For filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, the arrival of ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the past’ in cinemas is much more than just another release. The horror film, which recently hit theatres amid stiff competition, has managed to attract audiences and emerge as a surprise performer during its opening weekend. Behind that success, however, lies a difficult journey filled with financial setbacks, legal troubles and personal hardships.Reflecting on the film’s turbulent road to release, Bhatt shared an emotional note on social media, revealing the challenges that nearly derailed the project.
Vikram Bhatt’s dream project that faced early setbacks
Sharing a photograph carrying the phrase “From hunted to haunted,” the filmmaker recounted how the film began on an optimistic note following the success of ‘1920: Horrors of the Heart’. “Two and a half years ago, Haunted: Echoes of the Past began as just another film. Born of the success of ‘1920: Horrors of the Heart’, and like every new film, it was built on hope, excitement, and the belief that the road ahead would be easier.”The optimism did not last long. According to Bhatt, funding issues surfaced barely ten days into production, forcing the team to look for alternative ways to keep the project alive.“Ten days into the shoot, money ran out. Most films would have died here. Not this one. We borrowed money on interest, negotiated with vendors, and somehow kept the cameras rolling. Every day felt like a balancing act – keeping the film alive and keeping the wolves from the door.”
Vikram Bhatt on facing one challenge after another
Even after overcoming the initial financial hurdles, the film’s journey remained far from smooth. Bhatt revealed that production issues were followed by complications in post-production and visual effects work. “Just when things seemed to stabilize, production challenges arrived. Then post-production challenges. Then VFX challenges. Every problem that could have appeared seemed determined to find its way to us.” As the team worked through these obstacles, an even bigger crisis emerged that brought the project to a complete standstill.In one of the most personal revelations of his note, Bhatt spoke about being jailed alongside his wife over allegations he continues to dispute. “And then life delivered its hardest blow. My wife and I were arrested on allegations that I maintain were false. I spent 75 days in prison while Haunted sat unfinished.”The filmmaker explained that while he was behind bars, the film remained incomplete and financial liabilities continued to mount. At one point, he even suggested that the film should move forward without him.“I made a phone call and suggested that the film be released without me. The answer that came back from Mr. Anand Pandit has stayed with me ever since. ‘No Vikram Bhatt, no film release.’” After returning to Mumbai, Bhatt discovered that work on the project had largely stopped. Determined to finish what they had started, he and his team pushed through exhausting schedules to complete the film.“When I returned to Mumbai, I discovered that the post-production had stalled. Together with people who refused to abandon the project, we worked eighteen and twenty-hour days, doing whatever was necessary to bring the film to completion.” Even then, the project’s troubles were not over.
Legal hurdles before release of ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the past’
According to the filmmaker, a legal challenge surfaced just as the film approached its release date, creating uncertainty about whether it would even make it to theatres.“Just when the finish line appeared a legal challenge threatened to stop the release of the film. Two days before release, nobody knew whether Haunted would actually make it into theatres.”He added that distributors and exhibitors were anxious as years of effort seemed at risk.“Then the film was cleared. Even then, due to the uncertainty surrounding the court order, the showcasing remained limited. The release entered theatres wounded.”Despite the obstacles, Bhatt said the audience response transformed what appeared to be a doomed release into a deeply satisfying experience. “By every conventional yardstick, it should have struggled. Instead, something extraordinary happened. The audience arrived.” Summing up his emotions, he wrote, “In the end, all I wanted was for the world to meet Haunted. And when it finally did, That was enough. That was everything.”
Box office performance of ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the past’
The encouraging word-of-mouth has translated into box-office numbers as well. Reports suggest that ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the past’ has outperformed releases such as ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ and ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’. As reported by Hindustan Times, trade estimates indicate the horror drama has collected approximately Rs 11 crore in its first four days in theatres.The film follows Dev, played by Mimoh Chakraborty, a successful filmmaker who suddenly disappears to Nainital without informing anyone. Accompanied by a friend, he arrives at an eerie palace where he becomes entangled in a chilling mystery involving a haunted mansion, a tragic past, reincarnation and a restless spirit, setting the stage for a supernatural thriller that blends horror with emotional drama.
