The Bells Gets Feature Upgrade: Mike Macari & Virat Pal Team Up for Ritual Horror

 Virat Pal and Mike Macari unveil The Bells, the feature-length evolution of Pal’s viral short.

Fresh off critical acclaim for his short horror hits, director and writer Virat Pal is expanding his viral sensation into a full-scale feature film. According to Deadline, genre veteran Mike Macari (notable for executive producing The Ring and its sequel) is officially producing Pal’s next project, titled The Bells — a supernatural thriller that promises to meld the unnerving spirit of The Ring with modern psychological dread. 

From Ritual Short to Feature Fright

Originally a seven-minute short film, The Bells drew widespread attention for its minimalist horror vision and jump-deep atmosphere. Now, Macari and Pal are giving it the feature-length treatment, with Macari bringing his blockbuster horror experience to steer the production. 

The story centers on a cursed phenomenon: victims begin hearing mysterious bells that herald something far more existential than mere death. While full plot details are still under wraps, Deadline notes the film is being crafted to evoke the eerie dread of The Ring and Smile with a fresh voice and international scope. 

Why This One Matters

• Producer pedigree: With Macari on board, The Bells receives immediate genre gravitas and potential reach beyond typical indie horror.

• Short-to-feature trend: Pal’s leap from viral short to full-length film showcases a growing model where potent, compact concepts gain traction before expansion.

• Creative ambition: The embrace of minimalist horror tools (ritual bells, psychological unraveling) suggests the film will rely less on CGI scares and more on dread and suggestion — something Macari emphasized in past films.

Looking Ahead

Production has yet to reveal casting, locations, or release plans, but given the pairing of Pal’s rising directorial voice and Macari’s genre infrastructure, The Bells is shaping up to be a key horror title to watch. Expect festival announcements and first footage in 2026.

Closing Thoughts

If you were a fan of Pal’s original short, or you dig horror that creeps under your skin rather than overtly shocks you, The Bells is one to keep on your radar. Between Macari’s expertise and Pal’s unique tonal vision, this feature has the potential to be both artistically distinct and commercially viable.