The hallmark of a great horror film lies in its ability to reflect the socio-political injustices of the real world. After all, ghosts are often most terrifying when they are visible in plain sight, Lurking in mundane spaces, claiming far more than just lives. This is precisely the terrain that Dahini: The Witch, a supernatural thriller written and directed by Rajesh Touchriver and starring Tannishtha Chatterjee and JD Chakravarthy, explores. The film, which has garnered acclaim at several international film festivals, is inspired by the sinister practice of witch hunting. Its horror, however, is layered: the supernatural elements serve as a lens through which multiple social and cultural interpretations can emerge. In this sense, subtext becomes Dahini’s most powerful weapon. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Chatterjee, Chakravarthy, and Touchriver discuss what inspired them to make the film, the challenges of producing an independent feature against all odds, and whether the current theatrical landscape still has space for such a provocative and socially conscious work. Edited excerpts for clarity and brevity  Story continues below this …