The Indian horror genre is set for a gritty, atmospheric shake-up. On May 20, 2026, the makers of the upcoming rural horror drama Kheti officially unveiled the film’s first-look poster, announcing a powerhouse pairing of veteran actor Jackie Shroff and powerhouse performer Sharad Kelkar.
Directed by Haris Imtiyaz Khan and produced by Sana Khan under the BlackCanvas Studio banner, the film promises to move away from conventional urban horror tropes, opting instead for a grounded, unsettling narrative deeply rooted in the Indian countryside.
The first-look poster, shared by Jackie Shroff on his social media handles with the caption, “Kheti jagne wali hai… #Kheti coming soon,” has already ignited significant curiosity among fans. The visual features a striking, eerie tone—a bald man peering intensely through dense, wet green foliage—which immediately establishes a sense of dread and secrecy.
Unlike standard Bollywood horror offerings that rely heavily on jump scares and glossy sets, Kheti leans into the “rural horror” subgenre. By utilizing a village setting that feels alive and foreboding, the film aims to build psychological tension through atmosphere, local folklore, and the weight of history.
The project brings together an ensemble cast known for their intensity and screen presence. Alongside Jackie Shroff and Sharad Kelkar, the film features Neha Sargam, who is known for her compelling performances in acclaimed television and digital projects.
Rounding out the supporting ensemble are veteran actors Virendra Saxena and Shaji Choudhary, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the film’s complex mystery. The collaboration under the BlackCanvas Studio banner highlights a focus on fresh, independent storytelling.
While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, the official synopsis positions Kheti as a story about family history, legacy, and confronting the past. The narrative reportedly follows a group of individuals who must confront long-buried secrets within a community. Director Haris Imtiyaz Khan appears to be crafting a tale where the village itself acts as a silent, threatening character. The themes of “confronting the past” and “unravelling unsettling truths” suggest that Kheti will be as much an emotional drama as it is a horror experience, focusing on the psychological impact of generational secrets.
With the first-look poster establishing a dark and grounded mood, Kheti marks an ambitious step into a space rarely explored by mainstream Indian cinema. By prioritizing an atmospheric, village-centric horror narrative, the makers of Kheti are inviting the audience to look beyond the surface of tradition and confront the secrets buried deep in the soil.
As the production team moves into the next phase of development, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this village tale can deliver the chilling, genre-defining experience that the posters promise.
