Entertainment Squad has acquired worldwide rights to The Deserving from Katha Productions, and will release the film on October 1 under its genre label, The Horror Collective.
Directed by S. S. Arora, who makes his feature debut, The Deserving stars Venkat Sai Gunda, Simone Stadler, and Kelsey Stalter. The film has already amassed a number of accolades, having won over fifteen awards including Best Feature at Athens IFF, Best Horror at Hallucinea FF, and awards at Humro Cinema, Portugal Indie Film Festival, and Rome Indie Film Fest.
Exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of abuse, The Deserving follows a tormented, mute serial killer who is haunted by the ghosts of his victims and plans to end his life. His resolve is disrupted when a desperate walk-in client arrives, needing an urgent photo shoot.
Talking about the film’s release, Producer Venkat Sai Gunda said, “As a filmmaker, I am thrilled to bring The Deserving to audiences worldwide. This film is a labor of love, exploring themes of suspense and psychological intrigue that I hope will captivate viewers. With its upcoming release, I’m excited to share this cinematic journey with everyone who enjoys a thought-provoking thriller.”
Shaked Berenson, CEO of Entertainment Squad, commented on the film’s unique protagonist: “Having a mute character in The Deserving adds a compelling layer of depth and intrigue to the story, showcasing the innovative storytelling we champion. This film perfectly aligns with The Horror Collective’s mission of giving a stage to new and underrepresented voices that push the boundaries of the genre. The Deserving is a testament to that vision.”
