In a move that has delighted hopeless romantics and cinephiles alike, the “Queen of Content” Ektaa R Kapoor and the maestro of soulful storytelling Imtiaz Ali have officially joined forces for their next ambitious project. On Valentine’s Day 2026, the duo took to social media to unveil the title of their upcoming collaboration: Heer Ranjha.
Building on the massive cult resurgence of their 2018 film Laila Majnu, the makers have positioned Heer Ranjha as the second chapter of the Laila Majnu franchise. This announcement marks a significant expansion of a shared romantic universe that prioritizes emotional depth and poetic intensity over conventional commercial tropes.
The announcement comes at a time when Laila Majnu has achieved a historic milestone. While the original 2018 release struggled to find an audience, its re-release in 2025 became a box office phenomenon, eventually breaking even and cementing its status as a modern classic.
Capitalizing on this renewed love, Ektaa R Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali are returning to the roots of subcontinental folklore. Heer Ranjha is not merely a remake; the makers describe it as a “spiritual successor” that carries forward the same raw, visceral energy that made Qais and Laila’s story a household name years after its debut.
Steering this new chapter is director Sajid Ali, who previously helmed Laila Majnu. Sajid’s ability to capture the breathtaking beauty of landscape alongside the harrowing pain of separation won him critical acclaim. In Heer Ranjha, he aims to recontextualize the legendary Punjabi love story of Heer and Ranjha for a contemporary audience.
“Sajid has a rare sensitivity,” Ektaa Kapoor noted in a press statement. “He understands the honesty and depth required to portray a love that transcends time. With Heer Ranjha, we are not just telling a story; we are inviting the audience into an emotionally immersive world.”
Presented by Imtiaz Ali, the film is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures (a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd.) and Pi Films (headed by Preety Ali). Imtiaz Ali, the creative force behind modern romantic landmarks like Jab We Met and Rockstar, shared his vision for the project:
“Heer Ranjha has its own world and rhythm. It speaks the love language of this generation while staying rooted in something eternal. Collaborating with Ektaa again feels like a natural continuation of a shared emotional language.”
The teaser clip shared on social media, set to a haunting and soulful score, carried the poignant caption: “Some Love stories never die… From Laila Majnu to Heer Ranjha – The Love Legacy Continues.”
While the makers have kept the official cast under wraps, industry reports from Variety India and other trade outlets suggest that Rohit Saraf has been locked in to play the lead role of Ranjha. Known as the “National Crush” for his work in Mismatched, this project would mark Saraf’s most intense and challenging role to date.
Interestingly, the search for “Heer” has reportedly led the makers to a fresh face. Launching a newcomer in such an iconic role mirrors the strategy used in Laila Majnu, which launched the careers of Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary.
By branding this as a “franchise,” Ektaa and Imtiaz are pioneering a new trend in Bollywood: the Romantic Universe. Unlike action or horror franchises that rely on recurring characters, this universe is connected by a specific “emotional frequency” and a dedication to adapting timeless folk legends with modern sensibilities.
With filming set to commence shortly, Heer Ranjha is already one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Sajid Ali can recreate the “magical madness” of the mountains in the lush fields of Punjab.
