On the trail of Bhoot Police

Director Pavan Kripalani shares some insights

Bollywood has been quick to adopt the latest horror- comedy genre, with Stree, Laxmmi Bomb and Go Goa Gone being among the examples. The spooky comedy Bhoot Police is the latest to join the bandwagon. Directed by Pavan Kripalani, credited with having directed horror film Ragini MMS and the psychological thriller Phobia, the film has Go Goa Gone actor Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor among the cast. In an exclusive chat with DC, Pavan reveals a few details about the film.

Why the title?

It’s a fun title. Technically, we go around catching ghosts, thus, Bhoot Police.

How did you pick the genre of horror comedy? We have been at it for a very long time, way before all the other horror comedies. I have been living with this story idea for approximately ten years.

How did you come by the idea?

It came from the fact that we are in a country where we see tantrics and babas all over the place and we have a strong belief in life after death and in superstitions.

Were Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor your first choice and did they agree instantly?

Both of them heard the story and said yes instantly.

Is Saif playing the bhoot?

You will know when you watch the movie.

Will Saif and Arjun be romancing with fresh faces or known ones?

Wait and watch. We will be announcing the female cast soon, maybe in a couple of days.

Hindi films in the horror comedy genre have not been successful, so how is Bhoot Police different?

It’s not absolutely horror comedy. It’s a large- scale adventure. It’s like a throwback to classics like Sholay. It has elements of suspense, thriller and comedy.

And when will shooting begin?

We are gearing up to start by the end of 2020.