Dubai’s acclaimed actor-filmmaker Zenofar Fathima in conversation with Aakanksha Naval-Shetye talks about unveiling a chilling new chapter with The Reel Files Season 3, featuring the formidable Bollywood power-performer Rahul Dev
Redefining fear, one frame at a time, Dubai-based actor-filmmaker, Zenofar Fathima has consistently challenged conventions, blending horror, psychology, and social reflection into stories that feel both visceral and thought-provoking. As the CEO and the creative force of Zen Film Productions, Zenofar has pushed boundaries of what psychological suspense can look like in the digital age. In fact, in a cinematic landscape overflowing with short-form content, few creators have managed to carve out a niche as distinct and daring as her.
Her brainchild, The Reel Files, began as a viral Instagram experiment back in September 2024 and has since evolved into a gripping anthology series with Season 1 and 2 streaming on ZEE5 Global, captivating audiences worldwide. With its unique fusion of social commentary, psychological depth, and chilling atmosphere, the critically-acclaimed series has become a benchmark for innovative horror storytelling.
“Real horror often stems from our thoughts, regrets, and blurred perceptions of reality. This darker, atmospheric direction was inspired by everyday anxieties and the fine line between truth and illusion. The Reel Files reflects those hidden fears, reminding viewers that sometimes, the most terrifying place to be is inside your own mind.”
Now, The Reel Files returns for its most ambitious season yet on ZEE5 Global! Helmed by rising screenwriter-director Afraah Farhana, known for her visually daring and emotionally charged storytelling, the new season promises to be darker, bolder, and more atmospheric. Along with Zenofar, the Season 3 is headlined by acclaimed Bollywood actor Rahul Dev, who is known for his intensity and versatility, and whose commanding screen presence has left its mark across Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema.
Promising a performance that’s as chilling as it is unforgettable, this first-time screen collaboration between Zenofar and Rahul is already generating immense buzz across the industry. With a haunting new story that takes viewers deeper into the shadows, exploring the haunting spaces between fear, reality, and the human psyche, The Reel Files Season 3 delivers a stark reminder: “Darkness is not empty – it’s alive!” Drawing inspiration from social realities and modern anxieties, the new episodes blur the line between the natural and the supernatural, cementing The Reel Files as a trailblazer in contemporary horror storytelling. As we catch up with Zenofar Fathima for our exclusive interview, we talk all about The Reel Files Season 3, her collaboration with Rahul Dev and pushing the boundaries of storytelling by merging cinematic artistry with social commentary and edge-of-your-seat thrills. And as Zenofar shares, “Fans can brace for an electrifying new chapter – crafted to unsettle, provoke, and terrify!”
Can you tell us more about your latest Season 3 of The Reel Files?
In this new season of The Reel Files, we’re introducing a fresh dimension to suspense, thriller, and horror. The episodes explore everyday scenarios that take unexpected and unsettling turns, stories that feel familiar, yet end in ways no one sees coming. This season features a diverse lineup of talented actors from various nationalities and age groups, making the narratives more relatable to a global audience.
We’re also excited to include acclaimed Bollywood talent, with industry maestro Rahul Dev joining The Reel Files. His presence adds a new layer of intensity, ensuring viewers can expect even more edge of the seat thrill and suspense this season.
Season 3 of The Reel Files dives deeper into psychological horror than ever before. What inspired this darker, more atmospheric direction for the new season?
With each season, we strive to evolve both in storytelling and emotion. For Season 3, I wanted to explore fear from a deeper, more psychological place, the kind that lingers in the mind rather than in sudden scares. Real horror often stems from our thoughts, regrets, and blurred perceptions of reality. This darker, atmospheric direction was inspired by everyday anxieties and the fine line between truth and illusion. The Reel Files reflects those hidden fears, reminding viewers that sometimes, the most terrifying place to be is inside your own mind.
