After ‘Peddi’ Row, Janhvi Kapoor To Be Seen In ‘Creature Horror Film’ By Rahi Anil Barve: Report

Janhvi Kapoor appears to be entering a new phase in her career, with her upcoming lineup hinting at a shift toward more experimental storytelling. Following the release of Peddi, the actor is now reportedly exploring projects that move away from her usual screen space and into a more unusual genre territory.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, Janhvi is currently in discussions for a large scale creature horror film. The project is said to be designed as a big cinematic experience with strong visual elements and a dark thematic core, marking a noticeable departure from her recent work choices.

The film is expected to be directed by Rahi Anil Barve, who gained significant attention for his cult film Tumbbad. His association with the project has already generated interest within the industry, especially given his reputation for creating atmospheric and unconventional narratives. The upcoming film is also expected to be backed by Jio Studios, adding further scale to the production.

A source close to the development shared insight into how the project is shaping up and Janhvi’s involvement in the early stage discussions. The source shares, “Janhvi Kapoor is currently reading scripts and discussing potential projects for her next feature film. She has shown keen interest in the creature horror film to be directed by Rahi Anil Barve. The prep work is already underway, and the makers are hoping to begin production later this year.”

Janhvi Kapoor is currently reading scripts and discussing potential projects for her next feature film. She has shown keen interest in the creature horror film to be directed by Rahi Anil Barve. The prep work is already underway, and the makers are hoping to begin production later this year.

- Source

If the collaboration moves forward, it is expected to demand a significant transformation for Janhvi as a performer. The genre itself requires a different kind of physical and emotional preparation, especially given the intense world building associated with creature driven horror storytelling.

The source further adds, “It’s a never-done-before role for Janhvi and one that demands extensive preparation. She is expected to sign the dotted lines soon. Once the paperwork is completed, the actress will undergo intensive acting workshops to get into the skin of the character and understand the nuances of the world being created.”

It’s a never-done-before role for Janhvi and one that demands extensive preparation. She is expected to sign the dotted lines soon. Once the paperwork is completed, the actress will undergo intensive acting workshops to get into the skin of the character and understand the nuances of the world being created

- Source

What makes this development more interesting is the creative pairing being discussed. Rahi Anil Barve’s reputation for crafting visually rich and unsettling narratives combined with Janhvi’s attempt to expand her range suggests a project that could stand out in her filmography if it materialises.

At present, the film is still in the planning and discussion stage, but the momentum around it indicates that things may move quickly once formalities are completed. If everything goes as expected, the project could begin shooting later this year, potentially opening a new chapter in Janhvi Kapoor’s career trajectory, both in terms of genre and performance depth

As for Janhvi, the actress has currently been making headlines for her film Peddi. In the weeks following its promotional rollout, Peddi has found itself at the centre of debate over how Janhvi Kapoor’s character is presented on screen. A section of viewers has raised concerns that the visual treatment of her role appears overly focused on glamour and physical framing, sparking discussions about objectification in mainstream storytelling. Critics online have also pointed to certain romantic sequences that some found uneasy in tone, questioning the balance between characterisation and spectacle. The response has reportedly prompted conversations around edits and presentation choices, with the makers said to be taking note of the feedback.