Ashish Kaul: Orchha felt like a retreat for Ali Baba Aur 40 Bhoot

Veteran actor Ashish Kaul has spent years playing high-octane television roles, from his villainous turn in Naagin 7 to a pivotal role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. His latest project takes him into the streaming world with JioHotstar’s supernatural thriller Ali Baba Aur 40 Bhoot, which is now streaming and stars Asha Negi and Vishal Vashishtha in the lead.

The new twist on a familiar story

This is not the Ali Baba you grew up hearing about. The series reimagines the folklore through a contemporary lens, blending horror, comedy, mystery and adventure. Asha Negi plays Alisha ‘Ali’ Nigam, a sharp, science-driven neuropsychology expert who refuses to believe in the supernatural. That belief starts to crack when her father disappears, and her search takes her to an enigmatic town in Central India. There she uncovers 40 cursed statues — the murtis — and the ancient spirits guarding them, with Vishal Vashishtha’s Babarao by her side.

Kaul says the show’s central idea is the sceptic’s journey: a pragmatic protagonist whose entire world changes when logic cannot explain her father’s sudden disappearance. Navigating the guarded secrets alongside Babarao gives the story a suspenseful, multi-genre feel.

Why Giri is the emotional anchor

Kaul plays Giri, the long-time trusted confidant of Ali’s missing father. On paper, he is a supporting character, but in the story he is the only person who knows both the mystery of the 40 statues and what happened to Ali’s father. “Giri is far more than a supporting presence—he acts as the emotional anchor of the entire narrative,” Kaul explained. As Ali’s protector and guide, he brings depth, warmth and steady credibility to the screen.

Shooting in Orchha, not a backlot

The team travelled to Orchha to capture the show’s atmosphere. The city’s heritage palaces, lakes, greenery and grand temples became a real backdrop for the mythic story. Kaul described shooting there as feeling “less like an intense schedule and more like a serene retreat.” He pointed to the city’s deep-rooted connection to Lord Shri Ram and Ayodhya, and said working in the presence of the historic Raja Ram Temple gave the set a vibrant, positive energy.

Beyond the daily schedule, the cast used their free hours to soak in the town:

• The spiritual centre: Raja Ram Temple and the town’s temple culture gave the production a calm, positive rhythm.
• The visual texture: Orchha’s palaces, lakes and greenery shaped the look and mood of the mystery.
• The off-screen bond: Kaul explored markets, grand palaces and local food with co-stars Joy Sengupta and Abhay, including the town’s famous Tikki shop.

What this means for fans

For viewers, Ali Baba Aur 40 Bhoot is built less on jump scares and more on a rational lead being pulled into the unexplainable. That makes Giri’s role crucial: he bridges Ali’s logical world and the older secrets of the murtis. Kaul said playing that balance was fulfilling, and he is glad audiences are responding warmly.

If you enjoy folklore retellings with a character-first approach, the series has a clear hook: a scientist must accept magic, and a guardian must decide how much truth to share. It is now streaming on JioHotstar.

Source: IWMBuzz