In a world where high-budget films dominate the box office, Paranormal Activity defied all odds. With a mere budget of 6 lakh rupees, the movie not only shocked viewers with its horror but also smashed box office records, grossing a staggering 800 crores.
Paranormal Activity is a 2007 horror film directed by Oren Peli, who also wrote the script. The film’s unique concept of using handheld cameras and CCTV footage brought a fresh approach to the horror genre. Produced for just $500 (approximately 6 lakh rupees), it featured a small crew and four main actors, yet it made waves in the film industry.
Record-Breaking Success
Despite its modest budget, Paranormal Activity became a sensation, raking in $193 million, equivalent to 800 crores, at the box office. The contrast between the film’s production cost and earnings made the makers incredibly wealthy. Its success inspired the production of sequels, each continuing to break records in terms of both earnings and audience engagement.
7 Successful Sequels and More
Seeing the massive potential, the film’s makers went on to produce seven sequels, with the seventh installment being released in 2021. The production cost of the seventh sequel was $28 million (230 crores), but it, too, broke records. All seven films in the franchise together earned a combined total of approximately $890 million (7,320 crores), making it one of the most successful horror franchises in Hollywood.
The Paranormal Activity franchise continues to be a case study in how a small budget film can make an enormous impact, changing the course of cinematic history.