Ritwik Bhowmik, the actor who captured the hearts of millions with his soulful performance as Radhe in the popular web series Bandish Bandits, is set to make his grand Bollywood debut. The actor will headline a unique, genre-bending film titled ‘Abhootpurva,’ which is being described as a “Rom-Hor-Com,” a distinct blend of romance, horror, and comedy. The official announcement was made by the film’s producers on Saturday, generating significant buzz for what promises to be one of the most unconventional films of the year.
This debut marks a significant leap for Bhowmik, who has garnered a strong following for his work in the digital space. After his breakout role in Bandish Bandits in 2020, he has appeared in several acclaimed projects, but Abhootpurva will be his first time leading a theatrical feature film. The film’s unconventional genre and ambitious scale make it an exciting launchpad for the talented star.
The film is set to transport audiences back in time, with its narrative unfolding against the vibrant backdrop of Agra in the 1990s. On their social media, they shared a captivating note that hints at the film’s unique premise: “Ek aisi mohabbat ki daastaan, jo na kabhi kahi gayi, na kabhi suni gayi—’Abhootpurva’ (unprecedented).”
The script is designed to explore themes of unrequited and sacrificial love, all while maintaining a playful, humorous tone.
The makers have announced that Ritwik Bhowmik will headline the film, supported by a strong ensemble cast. The cast will reportedly feature seven acclaimed actors and a female lead, whose names will be officially announced in the coming weeks. This strategic move to build an ensemble around the main star suggests a character-driven narrative with multiple layers.
Khyati Madaan is producing the film under her home banner, Not Out Entertainment. The production team is scheduled to begin rolling cameras in November 2025. This tight timeline indicates a well-planned and highly efficient pre-production phase, signalling the team’s confidence in their script and vision. Madaan, a seasoned film executive with over a decade of experience, launched her production house this year with the goal of creating genre-defining films, and Abhootpurva fits perfectly into that mission.
The announcement of Abhootpurva marks the second major reveal from Not Out Entertainment this year, showcasing the production house’s ambitious and genre-focused slate. Earlier this week, the banner announced its collaboration with actor Ahan Shetty for an upcoming horror feature. Described as “India’s first horror feature inspired by a national tragedy,” that film will be written by Patrick Graham, the creator of acclaimed horror series like Ghoul and Betaal.
This dual focus on unique horror narratives—one a lighthearted Rom-Hor-Com and the other a serious, fact-based horror—positions Not Out Entertainment as a key player in the industry, dedicated to pushing creative boundaries. With both films set to go on floors within months of each other, the production house is poised to deliver a strong impact on the cinematic landscape of 2026.
