A real-life paranormal investigator is involved in the horror genre. Jay Alani is the star of the new film Numinous and also directed it. The project wrapped up filming and will present its first look at the American Film Market this year. Dread Central reported that the Hindi and English-language movie has finished principal photography.
The film draws directly from Alani’s documented case files. He has spent years investigating hauntings for a living. His books, such as Haunted and The Paranormal Boy, have already reached millions of readers. Now, he brings those same files to the big screen. iHorror noted that Variety first broke the news about the wrap on production. The story follows a police response to a remote property in Himachal Pradesh where a body is found sitting upright. A family brings in an investigator to find the truth when official reports fail them.
A Hands-On Approach to Fear
Most horror movies cast actors to play investigators based on real people. The Conjuring films did this with the Ed and Lorraine Warren case files. Alani breaks that mold by playing himself. According to iHorror, the distinction lies in the investigator not being a role acted by another person. He directs the reconstruction of his own case.
Alani knows exactly what he wants the viewer to feel. “I’m most looking forward to making the audience feel like they’ve stepped into an investigation they shouldn’t be part of,” said Alani. He has built a large audience through podcasts and TEDx talks. His work has gained millions of views across various platforms. The goal is to make the audience feel like they are watching something they were never meant to see.
Industry Leaders See Big Potential
Bangkok-based Fearfolks is handling the world sales for the project. The company boarded the film for Cannes earlier this year. Hans Audric Estialbo, CEO of Fearfolks, sees the unique mix of talent as a major strength. “Jay’s hand at horror feels fearless,” added Hans Audric Estialbo. The film also stars Gaurav K. Sharma, known for Gangs of Waseypur, and Mihir Rajda from Family Kirana Store.
Estialbo believes the film will connect with young people everywhere. The film is slated for release in late 2027. This timeline gives the team time to finish post-production and build a strong marketing push.
The route of adapting real case files is well travelled in Hollywood. The Warrens’ own collection, Annabelle included, now sits in a museum in Salem. However, the power of this project comes from the creator being the subject. Alani investigates hauntings for a living and now dramatizes one of those files. iHorror observed that the film dramatizes one of those documented files, placing Alani on both sides of the camera.
Fearfolks will present the project’s first look at this year’s American Film Market. This event allows buyers to see the footage before the film hits theaters. Numinous is slated for release in late 2027.
