‘Dahaan – The Evil Within’ Brings Historic Killa Dalijoda to the Big Screen
Anupam Patnaik's horror film becomes the first movie to be shot at the nearly century-old royal hunting lodge, adding authenticity and mystery to the cinematic experience.
Bhubaneswar: One of the biggest highlights of Anupam Patnaik’s upcoming horror film Dahaan – The Evil Within is its unique filming location. The makers have revealed that the film is the first-ever feature to be shot at the historic Killa Dalijoda, a nearly 100-year-old fortress-style palace in Odisha that once served as the royal hunting lodge of a former king.
The entire cast and crew lived inside the palace for more than a month while filming, transforming the heritage property into the haunting backdrop of the supernatural thriller. According to the filmmakers, extensive location scouting was carried out before Killa Dalijoda was finalised, with director Anupam Patnaik insisting that Dahaan be filmed there to achieve the authentic atmosphere the story demanded.
The palace, with its towering turrets, dark red laterite stone walls, stained-glass windows and vintage interiors, is expected to play a crucial role in creating the eerie mood of the film. The makers believe the location significantly enhances the visual identity and horror experience of Dahaan – The Evil Within, which is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
Killa Dalijoda has a rich royal history dating back to 1931, when Raja Jyoti Prasad Singh Deo built it as a British-style hunting lodge after acquiring nearly 11,000 acres of land in rural Odisha. The mansion was designed with the assistance of engineers from Martin & Burn, the renowned engineering firm associated with the construction of Kolkata’s iconic Howrah Bridge.
Built with advanced European-style engineering, the manor featured modern amenities that were considered exceptional for its time, including a self-generating power system, original 1930s fittings and distinctive red oxide flooring. Its imposing fortress architecture, complete with four corner turrets, has remained one of its defining characteristics.
The property gradually fell into disuse after hunting was banned under the Indian wildlife protection laws in the 1970s, bringing an end to the royal family’s hunting traditions and their rights over the surrounding reserve forest.
A new chapter began in 2004 when Raja Saheb Debjit Singh Deo and his wife Namrata Kumari returned to the estate and undertook an extensive restoration project. Their efforts revived the approximately 4,000-square-foot heritage property, which was opened as a heritage homestay in 2013 while preserving much of its original architectural character.
Written and directed by Anupam Patnaik, Dahaan – The Evil Within marks the filmmaker’s long-cherished return to the horror genre. Featuring Barsha Patnaik alongside debutants Aurosikha Mishra, Sijan Mahapatra and Nishant Majithia, the film promises an intense supernatural thriller backed by atmospheric cinematography, haunting sound design and a story that explores fear and complex family relationships.
With its historic location becoming an integral part of the narrative, Dahaan – The Evil Within aims to offer audiences not just a horror film, but a cinematic experience rooted in Odisha’s architectural and cultural heritage.