In a casting coup that signals the rise of powerful, female-led narratives in Bollywood, acclaimed filmmaker Aanand L. Rai has secured a stellar ensemble for his next production, the much-anticipated ‘Nai Naveli’. Sources confirm that versatile actress Yami Gautam is officially on board, starring alongside National Award winner Kriti Sanon and actor Sunny Kaushal.
The film, tentatively titled Nai Naveli (also referred to as Nayi Haveli in some circles), has sparked immediate excitement as it promises to deliver a fresh take on the hugely popular horror-comedy genre, infused with elements of Indian folklore and fantasy. Rai, renowned for nurturing unique stories through his production house, Colour Yellow Productions, brings together a trio of bankable stars for what insiders predict will be a box office winner.
Nai Naveli positions itself to redefine the horror-comedy space, moving beyond typical spooky settings to root the narrative in rich Indian mythology and folklore. Producers are reportedly aiming for a grand cinematic spectacle that retains a strong cultural essence.
Industry buzz suggests that while the film contains the comic and thrilling elements of a horror-comedy, its core storyline revolves around a unique folk tale, featuring Kriti Sanon’s character as a blend of a folkloric heroine and a mystical warrior. Yami Gautam steps into a substantial parallel lead role, promising an intense narrative dynamic between the two leading ladies.
A source close to the production revealed, “Mr. Rai is very particular about the tone. He wants the film to feel deeply rooted in our traditions while presenting a big-screen fantasy appeal. The casting of Kriti and now Yami is pivotal to achieving that balance of star power and performance depth.”
The casting also solidifies the return of a successful pairing: Yami Gautam and Sunny Kaushal. The duo previously garnered positive reviews for their chemistry in the 2023 heist thriller, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, which became a major hit on the streaming platform, Netflix.
While Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga was an edge-of-the-seat crime thriller, Nai Naveli offers a completely different landscape for their reunion. Fans are eager to see how the actors’ on-screen rapport adapts to the demands of the horror-comedy genre. Sunny Kaushal’s inclusion, although not explicitly detailed yet, completes the high-energy trio, adding a strong male lead to the ensemble.
The film marks a key moment for both actresses. Kriti Sanon continues her successful association with the horror-comedy genre following the critical and commercial success of Bhediya. Simultaneously, Yami Gautam builds on her stellar run of performances in varied content-driven films, showcasing her versatility. The collaboration between Kriti and Yami marks their first time sharing screen space, a pairing the makers believe will generate immense curiosity and buzz.
The production team at Colour Yellow is currently in the advanced stages of pre-production, focusing on locking the tight schedules of the lead actors. With Kriti Sanon currently wrapped up with other commitments and Yami Gautam’s upcoming film Haq set for a November release, the logistics are being meticulously planned.
Producers confirm that the film will move to workshops and costume trials for the principal cast in November 2025. The official camera roll is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with a significant portion of the shoot planned in Mumbai, followed by an extensive schedule in North India to capture the required scenic backdrops for the folklore-driven plot.
Although the director’s name remains under wraps, the project’s fast-paced development under Aanand L. Rai’s supervision signals a smooth run into production. Nai Naveli not only promises a thrilling cinematic experience but also cements its position as one of the most highly anticipated multi-starrer films to watch out for next year.
