‘Dahaan’ Makers Unveil Barsha Patnaik’s Character on Her Birthday
Lead actor and co-producer's portrayal of Anindita Singh Deo hailed as the emotional core of Anupam Patnaik's upcoming horror film.
Bhubaneswar: The makers of Dahaan – The Evil Within have unveiled a special glimpse of lead actor and co-producer Barsha Patnaik’s character on the occasion of her birthday, describing her performance as the emotional anchor of the upcoming Odia horror film.
Sharing the character reveal on social media, the team introduced Barsha as Anindita Singh Deo, saying her portrayal goes beyond acting. “Some characters aren’t just played; they are bled for,” the makers wrote, adding that they needed an actor who could “hold silence like a storm and strength like a sanctuary.”
According to the team, Barsha didn’t just meet that vision—she lived it.
Extending birthday wishes to the actor, the makers praised her contribution both in front of and behind the camera. “To our leading lady and co-producer: May your light continue to cut through every shadow, on screen and off. We are beyond proud to stand beside you on this journey,” the post read.
Written and directed by Anupam Patnaik, Dahaan – The Evil Within is jointly produced by Barsha Patnaik and Anupam Patnaik. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026, coinciding with Ganesh Puja.
The film features an ensemble cast including Aurosikha Mishra, Sijan Mohapatra, Partha Sarathi Ray, Choudhury JayPrakash Das, Nishant Majithia, Pranab Prasanna Rath, Navya Jaiti, Prasanjeet Mohapatra, Mohan Majithia, Debadutta Nanda and Amitabh Patra.
Dahaan marks Anupam Patnaik’s return to full-fledged horror after the success of the horror-comedy Mantra Muugdha. Described as a supernatural thriller exploring fear and complex family relationships, the film has already generated significant buzz through its teaser campaign and by becoming the first feature film to be shot at the historic Killa Dalijoda, a nearly century-old former royal hunting lodge in Odisha.
Backed by music from Ashish Pradhan, cinematography by Deepak Kumar, editing by Rashmi Ranjan Dash and sound design by Shakti Swaroop Dwibedy, Dahaan – The Evil Within promises an immersive theatrical horror experience when it arrives in cinemas on September 11.