After impressive performances in films like Stree (2018) and Chhichhore (2019), Shraddha Kapoor is all set to play one of Bollywood’s iconic roles, which is deep-rooted in our Indian folklore. She has signed her next — a three-film series based on the shape-shifting naagin, a role that has been revolutionised by several top actresses of their times. Previously, Vyjayanthimala, Reena Roy, Rekha and Sridevi have played similar roles. In fact, Sridevi’s role as an ichhadhaari naagin in Nagina (1986) and Nigahen (1989) got her cult status in filmdom. For Shraddha, too, this could be her career-defining role. In Bollywood, naagins were the first characters with superpower from our own folklore, catering to a pan-India audience.

Talking about the yet-untitled film, which will be helmed by Vishal Furia (who directed the critically acclaimed 2017 Marathi film Lapachhapi), Shraddha says, “It’s an absolute delight to play a naagin on screen. I have grown up watching, admiring and idolising Sridevi ma’am in Nagina and Nigahen and always wanted to play a similar role that is rooted in Indian folklore.”

The film, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, which is essentially a love story, will be mounted with some exciting visual effects and will be made into a trilogy.