Filmmaking Royalty Vir Hirani Takes The Lead; Oscar Winner Rahman to Score High-Profile Romantic Drama
In a spectacular convergence of top-tier talent, Vir Hirani, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, is all set to make his much-anticipated Bollywood debut. He will headline an untitled romantic drama produced by National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta’s banner, True Story Films. Adding monumental weight to the project, the creators have successfully roped in Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman to craft the music, immediately setting an incredibly high bar for the film’s soundtrack.
This news electrifies the industry, positioning the film as one of the most significant launch vehicles in recent times, supported by a creative foundation that spans three generations of cinematic excellence.
Vir Hirani steps onto the grand Bollywood stage with a solid background that speaks to his passion for the craft, not just his lineage. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, the young actor has already garnered attention for his compelling stage presence. Last year, he received critical acclaim for his powerful 35-minute monologue in Feroz Abbas Khan’s play, Letters of Suresh.
While Vir is also set to appear in his father Rajkumar Hirani’s first-ever web series, Pritam Pedro, which stars Arshad Warsi and Vikrant Massey, this romantic drama under Hansal Mehta’s production will officially mark his major big-screen debut. Sources close to the production note that Mehta specifically chose Vir because his raw talent and theatre training fit the nuanced demands of the lead role in this high-profile love story.
The artistic team assembled for Vir Hirani’s debut is nothing short of a cinematic powerhouse, signalling a project rooted in strong, unconventional storytelling.
Hansal Mehta, a director celebrated for his unflinching narratives and ability to extract stellar performances, is producing the film as one of the flagship projects under his True Story Films banner. Known for hits like Scam 1992 and Aligarh, Mehta’s involvement guarantees a unique perspective and a focus on compelling character arcs, moving beyond typical launchpad fare. His decision to back Vir Hirani demonstrates a clear belief in the debutant’s acting prowess.
The biggest headline for the film’s scale is the signing of A.R. Rahman. The musical genius, known for revolutionising Indian film scores and winning multiple international accolades, will compose the entire soundtrack. Rahman’s presence ensures a rich, emotionally resonant musical landscape for the romantic drama, significantly elevating the film’s global appeal and setting up chartbuster expectations.
Further enriching the project is the entry of acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, who will mark his Hindi directorial debut with this film. Pellissery, who has earned global acclaim for his pathbreaking work in films like Angamaly Diaries and Jallikattu, brings his distinctive, inventive, and visually captivating style to the Bollywood canvas. This collaboration between an acclaimed producer, an international composer, and a visionary regional director creates an exciting blend of artistic sensibilities.
The team has meticulously finalised the script and moved into the active pre-production phase. Producers are currently engaged in the critical task of casting the female lead opposite Vir Hirani. The announcement of the leading lady remains keenly awaited by the industry.
The production is scheduled to begin in February 2026. With an exceptional creative line-up firmly in place, this romantic drama promises a stunning and memorable launch for Vir Hirani, offering Bollywood a new generation star with an exceptional debut vehicle. Industry analysts and audiences alike now eagerly anticipate this unique collaboration, which truly represents a fresh direction for Hindi cinema.
