Director Vikram Bhatt is returning to the supernatural horror universe with 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth instalment in the popular 1920 franchise. The film's cast reveal and muhurat ceremony recently took place in Mumbai, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the horror series. Featuring Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh in the lead roles, the upcoming film brings together a fresh pairing and introduces both actors to the horror genre. At the launch event, Vikram opened up about working with actors who are relatively new to horror, the challenges of filmmaking today and why he believes his upcoming film should appeal to audiences across generations.
Talking about horror, possession and working with a cast that has limited experience in the genre, Vikram Bhatt shared an interesting perspective on actors and their creative instincts. He said, “Look, stars tend to be a bit 'possessed'—don't they? And I give them the space to let that possession take over even more. But honestly, I have no idea what kind of 'factory' this current generation comes from; they arrive completely prepared! I hardly have to do any extra work—they just 'get' everything on their own—the nuances of the script, the depth of their characters. Sure, I do worry about whether I'll be able to tell my story effectively, but I never have to worry about the actors themselves. In fact, they are a huge support to the director.” His remarks reflect his confidence in the new generation of performers and their ability to understand complex characters without extensive guidance.
Vikram also addressed the question of whether 1920: Cold Winter would connect with Gen Z audiences, admitting that he does not believe in designing films exclusively for a particular generation. He explained, “As for what kind of horror appeals to Gen Z—well, I'll be honest, I'm a bit puzzled by this whole 'Gen Z' thing. What are they actually like? What kind of horror do they even enjoy? Usually, horror relies on either sudden, jarring sound effects or a slow, creeping build-up with background music—that's pretty much it, right? But there are other ways to tell a story. That said, I don't believe in making films specifically for Gen Z. I want my film to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages—not just Gen Z. After all, it's not like Gen Z are the only ones who get to live and experience things; everyone else does too. So, while we'll see how Gen Z responds, 1920 is a unique film in its own right. It's a period horror film, set in the year 1920. I believe it's something that people of all ages will enjoy.” The director's comments suggest that atmosphere, storytelling and character development remain central to his approach to supernatural cinema.
Ahan Shetty and Anya Singh will headline 1920: Cold Winter, marking a reunion after their appearance together in the war drama Border 2. Their casting introduces a new on-screen pairing to the established horror franchise, while also giving both performers an opportunity to explore a genre that demands a different kind of emotional and physical performance. The Mumbai launch was attended by Vikram Bhatt, Ahan Shetty, Anya Singh, Larissa Bonesi and veteran producer Anand Pandit. Composer Himesh Reshammiya has also joined the project to create its music, an important element in a horror film where sound and atmosphere can significantly shape the audience's experience.
Producer Anand Pandit emphasised at the launch that 1920: Cold Winter is an original film, with the intention of moving beyond conventional horror tropes. The project also arrives at a time when filmmakers are increasingly challenged to find fresh ways to engage audiences in a crowded entertainment landscape. Vikram Bhatt has acknowledged the changing pressures of filmmaking, highlighting the importance of storytelling and performance rather than relying solely on star power. His confidence in the cast suggests that he sees the actors as creative partners who can help bring the film's supernatural world to life.
With its period setting, new lead pairing and promise of a distinctive horror experience, 1920: Cold Winter aims to offer something different while remaining connected to the legacy of the 1920 franchise. Vikram Bhatt's candid comments about Gen Z, the changing nature of acting and his desire to entertain viewers of all ages have added another layer of interest to the project. Whether the film succeeds in delivering a fresh take on possession and supernatural horror will become clearer as more details emerge. For now, the director appears focused on telling a compelling story rather than chasing a particular audience demographic, hoping that fear, suspense and strong performances will bring horror fans of different generations together.