“Sharing the screen with Rahul was both inspiring and creatively challenging in the best way possible. What stood out most was his dedication; he doesn’t just perform a role, he becomes it. The chemistry we built translated beautifully on screen, making the episode one of the most gripping and emotionally charged in The Reel Files universe.”
The new season tackles modern anxieties and social realities through a horror lens. Can you share how real world themes shaped this season’s narrative?
This season draws heavily from the world we live in today the fears, pressures, and moral dilemmas that come with modern life. We’ve used horror not just to scare, but to reflect. Each story mirrors real world issues like digital obsession, trust, identity, and isolation just told through a spine-chilling lens. By grounding the horror in reality, the audience connects on a deeper level. They see themselves in the characters, their choices, and their fears and that’s what makes the terror truly unforgettable.
What challenges did you and your team face in producing this season, giving its more ambitious visual and emotional scope?
This season definitely pushed us to our creative limits both visually and emotionally. We wanted every episode to feel cinematic, even within a short format, so achieving that level of intensity required careful planning, innovative camera work, and a lot of experimentation with lighting and sound. Emotionally, the challenge was making sure the performances felt real. The themes this time are heavier exploring guilt, paranoia, and human vulnerability so guiding the actors to capture that depth in a short span wasn’t easy. But those challenges are what made The Reel Files Season3 our most rewarding project yet.
“As a filmmaker, my goal is to continue breaking creative boundaries and using storytelling as a bridge between different audiences. The Reel Files will always carry its signature thrill and tension, but its next chapters will also reflect a broader, more global vision.”
From concept to execution, how has the journey of The Reel Files evolved since its beginning? Did you expect it to become so popular so quickly?
The Reel Files actually began as a 60-second Instagram series a bold experiment to tell complete stories within a single minute. We shot everything in a vertical format, designed for mobile viewing, and didn’t expect it to resonate as deeply as it did. But the audience response was overwhelming. As the fan base grew, so did the demand for longer, more immersive storytelling. That’s when we transitioned to shooting in a horizontal format, which allowed us to expand our visual scope and truly capture the cinematic atmosphere of each story. Over time, The Reel Files has evolved not just technically, but creatively exploring deeper narratives, bolder themes, and more diverse emotions. We’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible mix of talent, from emerging UAE artists to acclaimed Bollywood actors like Nasir Khan and Rahul Dev. Their presence has elevated the storytelling, helping us blur the line between short-form suspense and full-scale cinematic horror. “Did I expect it to gain such a following so quickly?” Honestly, no, but I think its success lies in how The Reel Files connects with people. It taps into universal fears and everyday realities, all wrapped in the thrill of mystery and suspense.
Season 3 features a powerful performance by Rahul Dev. What was it like sharing the screen with such a seasoned and intense actor?
Working with Rahul Dev was an incredible experience. He’s an actor who brings a rare kind of intensity and depth to every frame. His understanding of emotion, timing, and presence elevated the entire scene. Sharing the screen with Rahul was both inspiring and creatively challenging in the best way possible. What stood out most was his dedication; he doesn’t just perform a role, he becomes it. The chemistry we built translated beautifully on screen, making the episode one of the most gripping and emotionally charged in The Reel Files universe.
How did Rahul Dev’s presence influence the time or the energy of the tone or energy of the episode? Did anything surprise you during the shoot or collaboration?
Rahul Dev’s presence completely transformed the tone and energy of the episode. He brought a commanding aura to the set, the kind that instantly elevates the atmosphere. That energy pushed everyone on set to raise their game. His approach to the character added layers we hadn’t even imagined during scripting; suddenly, scenes that felt intense on paper became magnetic on screen. What surprised me most was how seamlessly he adapted to The Reel Files style short-format storytelling with deep emotional undertones. It wasn’t easy, but he understood the rhythm right away. Between takes, his insights and improvisations brought a new depth to the story. Watching him interpret fear, silence, and tension in such a nuanced way was a masterclass in itself.
