The Hindi film industry has found its next big romantic duo. Following the buzz of his high-octane debut alongside Akshay Kumar in Sky Force, Veer Pahariya is shifting gears from aerial action to light-hearted romance. Makers have officially tapped Pahariya to lead the Hindi remake of the 2024 Malayalam blockbuster, Premalu.
Adding to the excitement, the film will introduce a fresh face to the silver screen. Aafia Syed makes her highly anticipated acting debut as the female lead opposite Veer Pahariya. While Syed carries the prestigious lineage of being ace producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s niece, industry insiders suggest she earned the role through a rigorous audition process, proving she is more than just a famous name.
Veer Pahariya’s career trajectory is currently one of the most talked-about paths in Bollywood. Having recently wrapped up Sky Force—an aviation thriller where he shares significant screen time with superstar Akshay Kumar—Veer Pahariya is quickly proving his versatility. While Sky Force showcased his ability to handle intense, high-stakes drama, the Premalu remake offers him a chance to display his charm and comedic timing.
The original Malayalam film Premalu became a cultural phenomenon due to its relatable portrayal of youth, friendship, and the awkwardness of modern love. For the Hindi adaptation, the creative team aims to retain that “next-door” authenticity while tailoring the narrative for a wider pan-Indian audience.
The casting of Aafia Syed marks a significant moment for Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment fans, as she represents the next generation of a family that has defined Indian commercial cinema for decades. However, for this specific project, she steps out on her own under the guidance of producer Gaurav Varma.
Syed’s character is expected to mirror the spirited and independent vibe of the original’s female lead, which resonated deeply with Gen-Z viewers. Casting a newcomer opposite Pahariya is a strategic move by the producers to ensure the “freshness” of the story remains intact, allowing the audience to see the characters rather than the stars.
While the original Premalu was famously set against the backdrop of Hyderabad’s IT hubs, the Hindi remake takes a scenic turn to the capital. The makers have locked in a rigorous 45-day shooting stint in Delhi, which officially kicks off next week.
Delhi’s unique blend of historical architecture and modern urban life will serve as the canvas for this romantic comedy. From the bustling lanes of Old Delhi to the manicured greens of Lutyens’ Delhi, the city is expected to play a character of its own in the film.
Backing the project is producer Gaurav Varma, who has a reputation for identifying scripts with strong emotional cores and high commercial viability. Varma’s involvement suggests a production that will not shy away from a grand scale, yet will remain grounded in the “slice-of-life” genre that made the original a hit.
The decision to remake Premalu comes at a time when “clean,” light-hearted romantic comedies are seeing a massive resurgence at the Indian box office. By focusing on the chemistry between two young actors and a relatable urban setting, Varma and his team are positioning this film as a major contender for the 2026 holiday season.
The original Premalu, directed by Girish A.D., transcended language barriers to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Its success proved that audiences crave stories that feel honest and unpretentious. The Hindi remake carries the weight of these high expectations, but with Veer Pahariya’s rising stardom and the intrigue surrounding Aafia Syed’s debut, the project is already generating significant “Day 1” interest.
As the crew moves to Delhi next week, fans are eagerly waiting for the first “leaked” looks from the set to see the chemistry between Bollywood’s newest on-screen pair.
