Even as cinematic universes increasingly rely on interconnected storylines and years of accumulated history, Aditya Sapotdar Believing in one simple idea is key to the horror universe’s success: each movie needs to work as a whole. The director, who is gearing up for the film Shakti Shalini, said that while the producers do have a long-term vision for the universe, the films are first and foremost made for a broad audience.
Aditya Sarpotdar on solo storytelling
Speaking to Variety India, Sarpotdar said, “At least in India, the audience that actually follows this roadmap and follows all this in detail is not even 10%. The other 90% come to see a good movie and have a good time. The idea is to cater to that 90% without disappointing the other 10%.” So we make movies not just for the 10% of the audience, they will analyze every detail.”
Aditya Sarpotdar on balancing expectations
Sarpotdar believes that managing this balance is one of the toughest creative challenges in building interconnected franchises. “When you start making something, there’s no pressure because there are no expectations. But when you make a series, you come with certain expectations because the earlier movies were successful. That’s why people keep coming back for the next one,” he explains.
Aditya Sarpotdar on reinvention in every film
With “Shakti Shalini” becoming his third film in the universe after “Munjya” and “Thama”, the filmmaker says he has to keep reinventing his work. He added, “We have to reinvent ourselves with each film while understanding what the soul of the series is. Create around that soul and create a new experience.”
“Shakti Shalini” cast and release
The cast of “Shakti Shalini” includes Anit PadaNana Patekar, Vishal Jeshwa and Seema Biswasthe film is currently expected to be released during Christmas 2026.
