Inheritance
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Feature
Horror, Drama
A father’s warning. A family’s secret. He inherited more than a name.
Inheritance
Washington, District of Columbia | Film Feature
Horror, Drama
1 Campaigns |
Green Light
This campaign raised $51,632 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
89 supporters | followers
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A father’s warning. A family’s secret. He inherited more than a name.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Plot — What It’s About
The day after his brother mysteriously dies, Shah’s father vanishes—only to be found dead a year later. In his will, he leaves Shah a remote cabin and a chilling video message:
“Do not trust your mother and sister. They are lying to you.”
Shah travels to the cabin with his estranged mother, sister, and his sister’s girlfriend—whom he hasn’t seen since their father’s disappearance. Upon their arrival, the family confronts painful truths, but something feels off. Shah’s mother and sister start acting strangely. As he digs into their past and spies on them, reality starts to unravel. His growing paranoia forces him to confront buried secrets, haunting visions, and an impossible choice.
The Story — What It's Really About
Inheritance is a psychological horror film about generational trauma, South Asian and Muslim identity, and legacy. It weaves jinn folklore—supernatural beings from Islamic tradition—with Urdu poetry and qawwali, a centuries-old South Asian devotional music form known for its hypnotic rhythm, beauty, and spiritual intensity.
You haven’t seen anything like this.
Seriously, Why Is This Guy Directing The Film?
I’ve wanted to make a feature film since I was five. Before becoming an award-winning short film writer and director, my path as a comedian and civil rights attorney shaped how I tell stories.
As a comedian, I’ve spent years exploring identity, race, and family dynamics for audiences who don’t always see themselves represented. When I didn’t see many voices like mine on prominent stages, I created BrownTown, one of the largest South Asian comedy shows on the East Coast. Every show sells out, drawing audiences from all backgrounds—proof that the more personal a story is, the more universal it becomes.
As a civil rights attorney, I’ve learned how to make complex ideas clear and compelling—and that representation only matters when it’s authentic. It’s not enough to include people like me; it has to be done well.
As a filmmaker, I’m bringing all of these lessons together to create something original, substantive, and interesting.
Why This Film?
Like comedy, horror is one of the most powerful ways to explore deeper, universal themes. Get Out brilliantly examines race in an original way, while The Babadook does a great job of analyzing grief and parenthood in a way that is memorable.
But I haven’t seen many American psychological horror films that explore generational trauma within South Asian and Muslim families. One of the most fascinating ways to tell that story is through jinn mythology—stories nearly every Muslim I know grew up hearing. These tales of supernatural beings have existed across cultures for centuries, yet remain rare in Western cinema.
Why Do This Now?
Now more than ever, I think it’s important to hear from different voices—not as echo chambers that only like-minded people engage with, but as compelling stories that connect with diverse audiences and strengthen empathy.
With Inheritance, I want to tell a story that’s honest, layered, and entertaining—without being watered down or whitewashed. Featuring multigenerational Pakistani characters who face universal fears and moral questions, this film isn’t about stereotypes or surface diversity. It’s about creating something special that many people will, hopefully, find challenging, surprising, and memorable.
Where We Are & What’s Next
Inheritance is already halfway shot—funded largely by my stand-up comedy income and powered by a passionate cast and crew. We’ve proven what’s possible on a small budget with full creative commitment.
Now we’re raising $49,000 to complete production—covering the final shoot days, crew, equipment, and locations. After this campaign, we’ll finish production and move into post-production in 2026, aiming for festival submissions and release soon after.
If we surpass our goal, stretch funds will go toward post production costs like sound, coloring, and festival submissions to bring the film to its fullest potential.
How You Can Help
Every pledge, follow, comment, and share matters. You’re not just funding a film—you’re helping bring a rare, timely, and compelling story to life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew Payroll
Costs $30,000
We pay everyone who comes to set. This helps cover the low budget rates our team has agreed to because they believe in this film.
Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $13,000
The quality of a film is also connected to the quality of equipment.
Food
Costs $1,000
This will help cover the costs of feeding our hard-working cast and crew.
