Vikram Bhatt has drawn a direct line between his 2002 horror classic Raaz and the new indie thriller Obsession, calling the latter a spiritual cousin in tone and tension. Though he hasn’t watched the film, Bhatt says a summary of its plot — a lonely man’s wish for love spiraling into a terrifying obsession — instantly reminded him of Malini’s haunting arc in Raaz.
"I haven't seen Obsession, but someone was telling me the story, and I sat back, laughed and thought, 'This is Raaz.' It's basically Malini of Raaz throughout the whole film," Bhatt told Firstpost. He emphasized that the film’s success lies not in star power, but in its ability to deliver genuine fear. "People come to experience the sensation of fear. They don't come for any actor. That's the nature of the genre." Bhatt, known for crafting atmospheric horror with Raaz and the 1920 franchise, also critiqued the trend of casting A-listers in grounded supernatural tales. "In a realistic story, if you have an A-list hero who already has a larger-than-life persona, it's not going to work," he said. His own upcoming project, 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth installment in his long-running franchise, continues this philosophy — prioritizing mood, mystery, and menace over fame.
Meanwhile, his latest film, Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past, is still playing in theaters. Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, stars Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, and Meghan Lawless, and follows a music store clerk whose supernatural wish unravels into something far darker than he imagined. For fans of eerie, character-driven horror, Bhatt’s endorsement may be the nudge needed to choose it for a weekend watch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the plot of the film Obsession?
Obsession follows a music store clerk whose supernatural wish for love spirals into a terrifying obsession, echoing the dangerous fixation themes of Vikram Bhatt's Raaz.
How does Obsession compare to Raaz?
Vikram Bhatt calls Obsession a "spiritual cousin" to Raaz, noting its similar tone of eerie obsession and reliance on atmospheric tension over celebrity appeal.
What does Vikram Bhatt think about Obsession?
Bhatt praised Obsession's "pure fear factor," emphasizing that its success comes from genuine horror rather than star power, aligning with his own filmmaking philosophy.
Who stars in the film Obsession?
Obsession stars Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, and Meghan Lawless in key roles.
What is Vikram Bhatt's upcoming project?
Bhatt's next film is 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth installment in his 1920 franchise, continuing his focus on atmospheric horror.
