Monika Panwar talks about exploring psychological horror in Prime Video’s Khauf; says, “It’s like tapping into a broad spectrum of emotions” : Bollywood News

Prime Video’s latest psychological horror series Khauf has made its chilling debut, taking viewers into the unsettling corridors of a haunted girls’ hostel. Led by Monika Panwar in the role of Madhu, the show dives deep into themes of trauma, fear, and the supernatural, offering a fresh take on the horror genre.

Monika Panwar talks about exploring psychological horror in Prime Video’s Khauf; says, “It’s like tapping into a broad spectrum of emotions”

For Monika Panwar, Khauf provided the opportunity to explore horror from a psychological lens. Reflecting on her experience preparing for the role of Madhu, she shared, “I love watching horror films, and when we were shooting for this one, I was totally dependent on world cinema and how they have explored the horror genre. My character, Madhu, goes through a lot – it isn’t just about confronting the supernatural, but about battling her past traumas and fighting them again and again. In terms of preparation, I had to live and feel that psychological state, understanding what the director and creator envisioned. It was also about exploring nuanced expressions – how your body would move when possessed.”

Madhu’s character is not only at the centre of the series’ supernatural events but also serves as a symbol of unresolved emotional pain. The role required Panwar to tap into multiple emotional states simultaneously - ranging from anxiety and fear to strength and vulnerability. Discussing the unique demands of working within the horror genre, she added, “For an actor, when it comes to horror, it's like tapping into a broad spectrum of emotions. You’re not just dealing with human emotion but also that invisible, almost maddening evil force. It’s the extreme of power you have to uncover, and that aspect was quite riveting for me.”

Created by showrunner Smita Singh, and executive-produced by Sanjay Routray and Sarita Patil under the Matchbox Shots banner, Khauf brings together a gripping narrative, a haunting setting, and a strong ensemble cast that includes Rajat Kapoor, Abhishek Chauhan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Shilpa Shukla. The series is directed by Pankaj Kumar and Surya Balakrishnan.

With its immersive storytelling and layered characters, Khauf adds to the growing library of genre content on Prime Video. The series is now available for streaming in India and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

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