Travel Costs and Lodging
Costs $3,000
Most of our cast/crew are local, but we need to cover their costs for traveling and lodging for our overnight shoots.
Lens Rentals (see description)
Costs $2,000
Zeiss CP.3 28mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 85mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 50mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 35mm T2.1 (Sony E).
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director/Writer/Producer
I'm Badar Tareen — civil rights lawyer by day, stand-up comedian and filmmaker by night. I’ve been featured in Forbes and The Washington Post, and I produce and perform at BrownTown at the DC Improv, one of the largest South Asian comedy shows in the country. My award-winning short films have screened at festivals across the U.S.
For years, I’ve dreamed of making a feature-length horror film — and with Inheritance, that dream is real. I brought together some of the best and brightest actors and filmmakers I know — many of them comedians, and many from the South Asian community — to tell a story that’s deeply personal and truly terrifying.
Main Cast
Vick Krishna – Lead Actor, Co-Writer, Co-Producer
A dynamic presence at the intersection of comedy, digital media, and storytelling, Vick Krishna brings both viral reach and grounded screen talent to Inheritance.
Television & Commercial Work:
Credited appearances on NBC’s The Blacklist, Fox’s Gotham, CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, and national commercial campaigns, showcasing a versatile and compelling on-camera range. Vick trained at New York’s renowned T. Schreiber Studio and William Esper Studio, honing a craft rooted in emotional depth and authenticity.
Digital Influence & Viral Impact:
Best known for his viral “fork hands” TikTok—an absurdist horror parody explaining COVID-19 vaccines—Vick merges comedy, culture, and purpose-driven storytelling. His videos have reached hundreds of millions of viewers across platforms, and his work has been featured by Fast Company, NPR, and more. With over 400,000 followers under the handle @hotvickkrishna, he brings both visibility and a devoted audience to every project he touches.
Sunita Deshpande – Actor
Sunita Deshpande is an Indian-American actor, writer, and director with credits spanning film, television, and stage. She is best known for her recurring role as Seema Nadeem in Marvel’s Daredevil and has appeared in Law & Order: Organized Crime, Broad City, and 30 Rock. A passionate horror fan, she stars as Maya in the feature film The Inheritance, bringing emotional nuance and psychological depth to the role. Her award-winning original plays & online content have been featured in festivals across the U.S., and she was recently profiled on the cover of Ad Age for a national commercial campaign. Her company Successful Spontaneity (IG @SuccessfulSpontaneity) teaches applied improvisational skills in corporate settings.
MerryRose Howley – Actor
MerryRose Howley brings depth, fearlessness, and nuance to every scene in Inheritance. Known for her roles in indie horror There Is a Monster (2024), cult favorites like Moonstars in Love (2022), and the upcoming Wooden Spoons (2025) - where she plays an airheaded MLM recruiter with a serious case of foot-in-mouth. With her roots in musical theatre, MerryRose masters juxtaposition of humor and unease, making horror scenes more haunting and emotional beats more piercing. She's a unique talent - where vulnerability and comedic timing meet in dreadful symphony.
Meera Narasimhan – Actor
Meera Narasimhan is an Indian-American actress with a career spanning over four decades across film, television, and theater. Known for her grounded, emotionally resonant performances, she often portrays characters navigating identity, loss, and intergenerational tension—making her a natural fit for Inheritance.
Her film credits include Karma Road (2010), Piyalir Password (2009), and Yaatra (2015). She has also appeared in projects for HBO, FOX, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, and the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading.
In the DC area, Meera has been a mainstay in both community and professional theater for over 30 years.
Haris Pervaiz– Actor
Haris Pervaiz has lit up screens in NCIS: New Orleans, Blue Bloods, and the supernatural short, Hell Gate, along with national campaigns for brands like MTV. In Inheritance, he brings a magnetic mix of intensity and charisma that makes the film’s horror hit even harder.
