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November 5, 2024: How this film made with little known actors and a budget of about $ 15,000 (Rs. 12 lakhs) became a film that earned $ 194 Million. Back in 2007, Paranormal Activity emerged as an unexpected phenomenon, eventually becoming the world’s most profitable film. Made with a budget of just $15,000 (around Rs 12 lakh), the film’s low-cost production and unique approach made it a global success. Director Oren Peli opted for a minimalist style, shooting the horror film with handheld cameras and using natural lighting, foregoing the elaborate setups typically used in Hollywood.
Instead of established stars, Peli cast new actors Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, who were then struggling to find work. Both actors were hired on a minimum-wage basis, earning around $500 each for their roles in the film. Their performances added to the film’s raw and realistic feel, a quality that resonated with audiences.
Paranormal Activity film was full of improvisation and didn’t strictly follow a script, giving it a spontaneous, unsettling atmosphere. Peli relied on practical effects instead of costly CGI, creating an authentic horror experience.
Paramount Pictures later invested $200,000 (approximately Rs 16 crore) into post-production and marketing. The investment paid off handsomely; the film made an astounding $194.2 million globally, yielding a return of over 1,300,000%. Its success led to a franchise with two sequels, adding another $600 million in profits, further cementing Paranormal Activity’s legacy as a pioneer in low-budget horror.