Stunt man to Star director

Suraj sat at the negotiating table with representatives from one of Bharat's top distribution companies, Regal Distributors. The conference room buzzed with energy as the discussion progressed. For weeks, Suraj had been searching for the perfect partner to ensure Bhool Bhulaiyaa would receive the attention and distribution scale it deserved. With Kamal Singh as the male lead, the stakes were higher, but so were the opportunities.

The distributors were eager, their interest fueled by Kamal Singh's involvement. Having a superstar of his stature on the project was a dream for any production house, and Regal Distributors wanted to secure the deal before anyone else could. Suraj, however, was not one to rush. He knew the power dynamics in the room. For once, the advantage lay with Mythic Productions, and he was determined to make the most of it.

"As we discussed," one of the executives began, "we're prepared to offer 60% of the profits after deductions for marketing and distribution costs. Additionally, we'll provide a ₹3 crore advance to support any last-minute expenses."

Suraj leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That's a decent offer," he said calmly. "But let's not forget that this isn't just about numbers. With Kamal Singh as the lead, this project is already generating buzz. The anticipation for Bhool Bhulaiyaa isn't just because of the genre—it's because of the combination of star power, a unique concept, and Mythic Productions' reputation for delivering quality."

The executive nodded, trying to mask his nervousness. "We understand that, Mr. Suraj. That's why we're also proposing a wide release strategy. Over 1,500 screens across Bharat, with significant marketing pushes in metro cities and tier-2 towns."

Suraj exchanged a glance with Kunal uncle, who was seated beside him. Kunal gave a subtle nod, encouraging him to press further.

"I appreciate the effort, but here's the thing," Suraj said, his tone firm. "This isn't just a wide-release film; this is a potential milestone in Bharat's horror genre. I need a partner who can see beyond just ticket sales. I want a commitment to treating Bhool Bhulaiyaa as an event. That means immersive marketing, strategic promotions, and ensuring the audience experiences this film the way it's meant to be experienced."

The executives exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that Suraj wasn't going to settle for a standard deal. After some whispered discussions, they returned with a revised proposal.

"We're willing to increase the profit share to 70% in favor of Mythic Productions," one of them said. "Additionally, we'll allocate ₹5 crores for promotional activities, with your team having creative oversight on the campaigns."

Suraj's lips curved into a small smile. "Now we're talking. But one last thing—I want a clause ensuring Bhool Bhulaiyaa gets prime-time slots in all the top theaters for at least the first two weeks of its release."

There was a pause as the executives deliberated. Finally, their leader extended a hand. "You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Suraj."

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As the meeting concluded, Suraj and Kunal walked out of the building, the contract securely in hand. Kunal clapped Suraj on the back. "You've got a knack for this, kid. You played them like a maestro."

Suraj laughed. "It's not about playing them, Kunal uncle. It's about knowing what this project is worth. Kamal's involvement gave us leverage, but it's the story and execution that'll make this a success."

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Later that evening, Suraj returned to the Mythic Productions office, his mind still buzzing with the details of the deal. He sat at his desk, reviewing the finalized agreement. The journey to this point hadn't been easy. From battling industry skepticism to dealing with Rahul Khanna's antics, every step had been a test of his resolve. But moments like these reminded him why he was doing it.

He thought about Kamal Singh, whose mere presence had tipped the scales in their favor during negotiations. It was no wonder producers and directors went to extraordinary lengths to secure Kamal's participation in their projects. The superstar's name alone could guarantee a film's success. Yet, Suraj had something even more valuable than Kamal's stardom—he had Kamal's trust.

That trust wasn't something Suraj took lightly. He was determined to honor it by delivering a film that would not only showcase Kamal's versatility but also redefine the horror genre in Bharat.

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Over the next few weeks, the marketing team sprang into action, guided by Suraj's vision. Posters and teasers were carefully crafted, offering just enough intrigue to capture the audience's imagination without giving away the plot. The tagline, "What lies behind the locked doors?" became a sensation, sparking countless online discussions and theories.

Suraj also scheduled a photoshoot with Kamal Singh and the other key cast members. The photos, designed to highlight the film's eerie atmosphere, featured the cast against the backdrop of the haunted Rajasthan mansion where much of the story took place. Kamal's intense expression in the promotional stills became an instant talking point, further amplifying the film's hype.

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Meanwhile, the buzz in the industry was growing. Rival production houses and media outlets speculated about Bhool Bhulaiyaa, eager to uncover details about the cast, budget, and storyline. Suraj, however, remained tight-lipped. He knew that too much exposure before the release could lead to unnecessary rumors and distractions.

One evening, while reviewing the film's sound design with the music director and sound engineer, Suraj received a call from a journalist requesting an interview. Politely declining, he hung up and turned to Kunal, who had been sitting nearby.

"They're getting desperate," Suraj said with a smirk. "But we're not giving them anything until the trailer drops."

Kunal chuckled. "Smart move. Keep them guessing. The less they know, the more they'll talk—and that's free publicity."

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Despite the mounting pressure, Suraj remained focused. Every decision he made, from the choice of the distribution partner to the marketing strategy, was rooted in his commitment to creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. He knew that success wasn't just about having a superstar or a strong script—it was about executing every element of the film with precision and passion.

As the days turned into weeks, the anticipation for Bhool Bhulaiyaa continued to build. The industry watched closely, some with admiration and others with envy. Suraj, however, paid no mind to the noise. For him, this was just the beginning.

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Author note:-

:-mass release chapter (3/5)

:- support the story with power stones for extra chapters and motivation 😁