Imtiaz Ali, renowned for his ability to redefine romance and emotional storytelling in Indian cinema, is preparing to return to the director’s chair with an untitled project that promises to deliver a poignant tale of love, longing, and identity. Scheduled for release on Baisakhi 2026, the film is set to begin shooting in August 2025. It boasts a compelling cast featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari in lead roles. With its contemporary and witty narrative, the film aims to delve into the emotional complexities of human connection, resonating deeply with audiences.
Continuing his tradition of crafting emotionally rich stories grounded in reality and lyricism, Ali describes the upcoming film as having “a big heart,” set against a large canvas while remaining very personal. “It is a story of a boy and a girl,” he explained, “but also a country.” He further reflects on the film’s emotional core with a quote from poet Momin: “‘Tum mere paas hote ho goya, jab koi doosra nahin hota.’ Can love really be lost? Can home be taken away from someone’s heart?”
The film also marks the return of one of Bollywood’s most iconic creative collaborations: A.R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil, and Imtiaz Ali. This trio previously delivered memorable soundtracks for films like Rockstar, Highway, and Tamasha, generating high expectations for the film’s music. They promise, “a film that moves you, music that stays with you, and a love story that becomes a part of you.”
With its release aligning with Baisakhi 2026, the film is poised to explore themes of renewal, homecoming, and emotional growth—perfectly capturing the spirit of the spring festival. While the title remains undisclosed, the narrative is anticipated to balance humor with pathos, tradition with modernity, and intimacy with socio-political undertones.
As production approaches, fans of Ali’s cinematic universe can look forward to another soul-stirring journey—one that speaks to the heart and reflects the times we live in.
