed high-quality, progressive
stories and are known to make films with strong female voices – and as an
actor, I couldn’t ask for more. Our collaboration with an international creator
like Crypt TV and its CEO Jack Davis, whose expertise in this genre is
unparalleled, makes this even more thrilling. I have enjoyed some of their
content thoroughly and in my very first meeting with Jack we connected
instantly on how we envisaged this genre and film. I am looking forward to
beginning my experience with each one of them.”
Producer Vikram Malhotra outlines his vision for
Chhori, “Abundantia Entertainment has always believed in supporting progressive
and insightful stories. I am delighted that we are extending our content
philosophy further with the Hindi remake of Lapachhapi in partnership with
Crypt TV and Jack Davis. I am confident that our collaboration on this film
will allow us to create some irresistibly scary content under our latest
vertical ‘Psych’. I am also delighted to collaborate with the immensely
talented Nushrat. I have seen her grow as an artist and her dedication to her
craft is amazing. Nushrat’s appeal with the youth will help drive the film with
the fans of the genre. I am especially delighted to work with a brilliant,
young filmmaker like Vishal, who has woven an evocative narrative that cuts
across themes and has a universal appeal.
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| Nushrat Bharucha |
Director Vishal Furia says, “When I first heard
that Vikram Malhotra and Abundantia Entertainment were considering a remake of
my film, I was thrilled –simply because I believe there is a lot more I want to
say with this story. Getting a chance to revisit the film has been an amazing
experience. I want to take the remake a few steps further and make a much more
impactful, scary and thrilling film – more so because I am grateful for all the
love I still receive for Lapachhapi. Partnering with Vikram and his team along
with Jack Davis has been a wonderful process and I am confident that all of us
can take this film to even bigger heights. Nushrat is a very strong and
promising actor who I believe is well equipped to essay a strong role all by
herself. I have wanted to collaborate with her for a while now and I am glad
that we finally have a film together.”
