Mumbai: Balaji Motion Pictures has officially announced Ragini 3, the latest instalment in its popular horror franchise, positioning it as a stylised “date-night horror” packed with thrills, humour and suspense. The film will be headlined by Tamannaah Bhatia and Junaid Khan, with direction by noted filmmaker Shashanka Ghosh.
The announcement confirms months of speculation around the next chapter in the Ragini horror universe. The makers describe the film as a genre blend that combines scares with relationship drama and dark comedy, designed specifically as a theatrical “date-night” entertainer aimed at younger audiences.
New creative team for the franchise
With Ragini 3, the franchise takes a new creative turn by bringing in Shashanka Ghosh as director, while Sahir Raza continues as the creative force shaping the project’s story and treatment. The studio says the collaboration is expected to significantly elevate the film’s scale, visual design and storytelling approach.
Ghosh is known for directing urban relationship dramas and edgy thrillers, and his entry into the horror space is being seen as a deliberate attempt to refresh the franchise tone. He has previously collaborated with Balaji on projects such as Veere Di Wedding and Freddy, both of which earned strong audience attention on release.
According to the production house, the new film will not simply repeat earlier horror formulas but will aim for a more contemporary, stylised and character-driven narrative. The makers say the script focuses on emotional tension and psychological fear alongside supernatural elements.
Tamannaah Bhatia leads the horror drama
Tamannaah Bhatia has been confirmed as the central face of the film, with the studio stating she was the “one and only choice” for the lead role. Known for working across Hindi, Telugu and Tamil cinema, she brings both commercial appeal and performance range, which the makers believe is crucial for a horror film that also demands emotional depth.
Her recent work across theatrical releases and streaming projects has expanded her audience base, and Ragini 3 is expected to position her in a darker, more intense role compared to her recent mainstream outings. The character is said to combine glamour with psychological complexity, though specific plot details are being kept under wraps.
Industry observers note that female-led horror films have seen renewed interest in recent years, especially when combined with strong production values and franchise recall.
Fresh on-screen pairing with Junaid Khan
Joining Tamannaah is Junaid Khan, who is steadily building a reputation for choosing unconventional roles. His casting creates a fresh on-screen pairing that the studio is promoting as one of the film’s key attractions.
Sources associated with the project say his character will not be a standard romantic lead but will have layered motivations that tie directly into the horror arc. The makers are aiming to avoid predictable tropes and instead build relationship tension that feeds into the suspense.
The pairing is expected to play a major role in marketing the film as a “date-night horror” — a genre positioning that blends romance, fear and humour to widen audience appeal beyond core horror fans.
Production backing and franchise expectations
The film is being produced under Balaji Telefilms’ film division, with producer Ekta Kapoor backing the project. Balaji has a long track record in the horror and supernatural genre across both television and cinema, and the Ragini brand in particular has delivered strong recall value among viewers.
The studio has indicated that Ragini 3 will be mounted on a larger budget than earlier entries, with upgraded visual effects, set design and sound treatment to enhance the theatrical scare factor. Casting for supporting roles and the final shooting schedule are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
With a recognised horror brand, a new director, and a fresh lead pairing, Ragini 3 is being positioned as a major genre release. By blending romance, humour and supernatural thrills, Balaji Motion Pictures is aiming to reinvent its horror formula for a new generation of moviegoers. If execution matches the ambition, the film could emerge as one of the most talked-about horror entertainers of its release year.
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