‘Ratsasan’: The 2018 Thriller 17 Actors Rejected, Climax Left Everyone Shivering, Box Office Hit

The 2018 psychological thriller ‘Ratsasan’, based on a real-life serial killer, was once deemed too risky for both actors and producers. The chilling story follows a killer who lures schoolgirls with gifts, abducts them, and leaves their bodies in a horrifying state. Despite its gripping plot, 17 actors and 21 producers reportedly rejected the project, fearing its dark subject matter and potential controversy.

A Surprise Hit
Directed by Ram Kumar, the film starred Vishnu Vishal and Amala Paul in lead roles, with Kali Venkat, Abirami, Radha Ravi, Sujitha George, and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan in supporting roles. Vishnu Vishal played a police officer with aspirations to be a filmmaker. His life takes a dramatic turn when a serial killer begins terrorizing the city, leading him to use his investigative skills and storytelling flair to catch the perpetrator.

Despite the initial rejections, the film became a commercial success. With a modest budget of ₹7–15 crore, ‘Ratsasan’ earned around ₹20 crore, prompting Akshay Kumar to later produce a Hindi remake in 2022.

Chilling Storyline and Score
The film’s background score, intense narrative, and shocking climax left audiences on the edge of their seats. Vishnu Vishal revealed in an interview that the film’s concept had been turned down multiple times, but ultimately Axis Film Factory’s Delhi Babu took the bold step to produce it.

Based on Real-Life Events
‘Ratsasan’ draws inspiration from true events. Director Ram Kumar explained in an interview with The News Minute that an intriguing article about a foreign serial killer and a woman inspired the story. This real-life incident formed the skeleton of the narrative, giving the main character a basis in reality and lending the film its intense authenticity.

The movie is available for streaming on Jio Hotstar, and can be watched in Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu. Its blend of suspense, psychological thrills, and real-life inspiration continues to captivate audiences years after its release.