MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Rayya Labib is set to headline director Maneesh F Singh’s crossover festival film The 13th Victim, a 45-minute short film inspired by a real-life murder case involving a billionaire oil magnate from the Gulf. The film is based on a true murder story.
The film, which is being prepared for screening at international film festivals, revolves around the mysterious killing of the wealthy oil businessman at a seven-star hotel in Los Angeles in the late 1990s. According to the film’s storyline, the magnate became a target after allegedly attempting to disrupt the flow of oil from Arab nations to other parts of the world and the incident was linked to the Iran-Israel war.
The high-profile murder reportedly triggered widespread speculation within the international community. While the incident was initially suspected to have been carried out by Iranian terrorists, the investigation later pointed towards the alleged involvement of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad.
Rayya Labib plays the love interest of the oil magnate, portrayed by an upcoming Delhi-based actor. According to director Maneesh F Singh, Rayya will be seen in a glamorous avatar in the film, with her character featuring prominently in the narrative.
The film was shot across Mumbai and Goa. Around 25 per cent of the production was filmed in Mumbai, while the remaining portions were shot in Goa. Part of the Goa schedule was completed in November last year, with the remaining sequences filmed in North Goa.
With its international setting, political intrigue and crime-based storyline, The 13th Victim is being positioned as a crossover production aimed at audiences and film festival circuits beyond India.
Rayya Labib, who has previously attracted media attention for her comments concerning the suicide case of television actor Tunisha Sharma in Vasai on the outskirts of Mumbai, said she was looking forward to the film’s release.
The actress is expected to make a striking appearance in the project, which combines elements of mystery, crime, romance and international espionage. With the film now completed, the makers are preparing to take The 13th Victim to film festivals across the world.