Ritwik Bhowmik Makes Big Screen Debut with Bollywood Horror-Comedy 'Abhootpurva

Ritwik Bhowmik's Big Leap: From Streaming to Silver Screen with 'Abhootpurva' Imagine a film that weaves together the perfect blend of romance, comedy, and horror, set against the majestic backdrop of India's most iconic monument – the Taj Mahal. Sounds like a recipe for cinematic magic? Welcome to "Aabhoorpurva", the maiden theatrical outing of Bandish Bandits star Ritwik Bhowmik. As I sat down with Ritwik in an exclusive conversation, he couldn't contain his excitement about this new chapter in his career. "I've always wanted to make a film that's a little bit of everything – romance, comedy, and horror," he revealed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And what better way to do it than set against the stunning backdrop of Agra?" The story unfolds in the 1990s, a time when the Taj Mahal was still a relatively new wonder of the world, and its charm had yet to be fully explored on screen. Producer Khyati Madaan's vision for "Aabhoorpurva" is to capture the era's essence while incorporating the famous monument as more than mere scenery – it functions as an integral part of the lead characters' romantic journey. Ritwik, who rose to fame with his role in Amazon Prime Video's musical drama Bandish Bandits, is thrilled to be making the jump from streaming to cinemas. "It's a dream come true," he exclaimed. "I've always wanted to make a film that would resonate with audiences on the big screen." The film's period-appropriate musical elements will help establish the nostalgic atmosphere, transporting viewers back to an era of innocence and wonder. As Ritwik put it, "We want to take our audience on a journey through time, to experience the magic of Agra in the 1990s." But what makes "Aabhoorpurva" truly special is its unique blend of genres. Horror-comedies are a rare breed in Bollywood, and Khyati Madaan's Not Out Entertainment is taking a bold step by experimenting with this genre-hybrid project. "We're pushing the boundaries of storytelling," said Khyati, who is also producing the film alongside Sumit Kumar Mishra. "We want to create something that will leave audiences laughing, crying, and screaming – all at the same time!" With lensing set to commence in November, the anticipation is building up for this exciting new project. As Ritwik Bhowmik takes his first step into the world of theatrical films, we can't wait to see what he has in store for us. Will "Aabhoorpurva" be the game-changer that Bollywood needs? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – this horror-comedy is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of cinema! *Based on reporting by Variety.*