‘NUMINOUS’ Wraps Production as Indian Paranormal Horror Heads to American Film Market
Indian Paranormal Horror ‘NUMINOUS’ Wraps Production as Fearfolks Prepares First Look for American Film Market
Indian supernatural horror continues its international expansion with NUMINOUS, an upcoming Hindi and English-language paranormal thriller that has officially completed principal photography. Bangkok-based distribution company Fearfolks is preparing to introduce the film's first look to international buyers at the American Film Market (AFM), ahead of a planned late 2027 release.
First reported by Variety, NUMINOUS is directed by and stars Jay Alani, an Indian paranormal investigator, author and filmmaker whose real-world investigations serve as the foundation for the project. The film is adapted from one of Alani's documented case files, combining elements of investigative crime drama with supernatural horror.
The story begins in a remote area of Himachal Pradesh, India, where police arrive at a property and discover a gutted structure containing a body positioned upright inside. Although authorities reach an official conclusion about the incident, the victim's family disputes their findings and seeks the assistance of a paranormal investigator.
What initially appears to be an investigation into a suspicious death gradually develops into something beyond the boundaries of conventional criminal inquiry.
The premise places NUMINOUS within the tradition of supernatural investigative horror, with its central mystery drawing from Alani's professional experiences examining alleged paranormal activity.
Alani, whose work has frequently been compared to that of American paranormal investigator Ed Warren, has developed a substantial following through documented investigations, podcasts, public appearances and published books. His writing includes HAUNTED, THE PARANORMAL BOY and THE HAUNTED DOORWAY, while his investigative case files have attracted millions of views across digital platforms.
His involvement as both director and lead actor gives NUMINOUS a direct connection to the investigative material that inspired its screenplay.
Discussing his intentions for the film, Alani said he wants audiences to experience the sensation of becoming involved in an investigation that extends beyond their understanding.
"I'm most looking forward to making the audience feel like they've stepped into an investigation they shouldn't be part of," Alani told Variety.
The film also stars Gaurav K. Sharma, whose credits include GANGS OF WASSEYPUR and MADRAS CAFE, alongside Mihir Rajda of FAMILY KIRANA STORE.
Additional casting and character details have not yet been disclosed.
Fearfolks CEO Hans Audric Estialbo expressed confidence in Alani's approach to the material, describing the filmmaker's interpretation of horror as fearless and emphasizing the project's potential to reach younger audiences across India and international markets.
The company's involvement comes during a period of significant commercial growth for Indian horror cinema.
Recent genre successes include STREE 2, which generated approximately $91 million worldwide, and BHOOL BHULAIYAA 3, which surpassed $44.9 million globally. The supernatural thriller SHAITAAN also earned approximately $22.7 million, reinforcing the commercial viability of paranormal storytelling within the Indian theatrical market.
Beyond box office performance, Indian horror has gained additional international recognition through festival programming.
The Malayalam-language folk-horror film BRAMAYUGAM screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, while SISTER MIDNIGHT premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating the range of supernatural and unconventional genre filmmaking emerging from the region.
NUMINOUS enters this expanding market with a premise grounded in paranormal investigation rather than traditional mythology or supernatural comedy.
Its isolated Himalayan setting, unexplained death and disputed police findings establish the foundation for a mystery that connects procedural storytelling with supernatural phenomena.
For Fearfolks, the project represents another addition to its international horror distribution activities.
The Bangkok-based company previously introduced Thailand's commercially successful DEATH WHISPERER franchise to Indian audiences and has also handled distribution of A24's MOTHER MARY. Its upcoming Thai distribution slate includes the Blumhouse production RIVER and NEON's ARTIFICIAL.
The company's participation in NUMINOUS reflects its continuing interest in horror productions capable of reaching audiences across multiple territories.
With principal photography completed, the film will be presented to potential international partners at AFM, where its first-look materials are expected to provide an initial glimpse of Alani's interpretation of the case that inspired the story.
The production's use of both Hindi and English may also support its accessibility across international markets as Indian genre filmmaking continues attracting attention beyond its domestic audience.
While the film's supernatural elements remain largely undisclosed, its premise suggests an investigation in which the distinction between criminal evidence and paranormal activity becomes increasingly difficult to establish.
Additional information regarding distribution arrangements, festival screenings and an exact release date has not been announced.
NUMINOUS is currently targeting a late 2027 release.
Source: Variety.
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