Obsession Hindi version: Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan voice leads on JioHotstar

Obsession, the American horror film directed by Curry Barker that became one of the surprise box-office hits of 2026, will stream in India on JioHotstar from Friday, October 30, 2026, in both English and a new Hindi version. Bollywood actors Kriti Sanon and Varun Dhawan have dubbed the two lead roles for the Hindi version: Sanon voices Nikki and Dhawan voices Bear. The film will be available on the Peacock Hub inside JioHotstar, according to the announcement made this week.

Hollywood films reaching Indian streaming services with Hindi tracks is not new, but a Hindi dub voiced by two leading Bollywood stars is less common. Studios and platforms usually rely on professional dubbing artists. Bringing in recognisable names is a way to reach viewers in smaller towns and in the Hindi-speaking states who may never have heard of an American independent horror film, and who prefer to watch in their own language.

The choice of film also says something about where horror stands with Indian audiences. Sanon and Dhawan were last paired in Bhediya, a horror comedy, which gives the reunion a familiar ring for fans of the genre. Some fans had hoped the reunion news meant a Bhediya sequel announcement; instead it is a dubbing project.

Obsession itself is a dark story. Bear, a shy young man who works in a music shop, has long had feelings for his co-worker and childhood friend Nikki. He buys a novelty "One Wish Willow" toy and wishes that she would love him more than anything. The Nikki who returns is changed, and her affection turns volatile and violent, until Bear wants the wish undone. Reviewers noted that the film tells the story from Bear's point of view, and several read it as a comment on entitlement in relationships. Critics were broadly positive: some called it one of the best horror films of the year, and Navarrette's performance in particular drew praise.

The film's money story is part of why it is being searched. Made on a very small budget, it went on to become the biggest earner in the history of Focus Features, the specialist film arm of Universal. In the United States it reached streaming on Peacock in July after a theatrical run. Its arrival on JioHotstar's Peacock Hub follows the arrangement under which the Indian platform carries programming from the American service.

Short-term: Viewers in India can choose between the original English soundtrack and the new Hindi track from October 30. The star dubbing is likely to bring the film to many viewers who would not have picked an English-language horror title, and the platform says it is bringing the uncut version to Indian audiences.

Long-term: If the Hindi version draws a large audience, other platforms may sign up well-known actors to voice international films and series, giving dubbing work more visibility. It also shows Indian stars treating voice work as a craft in its own right, as some have done before for animated films.

Who is affected: JioHotstar subscribers, fans of Kriti Sanon and Varun Dhawan, horror audiences in India, and the dubbing industry, which may see more demand for high-profile projects.

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