Vikram Bhatt Says Hollywood Horror Obsession Reminded Him of Raaz: ‘I Laughed and Thought, This Is Raaz’

Mumbai: Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has shared an interesting anecdote about watching the Hollywood horror film Obsession, revealing that the movie reminded him of his own 2002 blockbuster Raaz.

Speaking during a recent interaction, Bhatt said he was surprised by the similarities he perceived while watching the film and found himself drawing comparisons with Raaz, one of the most successful horror films in Hindi cinema.

“I laughed and thought, ‘This is Raaz,’” Bhatt recalled, describing his reaction to scenes that felt familiar to him.

A Landmark Film in Bollywood Horror

Released in 2002, Raaz became a major commercial success and is widely regarded as one of the films that revived mainstream horror in Bollywood. Starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea, the film blended supernatural elements with romance and psychological drama, resonating strongly with audiences.

The movie's atmospheric storytelling, memorable soundtrack and suspense-filled narrative helped it become a defining title of the early 2000s.

Over the years, Raaz has acquired cult status among horror fans and spawned a successful franchise, cementing Bhatt's reputation as one of Bollywood's leading horror filmmakers.

Similarities That Caught Bhatt's Attention

While Bhatt did not suggest that Obsession was directly inspired by Raaz, he noted that certain narrative elements and horror tropes reminded him of his film.

The filmmaker's comments have sparked discussion among cinema enthusiasts, with some fans revisiting Raaz and comparing its themes with those commonly found in international horror productions.

Horror as a genre often relies on recurring motifs such as haunted relationships, supernatural forces, psychological tension and emotional trauma. As a result, similarities between films from different countries are not uncommon.

Legacy of Raaz

More than two decades after its release, Raaz continues to be remembered as one of the most influential horror films in Hindi cinema.

The film helped establish a commercially viable space for horror within the mainstream industry at a time when the genre was largely considered niche. Its success encouraged filmmakers to experiment further with supernatural storytelling and paved the way for several horror franchises.

Bhatt has frequently reflected on the enduring popularity of Raaz, acknowledging the affection audiences continue to have for the film.

Fans React to the Comparison

Bhatt's remarks quickly drew attention online, with fans of Raaz expressing amusement at his reaction.

Several social media users praised the filmmaker's candidness and noted that the comparison underscored the lasting impact of the 2002 hit. Others pointed out that the observation highlights how certain storytelling ideas transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

As discussions continue, Bhatt's comments have once again brought Raaz back into the spotlight, reminding audiences of the film's enduring place in the history of Indian horror cinema.