Applause Entertainment Backs High-Concept Film; Production Kicks Off in 2026 After Ranveer Singh Wraps ‘Don 3’
Bollywood powerhouse Ranveer Singh is set to delve into the thrilling and relatively unexplored genre of zombie cinema with his upcoming film, tentatively titled ‘Pralay.’ The high-concept project, which translates to “cataclysm” or “apocalypse,” is reportedly a post-apocalyptic thriller that promises to deliver a fresh and intense cinematic experience to Indian audiences.
The film will see Singh collaborating with director Jai Mehta, known for his work on critically acclaimed web series like Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story and Lootere. Applause Entertainment is producing the venture, injecting significant institutional backing into this ambitious, genre-bending movie. The producers are currently running the pre-production process in full swing, meticulously building the world of chaos and destruction that forms the backdrop of the film.
While the film features a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, insiders suggest that ‘Pralay’ remains primarily a deeply human and emotional story. The narrative will explore the extreme lengths a man goes to protect his family amid dangerous and desperate circumstances.
The title itself, Pralay, perfectly resonates with the film’s setting, which is described as a world devastated by an unexpected disaster that is both natural and man-made. The tone and scale of the film are reportedly drawing inspiration from critically acclaimed international survival-horror thrillers like World War Z and I Am Legend, promising a gritty, action-packed, yet emotionally resonant plot.
Ranveer Singh, celebrated for his versatile and immersive performances, is reportedly highly enthusiastic about the script. He is actively engaging in detailed discussions with director Jai Mehta and the writing team to shape the character and narrative, ensuring the film delivers both high-octane spectacle and compelling personal drama.
The ambitious scope and world-building required for ‘Pralay’ necessitate a prolonged and meticulous pre-production phase. The producers have confirmed a clear timeline for the principal photography.
Ranveer Singh will only commence shooting for the zombie thriller in the second half of 2026. This schedule directly follows the completion of his current major commitment, the much-anticipated action franchise instalment, ‘Don 3‘, co-stars Kriti Sanon.
By strategically planning the shoot for the latter half of 2026, the filmmakers ensure they have sufficient time to perfect the complex visual effects, prosthetics, and production design required to construct a believable and terrifying post-apocalyptic universe. This move underscores the producers’ commitment to delivering a high-quality product that meets international standards for the genre.
Ranveer Singh’s choice to headline a zombie film represents a bold departure for a mainstream Bollywood star and signals a growing trend toward experimental, high-concept cinema in India. While Indian cinema has produced a few cult favourites in the horror-comedy zombie space (like Go Goa Gone), ‘Pralay’ marks one of the first major attempts by an A-list star to tackle a serious, large-scale post-apocalyptic thriller.
The production house is reportedly also in the hunt for a top-tier A-list actress to star opposite Singh, further cementing the scale and commercial ambition of the project. As pre-production ramps up, ‘Pralay’ is quickly positioning itself as one of the most exciting and unconventional projects on Bollywood’s future slate, promising to push the boundaries of what Indian audiences expect from a mainstream blockbuster.
