Mass Ka Das Vishwaksen ventures into dark and disturbing territory with #CULT. Apart from playing the lead role, the actor has taken on the responsibilities of story, screenplay and direction. Produced by Sandeep Kakarala under the banner of Tarak Cinemas, the film is being promoted as India’s first authentic slasher thriller, inspired by disturbing real-life incidents. With the theatrical release approaching, the makers have now unveiled its trailer, offering a glimpse into a terrifying world filled with danger, violence and unpredictable twists.
The trailer sets up a chilling premise with more than 300 people trapped inside an isolated island estate in Goa. With electric fencing surrounding the property and the main entrance rigged with RDX explosives, escaping the premises appears almost impossible. Their only chance of survival lies in participating in a series of deadly games, where every decision could have fatal consequences. Among those caught in this nightmare is DSP Sankalp Nayak, a tough police officer who must navigate the increasingly dangerous situation as the fight for survival intensifies.
While the teaser hinted at Vishwaksen portraying a character with negative shades, the trailer reveals a different dimension to his role. He plays a badass police officer with a strong aversion to drugs and his own uncompromising way of dealing with criminals. The character combines aggression, attitude and lively humour, making him a compelling presence amid the film’s dark setting. Vishwaksen delivers a power-packed performance, bringing an effortless swagger and intensity to the role.
The trailer also offers glimpses of the other important characters, played by Gayatri Bharadwaj, Tarak Ponnapa, Murali Sharma, Srikanth Iyengar and others, hinting at the ensemble that drives this high-stakes thriller.
As a writer and director, Vishwaksen appears confident in handling the unconventional premise. He builds the narrative around a series of tense situations, balancing thrilling sequences, high-voltage action and humour in the right proportions. The result is an engaging trailer that gives the film a distinct identity.
Tharun Bhascker’s dialogues add punch to the proceedings, while the production design by Arvind Mule establishes an unsettling atmosphere that suits the slasher genre. Cinematographer Aravind Viswanathan enhances the tension through his striking visuals and gripping camera work. Ravi Basrur emerges as a major strength, with his intense background score amplifying the suspense and making the sequences more impactful. Ravi Teja Girijala handles the editing, with the technical team contributing significantly to the overall effect.
With its unconventional premise, violent setup, intriguing protagonist and slick presentation, the trailer has created a strong impression and raised expectations for the film. #CULT is set to hit theatres simultaneously on October 30 in Telugu, Hindi, English, Japanese and Spanish.
Technical Crew:
Story, Screenplay & Direction: Vishwaksen
Producer: Sandeep Kakarala
Banner: Tarak Cinemas
Music Director: Ravi Basrur
Dialogues: Tharun Bhascker
Director of Photography: Aravind Viswanathan
Production Designer: Arvind Mule
Editor: Ravi Teja Girijala
Costume Designer: G Annapurna
Stunts: Karunakar, Joshua
#Cult trailer is both violent and entertaining!
Vishwak Sen is in his elements as an eccentric, unruly cop who takes on a location where a deadly game, on the lines of Squid Game, is underway.
The characterisation, dialogues and entertainment are tailor-made to play to Vishwak Sen’s strengths.
The trailer has definitely piqued my curiosity and generated solid hype!
All seated for October 30! 🔥
