Bangkok-based horror distribution and production studio Fearfolks will begin operations in India, the American Film Market (AFM) has revealed.
The third installment of Thailand’s hit horror series Death Whisperer marks the company’s first release in the subcontinent’s burgeoning genre market.
The move represents a strategic expansion for FearFolks and its majority shareholder Benetone Film Group, capitalizing on the growing demand for genre productions in India and the series’ proven track record across Southeast Asia.
“FearFolks India is one of many milestones in the coming years as we expand into various markets,” said Hans Audric Estialbo, CEO of FearFolks. “India is a perfect extension for us as the horror genre in the country is experiencing a major resurgence and significant growth due to evolving audience preferences, improving production quality and the successful fusion of horror with other genres such as action and comedy.”
The Death Whisperer series has emerged as a commercial blockbuster in Thailand. The 2023 original grossed $15.2 million locally, but last year’s sequel soared to $24.7 million, making it the highest-grossing Thai film in history and cementing the series as one of Southeast Asia’s most successful horror productions.
The latest film, directed by Narit Yuvaboon, who produced the first two films, has so far grossed about $13.6 million in Thailand. The film returns Nadek Kugimiya to the lead role, as his character embarks on a mission to rescue his youngest sister from a mysterious cult operating in a cursed village.
Rachivin Narita, executive director of Fearfolks, pointed to the evolution of Indian horror films as a key element of the expansion strategy. “The variety of Indian horror films has expanded significantly from its early low-budget, formulaic productions to include diverse subgenres rooted in rich folklore and contemporary social themes,” he said.
The Indian release is in line with the broader ambitions of Benetone Film Group, which sees the distribution push as part of its evolution into a vertically integrated global production and distribution entity.
“Benetone Film’s expansion into sales and distribution through FearFolks, coupled with our established presence in India, affirms our role as a global full-service production powerhouse, seamlessly bridging creative vision and international distribution capabilities,” said Kurtep Narula, Chief Operating Officer of Benetone Film.
