Aditya Sarpotdar to direct RSVP’s Kakuda, starring Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem

Aditya Sarpotdar has been announced as the director of RSVP’s latest, Kakuda (2022), starring Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem.

Filming for the horror comedy, which will be released on a digital platform, begins today in Gujarat.

Kakuda, which is written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg, revolves around a legend of a strange curse in a village stuck in time.

According to a press release, “The eclectic trio are confronted with a challenging ghost who makes them question superstition, tradition and even love in a roller-coaster ride filled with fear and fun”.

The horror comedy was originally developed by associate producer Salona Bains Joshi. However, this isn’t the only upcoming film to deal with ghostbusters. The Disney+ Hotstar film Bhoot Police (2021), starring Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam, is also a horror comedy along similar lines.

Director Aditya Sarpotdar, who is also awaiting the release of the Marathi zombie comedy Zombivli, said he was excited to collaborate with Ronnie Screwvala on this latest feature.

“We are treating the film like nothing short of a big-scale commercial movie," the director said. "The casting was just perfect and the story will have you both at the edge of your seat and in splits.”

Female lead Sonakshi Sinha added, “Considering the current situation, a comedy film is truly the need of the hour. I loved the script of Kakuda from the moment I read it. It’s the kind of movie I would enjoy watching.”

Riteish Deshmukh, who has previously worked with Sarpotdar in Mauli (2018), where he had a double role, was eager to begin work. “I can’t wait to jump right in and work on the film with Sonakshi and Saqib.” he exclaimed. “I personally love the horror-comedy genre and Kakuda is a great opportunity for me to explore the part of a ghostbuster.”

Saqib Saleem, who plays Mohinder Amarnath in Kabir Khan’s long-awaited 83, said, “A great script, a gifted director, a supportive producer and supremely talented co-stars. What more can one ask for in a film? Kakuda is going to be a fun ride.”

Produced Screwvala said, “With a clear focus on home-grown ideas and development, I am excited to announce our horror comedy Kakuda. With a solid script, an extremely talented cast and driven director, we hope to push the boundary within the genre.”

RSVP, founded by Screwvala, has a number of projects, including Rashmi Rocket, Tejas, Pippa and Mission Majnu, in different stages of production.

The direct-to-digital film is due to be released early next year and will be filmed in various parts of Gujarat.