New Delhi, July 13 (IANS): Producer Shital Bhatia, who is co-producing "Missing" with Neeraj Pandey, says horror is the most under-explored genre in the country.

"The horror genre is one of the most under-explored and under-exploited genres in India. Both Neeraj and I felt that this is a genre we need to focus on and provide audiences with quality and intelligent content which is also commercially viable to our partners," Bhatia said in a statement.

Bhatia and Pandey work together under their banner Friday Filmworks, and "Missing" is coming under a new sub-brand Friday Fearworks, which caters to horror and thriller genres.

"'Missing' is our first attempt in this direction and I am sure audiences would embrace it the same way as they have done our mainstream offerings," Bhatia added.

In a first-of-its-kind move for the Indian content market by a production company, Friday Fearworks will focus on generating and developing ideas and scripts that will cater to the chills and thrills-seeking young Indians.

Tabu and Manoj Bajpayee starrer "Missing" also marks the debut of Manoj as a producer. Directed by newcomer Mukul Abhayankar, the film will release towards the year-end.

Speaking of Manoj as a co-producer for the film, Bhatia said: "Manoj coming on board as co-producer on 'Missing' was a huge validation of our thoughts and efforts. Apart from Manoj being a partner on the film, his regular inputs on the creative side have been really helpful and have truly enhanced the final product. 'Missing' is the first one off the block at Friday Fearworks."