The DAV Alumni community is thrilled to celebrate yet another milestone in the remarkable cinematic journey of our distinguished alumnus and National Award-winning filmmaker, Anupam Patnaik.

Fresh from the phenomenal success of Mantra Muugdha, Anupam has unveiled the first look of his next ambitious venture, DAHAAN – The Evil Within, which is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 11th September 2026.

For Anupam, DAHAAN is far more than just another film—it is the realization of a dream nurtured for over a decade. A lifelong admirer of the horror genre, he traces his fascination back to his childhood, watching horror films with his father. Interestingly, his journey as a filmmaker also began with horror when he directed Horror Zone for Tarang TV in 2013. Ever since, he had envisioned bringing a full-fledged horror film to the big screen. Originally slated for release in 2023, the project was delayed due to the pandemic and subsequent production commitments. After years of patience, perseverance, and creative dedication, DAHAAN – The Evil Within is finally ready to meet audiences.

The film promises to offer a fresh and immersive horror experience, reflecting Anupam's passion for storytelling and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary Odia cinema. Following the resounding success of Mantra Muugdha, anticipation for DAHAAN is already running high among cinema lovers.

For the DAV fraternity, Anupam's journey from the classrooms of DAV Public School, Chandrasekharpur to becoming one of the leading creative voices in Indian regional cinema—is a source of immense pride. His unwavering pursuit of excellence continues to inspire countless students and alumni to dream fearlessly and pursue their passions with conviction.

✨ The DAV Alumni community congratulates Anupam Patnaik and the entire team behind DAHAAN – The Evil Within and wishes them tremendous success as they prepare to bring this much-awaited cinematic experience to audiences worldwide.