Filmmaker Vikas Bahl has officially cast rising star Alizeh Agnihotri and actor Raghav Juyal as the lead pair for his highly anticipated next project. The film is an Indian adaptation of the acclaimed 2014 French comedy-drama, La Famille Bélier, a story that later inspired the Oscar-winning American film CODA. The project will see Agnihotri stepping into the pivotal role of the hearing daughter in a deaf family, a character central to the narrative’s emotional core.
The casting decision brings together one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers and a versatile actor currently riding a wave of critical appreciation, creating buzz for a compelling cinematic outing.
Vikas Bahl, known for critically praised films like Queen and the recent box-office hit Shaitaan, takes on the challenging task of adapting La Famille Bélier for the Indian context. The French original, a massive commercial and critical success, tells the heartwarming and complex story of Paula, the only hearing member of a deaf family who runs a struggling farm. She must navigate her responsibilities as the family’s vital link to the outside world while secretly nurturing a passion for singing and a chance to study at a prestigious music school.
Alizeh Agnihotri, who received widespread praise for her subtle performance in her debut film Farrey last year, will play the lead protagonist. Her selection for this emotionally demanding role confirms her trajectory as a performer seeking challenging, non-commercial scripts. Industry observers are keenly watching how she interprets the intense family dynamic and the conflict between duty and personal ambition.
The inclusion of Raghav Juyal has equally energized fans. Juyal, who first gained fame as a dancer and host, has successfully transitioned into a serious actor, proving his mettle in recent projects. He currently basks in the success of his role as Parvaiz in the hit series, The Bastards of Bollywood. His acclaimed performance in the show has solidified his reputation for versatility, moving him beyond his “King of Slow Motion” dance persona.
While the exact nature of Juyal’s character in the adaptation remains under wraps, insiders suggest he will play a significant role alongside Alizeh Agnihotri, potentially as the protagonist’s love interest or a key figure in her musical journey. This casting represents another major step forward for the actor in his mission to establish himself as a leading man in the industry.
The ambitious project, which aims to bring a new cultural dimension to the internationally loved narrative, officially begins filming late in 2025. Director Vikas Bahl plans to wrap up shooting by early 2026. This tight schedule suggests the team is eager to move the project from development to screens swiftly.
The story, focusing on the theme of a hearing child being the voice for her deaf parents, shares an emotional similarity with classic Indian cinema, most notably Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s 1996 debut Khamoshi: The Musical. However, Bahl’s version, officially licensed from the French production, promises a modern, relatable, and culturally relevant spin.
With a compelling story, a sensitive director, and a fresh, talented cast, the Indian adaptation of La Famille Bélier has instantly become one of the most anticipated films on the production slate for 2026. Fans eagerly await further details on the project, particularly the casting for the roles of the deaf parents, which will require powerful and empathetic performances to truly do justice to the source material.
