The dynamic duo of storyteller-filmmaker Sudhanshu Rai and Director Puneet Sharma, renowned for crafting some of the most captivating horror comedies in recent times, including the critically acclaimed Chaipatti and Chintaa Mani, are poised to unleash a bigger, more thrilling cinematic experience. Leveraging their signature storytelling style, which has consistently kept audiences on the edge of their seats, Rai and Sharma have announced their latest project, BAIDA, a groundbreaking sci-fi supernatural thriller film.
Set against the rich cultural backdrop of India's Hindi heartland, BAIDA promises to deliver a unique blend of suspense, intrigue and otherworldly elements. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring talented actors such as Sourabh Raaj Jain, celebrated for his iconic role in Mahabharat, Hiten Tejwani, and Tarun Khanna, known for his memorable performances in Lust Stories 2 and Mahadev. With its release slated for early 2025, BAIDA is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the cinematic landscape.
Sharing a glimpse of what to expect this time, Sudhanshu Rai said, “Taking forward our signature story of being the king, BAIDA is a wholesome entertainer, an intriguing tale of unexpected twists, turns and some larger-than-life characters that will keep the audience glued to the screen. It was the constant encouragement from my fans and followers to convert my stories into films that prompted me to make my acting and directorial debut with Chaipatti, and with BAIDA, the universe of unheard & unimaginable stories is just set to get bigger.”
Adding to it, Puneet Sharma, BAIDA’s Director, said, “The Indian film audience is increasingly embracing stories based on out-of-the-box concepts and unique storylines. When we released Chaipatti, it was an instant hit across all platforms, including YouTube and OTTs, and later it organically crossed 1 million views, with innumerable encouraging comments asking for its sequel. The experience was similar for our subsequent releases, Detective Boomrah and Chintaa Mani. We are sure that BAIDA will be loved by the theatre audiences, who always crave for fresh and novel content.”
About Baida
The upcoming sci-fi supernatural thriller film, BAIDA, boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Manisha Rai, last seen in Detective Boomrah, and Shobhit Sujay, who delivered impactful performances in Chaipatti and Chintaa Mani. They are joined by Siddharth Banerjee, Deepak Wadhwa, Akhlaq Azad, and Pradeep Kabra in pivotal roles. Notably, the film's editor, Pratheek Shetty, is also credited with editing notable films like Kantara and 777 Charlie. BAIDA is unique in its blending of sci-fi and time travel elements with a story set in the Hindi heartland, a region typically associated with rom-coms and political dramas.
The film was primarily shot in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, capturing the region's essence and featuring the local Bhojpuri dialect. To ensure authenticity, local artisans and sculptors were also involved in the film's art department. With some portions shot in Delhi, BAIDA's narrative revolves around an assassin who embarks on a transformative journey, encountering larger-than-life characters along the way. The film's first look is eagerly anticipated, scheduled to drop in January 2025.