Anupam Patnaik’s Dream Horror Film ‘Dahaan – The Evil Within’ to Hit Theatres Worldwide on September 11
Director Anupam Patnaik says the film is a lifelong dream inspired by his love for horror, with the journey beginning in 2013 through Horror Zone.
Bhubaneswar: Filmmaker Anupam Patnaik has officially announced that his much-awaited horror film Dahaan – The Evil Within will release in cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026, marking the fulfilment of a dream he has nurtured for more than a decade.
Sharing the announcement on social media, Anupam revealed that horror has always been an inseparable part of his life. He recalled growing up watching horror films with his father, an experience that sparked his lifelong fascination with the genre.
“My journey as a filmmaker began with horror. Back in 2013, my very first directorial work was Horror Zone for Tarang TV. Ever since then, I’ve dreamt of bringing a horror film to the big screen,” he wrote.
The director also disclosed that Dahaan – The Evil Within was originally slated for release in 2023. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by other filmmaking commitments and releases, delayed the project. Calling the film his “labour of love” and his “Jigar ka Tukda”, Anupam invited audiences to experience the film together in theatres, saying, “See you in the theatres. Let’s get scared together.”
Written and directed by Anupam Patnaik, Dahaan – The Evil Within is jointly produced by Anupam Patnaik and Barsha Patnaik.
A passionate admirer of horror cinema, Anupam has described Dahaan as an emotionally layered supernatural thriller that delves into the depths of fear while exploring complex family relationships.
Unlike his recent horror-comedy Mantra Muugdha, the upcoming film promises a darker, more intense horror experience.
The film features Barsha Patnaik, Aurosikha Mishra, Partha Sarathi Ray, Sijan Mahapatra and Nishant Majithia, Prasanjeet Mohapatra,Navya Jaiti, Choudhury Jay Prakash Das and Pranab Rath and others.
Music composer Ashish Pradhan and his team have created a haunting background score, while Shakti Swaroop Dwibedy has handled the sound design and Tukna Chandra Sekhar Sharma has taken charge of sync sound. Editing has been done by Rashmi Ranjan Dash, known for his work on Gangs of Puri, Falguna Chaitra.
The film’s cinematography has been handled by Deepak Kumar, with the makers promising immersive visuals that complement its chilling atmosphere.
With its worldwide theatrical release locked for September 11, 2026, Dahaan – The Evil Within is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Odia films of the year, as Anupam Patnaik finally brings his long-cherished horror vision to the big screen.