Krishna Bhatt on 1920: Horrors of the Heart Mahesh Bhatt Scripted Film and Inspiration from her Father, Vikram Bhatt

Krishna Bhatt, the director of 1920: Horrors of the Heart talks about her debut and how she became a filmmaker in the footsteps of her father Vikram Bhatt.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: June 24, 2023

The 1920: Horrors of the Heart was released on Friday, and the newly wedded director, Krishna Bhatt inspired by her father Vikram Bhatt’s directorial in 2008, the name 1920 with lead actors Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma, did not take a break as the movie was slated for release in June 2023. In 2008, the film was a hit and that is how the film series began. Krishna now opened up about how Mahesh Bhatt, her uncle supported her and her journey of becoming a filmmaker on the Avika Gor starrer movie. Talking about the premise of the film, Krishna said that the movie is not just about horror but the terror of emotionally making the wrong choices.

The film traces Avika’s character looking for revenge and realizing that she had committed a mistake and finding the courage to rectify her wrongs. Krishna said that the movie focuses on how the spirit scares you but not more than the emotional turmoil does. The lead character fights her inner demons and those outside as well, which makes 1920: Horrors of the Heart unique from the 2008’s original film. The reason for Krishna to start her career, as she said, was because of her father’s 2008 film. It was after watching her dad’s work for that movie, she wanted to become a filmmaker herself.

She is making a debut today with the same name as the earlier movie and feels blessed about that. It is not easy to decide to be a filmmaker when you are the shadow of an accomplished director and want to be one yourself as well. Krishna drew similarities with both the movies and feels there is no more a perfect project than this to debut with. She was asked how she prepared for the film when people would compare her 1920s version to the earlier versions of the legend.

To this, Krishna said that she herself compared the two films so it is natural that the audience will do the same. Her father is like God to her and if her efforts even resemble the slightest to what her dad’s 1920 movie was, she will be happy. At the same time, Krishna stated that she is not competing with her dad for she is content with what she is. Some people may like it, and others will not, and the young director is prepared while wishing for the best.

She is following the indications of her father, who had told her not to be a softy if she wants to be in the industry. On being asked how it was working with the mentor of her father, Krishna said that he gives you the courage to be yourself. Mahesh Bhatt has written the script for the film and when she used to be with him for the film. He told her to be herself and not pretend to be something else and was supportive in the writing room always.

What she likes the most about her uncle is that he asks her to be happy if she is, and sad, if she feels that way so that Krishna remains emotionally honest and expresses what she feels. Krishna concluded by saying that she does not feel young, small, or stupid working with her uncle as he makes her feel that she has much credibility and importance like any other person.

Before she saw the project going to the floor, he even narrated the entire film to her and gave her unmatchable support by imbibing and internalizing the story. She also said that Mahesh ji that the deciding factor is the director and treats you that way when you direct the movie.