In a bold and exciting move, Bollywood veteran Sanjay Dutt is stepping into the world of horror comedy with his newest venture, “The Virgin Tree.” Known for his versatile career that spans over four decades and includes genres like action, drama, romance, and comedy, Dutt is now ready to tackle the one genre that has been conspicuously absent from his extensive filmography: horror comedy. The film, which is also his next co-production, is being geared up for an August release.
Dutt, recently popular for his antagonist roles in various South Indian films, will be switching roles once again. This time, he will portray a ghostbuster, adding a unique twist to his already diverse portfolio. According to the film’s producer, Deepak Mukut, “The Virgin Tree” isn’t just a horror-comedy but also a musical. “The genre of horror is doing very well today,” Mukut remarks. “Sanjay plays a ghostbuster in the movie, and his character employs an array of gadgets to hunt down spirits. The storyline revolves around a mysterious tree imbued with supernatural forces.”
Debutant director Sidhaant Sachdev is set to make his mark with this film. With renowned actors Mouni Roy and Palak Tiwari also starring, “The Virgin Tree” promises to be an intriguing amalgamation of fresh talent and seasoned actors. Mukut shares an interesting backstory. “A few years ago, when I approached Sanju for a music video, he narrated the story of ‘The Virgin Tree’ to me and asked whether we could collaborate on it. We then finalized the script, cast, and director.”
Notably, Sidhaant Sachdev has worked as an associate to Vikram Bhatt, a maestro in the horror genre, ensuring that the film will be grounded in well-crafted horror elements. Meanwhile, Dutt’s involvement in the project has been integral from the start. His passion for the story led to the collaboration with Mukut, thus planting the seeds of what could be a groundbreaking horror comedy in Bollywood.
The film’s working title, “The Virgin Tree,” has an interesting etymology rooted in wordplay. As Mukut elaborates, “‘Vir’ refers to ‘vardaan,’ which means blessing in Hindi, and ‘gin’ is a playful take on ‘djinn’—a supernatural entity.
. So, it’s actually ‘The Var-djinn Tree.’ However, we are contemplating changing the English title to something more mass-appealing.”
The development of “The Virgin Tree” has a story as engaging as its plot. News of the project first emerged in late 2022, instantly capturing the imagination of audiences and critics alike. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited further details. Now, with the August release date set, expectations are hitting a crescendo.
The film’s promotional strategy aims to capitalize on Dutt’s star power and the intriguing premise. Hints and teasers indicate that the film will blend horror and comedy with musical elements, offering a fresh viewing experience. The storyline focuses on Dutt’s character, a ghostbuster who navigates through the challenges of supernatural forces armed with his gadgets. The mysterious tree in question plays a central role, acting as a nexus for the film’s horror elements.
While Dutt is no stranger to playing roles that require a larger-than-life presence, “The Virgin Tree” promises to bring out a different facet of his acting prowess. With an array of gadgets, a penchant for humor, and supernatural showdowns, this role is unlike any he has played before. Dutt’s dedication to the craft and his knack for embodying diverse characters will undoubtedly lend credibility and gravitas to the role.
As the film gears up for its release, audiences can look forward to a unique blend of thrills, laughs, and musical numbers. “The Virgin Tree,” with its clever wordplay and innovative premise, could very well redefine Bollywood’s approach to horror comedies. Whether it’s the juxtaposition of humor and horror or the unique visual elements brought in by Dutt’s gadget-wielding ghostbuster, the film is positioned as a must-watch for the latter half of 2023.
With the successful wraps of production and an exciting cast and crew lineup, “The Virgin Tree” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. As the release date approaches, both fans of Sanjay Dutt and lovers of innovative cinema are eagerly waiting to see how this horror-comedy unfolds on the big screen.