Noor Naghmi – Actor
Noor Naghmi is an accomplished actor, director, and producer, and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA in Hollywood. His latest film, Angels Within, was a contender for the Oscars and received critical acclaim for its impactful storytelling. Noor is dedicated to highlighting important cultural narratives and elevating diverse voices in global cinema.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Plot — What It’s About
The day after his brother mysteriously dies, Shah’s father vanishes—only to be found dead a year later. In his will, he leaves Shah a remote cabin and a chilling video message:
“Do not trust your mother and sister. They are lying to you.”
Shah travels to the cabin with his estranged mother, sister, and his sister’s girlfriend—whom he hasn’t seen since their father’s disappearance. Upon their arrival, the family confronts painful truths, but something feels off. Shah’s mother and sister start acting strangely. As he digs into their past and spies on them, reality starts to unravel. His growing paranoia forces him to confront buried secrets, haunting visions, and an impossible choice.
The Story — What It's Really About
Inheritance is a psychological horror film about generational trauma, South Asian and Muslim identity, and legacy. It weaves jinn folklore—supernatural beings from Islamic tradition—with Urdu poetry and qawwali, a centuries-old South Asian devotional music form known for its hypnotic rhythm, beauty, and spiritual intensity.
You haven’t seen anything like this.
Seriously, Why Is This Guy Directing The Film?
I’ve wanted to make a feature film since I was five. Before becoming an award-winning short film writer and director, my path as a comedian and civil rights attorney shaped how I tell stories.
As a comedian, I’ve spent years exploring identity, race, and family dynamics for audiences who don’t always see themselves represented. When I didn’t see many voices like mine on prominent stages, I created BrownTown, one of the largest South Asian comedy shows on the East Coast. Every show sells out, drawing audiences from all backgrounds—proof that the more personal a story is, the more universal it becomes.
As a civil rights attorney, I’ve learned how to make complex ideas clear and compelling—and that representation only matters when it’s authentic. It’s not enough to include people like me; it has to be done well.
As a filmmaker, I’m bringing all of these lessons together to create something original, substantive, and interesting.
Why This Film?
Like comedy, horror is one of the most powerful ways to explore deeper, universal themes. Get Out brilliantly examines race in an original way, while The Babadook does a great job of analyzing grief and parenthood in a way that is memorable.
But I haven’t seen many American psychological horror films that explore generational trauma within South Asian and Muslim families. One of the most fascinating ways to tell that story is through jinn mythology—stories nearly every Muslim I know grew up hearing. These tales of supernatural beings have existed across cultures for centuries, yet remain rare in Western cinema.
Why Do This Now?
Now more than ever, I think it’s important to hear from different voices—not as echo chambers that only like-minded people engage with, but as compelling stories that connect with diverse audiences and strengthen empathy.
With Inheritance, I want to tell a story that’s honest, layered, and entertaining—without being watered down or whitewashed. Featuring multigenerational Pakistani characters who face universal fears and moral questions, this film isn’t about stereotypes or surface diversity. It’s about creating something special that many people will, hopefully, find challenging, surprising, and memorable.
Where We Are & What’s Next
Inheritance is already halfway shot—funded largely by my stand-up comedy income and powered by a passionate cast and crew. We’ve proven what’s possible on a small budget with full creative commitment.
Now we’re raising $49,000 to complete production—covering the final shoot days, crew, equipment, and locations. After this campaign, we’ll finish production and move into post-production in 2026, aiming for festival submissions and release soon after.
If we surpass our goal, stretch funds will go toward post production costs like sound, coloring, and festival submissions to bring the film to its fullest potential.
How You Can Help
Every pledge, follow, comment, and share matters. You’re not just funding a film—you’re helping bring a rare, timely, and compelling story to life.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast and Crew Payroll
Costs $30,000
We pay everyone who comes to set. This helps cover the low budget rates our team has agreed to because they believe in this film.
Camera and Lighting Equipment
Costs $13,000
The quality of a film is also connected to the quality of equipment.
Food
Costs $1,000
This will help cover the costs of feeding our hard-working cast and crew.
Travel Costs and Lodging
Costs $3,000
Most of our cast/crew are local, but we need to cover their costs for traveling and lodging for our overnight shoots.