“Afraah Farhana has been absolutely phenomenal as both a writer and director. Her bold visual storytelling and meticulous attention to detail have elevated Season 3 of The Reel Files to a whole new level. She has a unique ability to translate psychological tension and suspense into striking visuals, making every frame feel cinematic and charged with emotion. Her directorial vision perfectly complements our production approach.”
Afraah Farhana has been praised for her bold visual story telling. How has her directorial vision complemented your production approach this season?
Afraah Farhana has been absolutely phenomenal as both a writer and director. Her bold visual storytelling and meticulous attention to detail have elevated Season 3 of The Reel Files to a whole new level. She has a unique ability to translate psychological tension and suspense into striking visuals, making every frame feel cinematic and charged with emotion. Her directorial vision perfectly complements our production approach. While I focus on crafting the overarching narratives and ensuring the stories resonate with audiences, Afrah brings those narratives to life with her visual language the way she uses lighting, camera angles, and pacing intensifies the suspense and draws viewers deeper into each episode. Working with her has been a collaborative experience where ideas flow freely. She pushes the team to experiment, explore unconventional angles, and take creative risks, which is exactly what Season 3 needed. The result is a series that feels more immersive, emotionally gripping, and visually bold than ever before.
You wear multiple hats – producer, actor and filmmaker. What drives your story telling choices, especially when it comes to genres like horror and psychological thrillers?
Wearing multiple hats as a producer, filmmaker, and actor allows me to approach storytelling from several perspectives simultaneously. With The Reel Files , this means I can envision a story not just on paper, but in performance, production design, and audience impact. Horror and psychological thrillers, in particular, fascinate me because they explore the human mind and emotions in ways that are both visceral and reflective. What drives my choices is the desire to create stories that linger that make viewers question what’s real, what’s hidden, and what they might feel in that moment of suspense. Being involved in every aspect of production allows me to maintain that tension and psychological depth across every frame. With The Reel Files, I strive to combine relatable scenarios with unexpected, chilling outcomes, creating a series where fear is not just seen, but experienced.
With The Reel Files gaining momentum and acclaim, where do you see the series and your work as a filmmaker, heading next? Can fans expect more genre explorations or international collaborations?
I see The Reel Files growing far beyond what I initially imagined. What started as a short-form experiment has evolved into a cinematic anthology with a global audience, and I truly believe this is just the beginning. The response so far not only from the Middle East but from viewers across different parts of the world has been incredibly encouraging.
Looking ahead, I want The Reel Files to expand its universe through even more daring stories and international collaborations. We’re exploring new genres that still hold on to the essence of what defines the series suspense, psychological depth, and emotional realism but with fresh, cross-cultural perspectives. As a filmmaker, my goal is to continue breaking creative boundaries and using storytelling as a bridge between different audiences. The Reel Files will always carry its signature thrill and tension, but its next chapters will also reflect a broader, more global vision.
What is one you have discovered about yourself over the course of your journey?
I’ve discovered that I’m truly a go-getter. When I set my mind on achieving something, I pursue it with unwavering determination. No matter the challenges or obstacles along the way, I’ve learned that perseverance always leads to progress. Once I decide to bring a vision to life, I commit fully and I make it happen.
What would you say is the core of Zenofar as a professional and as a woman balancing roles on the personal front too?
I would say the core of who I am both as a professional and as a woman is resilience and purpose. I’ve learned to balance my many roles by staying rooted in passion and discipline. Whether I’m producing, directing, or acting, I approach every project with sincerity and an unshakable drive to tell meaningful stories that resonate with people.
On the personal front, balance comes from understanding that creativity thrives when there’s harmony. I believe being a woman in this industry means embracing both strength and sensitivity leading with empathy while never compromising on vision. Every challenge, whether behind the camera or in life, has only reinforced my belief that determination and faith can transform any dream into reality.