Lens Rentals (see description)
Costs $2,000
Zeiss CP.3 28mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 85mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 50mm T2.1 (Sony E), Zeiss CP.3 35mm T2.1 (Sony E).
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director/Writer/Producer
I'm Badar Tareen — civil rights lawyer by day, stand-up comedian and filmmaker by night. I’ve been featured in Forbes and The Washington Post, and I produce and perform at BrownTown at the DC Improv, one of the largest South Asian comedy shows in the country. My award-winning short films have screened at festivals across the U.S.
For years, I’ve dreamed of making a feature-length horror film — and with Inheritance, that dream is real. I brought together some of the best and brightest actors and filmmakers I know — many of them comedians, and many from the South Asian community — to tell a story that’s deeply personal and truly terrifying.
Main Cast
Vick Krishna – Lead Actor, Co-Writer, Co-Producer
A dynamic presence at the intersection of comedy, digital media, and storytelling, Vick Krishna brings both viral reach and grounded screen talent to Inheritance.
Television & Commercial Work:
Credited appearances on NBC’s The Blacklist, Fox’s Gotham, CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted, and national commercial campaigns, showcasing a versatile and compelling on-camera range. Vick trained at New York’s renowned T. Schreiber Studio and William Esper Studio, honing a craft rooted in emotional depth and authenticity.
Digital Influence & Viral Impact:
Best known for his viral “fork hands” TikTok—an absurdist horror parody explaining COVID-19 vaccines—Vick merges comedy, culture, and purpose-driven storytelling. His videos have reached hundreds of millions of viewers across platforms, and his work has been featured by Fast Company, NPR, and more. With over 400,000 followers under the handle @hotvickkrishna, he brings both visibility and a devoted audience to every project he touches.
Sunita Deshpande – Actor
Sunita Deshpande is an Indian-American actor, writer, and director with credits spanning film, television, and stage. She is best known for her recurring role as Seema Nadeem in Marvel’s Daredevil and has appeared in Law & Order: Organized Crime, Broad City, and 30 Rock. A passionate horror fan, she stars as Maya in the feature film The Inheritance, bringing emotional nuance and psychological depth to the role. Her award-winning original plays & online content have been featured in festivals across the U.S., and she was recently profiled on the cover of Ad Age for a national commercial campaign. Her company Successful Spontaneity (IG @SuccessfulSpontaneity) teaches applied improvisational skills in corporate settings.
MerryRose Howley – Actor
MerryRose Howley brings depth, fearlessness, and nuance to every scene in Inheritance. Known for her roles in indie horror There Is a Monster (2024), cult favorites like Moonstars in Love (2022), and the upcoming Wooden Spoons (2025) - where she plays an airheaded MLM recruiter with a serious case of foot-in-mouth. With her roots in musical theatre, MerryRose masters juxtaposition of humor and unease, making horror scenes more haunting and emotional beats more piercing. She's a unique talent - where vulnerability and comedic timing meet in dreadful symphony.
Meera Narasimhan – Actor
Meera Narasimhan is an Indian-American actress with a career spanning over four decades across film, television, and theater. Known for her grounded, emotionally resonant performances, she often portrays characters navigating identity, loss, and intergenerational tension—making her a natural fit for Inheritance.
Her film credits include Karma Road (2010), Piyalir Password (2009), and Yaatra (2015). She has also appeared in projects for HBO, FOX, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, and the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading.
In the DC area, Meera has been a mainstay in both community and professional theater for over 30 years.
Haris Pervaiz– Actor
Haris Pervaiz has lit up screens in NCIS: New Orleans, Blue Bloods, and the supernatural short, Hell Gate, along with national campaigns for brands like MTV. In Inheritance, he brings a magnetic mix of intensity and charisma that makes the film’s horror hit even harder.
Noor Naghmi – Actor
Noor Naghmi is an accomplished actor, director, and producer, and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA in Hollywood. His latest film, Angels Within, was a contender for the Oscars and received critical acclaim for its impactful storytelling. Noor is dedicated to highlighting important cultural narratives and elevating diverse voices in global cinema.