The Indian film industry is bracing for an intense new cinematic experience as production kicks off for the high-octane action thriller, Naam – To Live Is War. The project has generated significant buzz not only for its gritty premise but for its unique connection to one of Indian cinema’s most enduring cult classics.
The film stars Veer Pahariya and Fukrey sensation Varun Sharma in lead roles, marking a striking departure from their previous onscreen personas. While Veer Pahariya is set to take center stage as an “angry young man” with complex grey shades, Varun Sharma is poised to surprise audiences by portraying the film’s formidable antagonist.
The title of the film pays homage to Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 blockbuster, Naam, which remains a cornerstone of crime-thriller cinema in India. While Naam – To Live Is War draws inspiration from the thematic intensity and emotional weight of the original, it is being positioned as a distinct, contemporary action narrative.
Adding significant credibility to the project, Mahesh Bhatt himself has come on board as the presenter. He is also providing creative supervision to the team, ensuring that the film captures the raw, human-centric tension that characterized his earlier work.
The film is being directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, who has also penned the screenplay alongside Suhrita Das and Shweta Bothra. Their collaborative effort aims to weave a narrative that balances fast-paced action sequences with deep psychological character development.
Produced under the banner of Utsav Entertainment and Productions, the project is backed by producers Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay. The technical scale of the film is further bolstered by a strategic collaboration with Alphaneon Studioz, which serves as the studio partner, ensuring a high-end visual and auditory experience.
The casting of Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma signals a bold choice by the director and creative team:
- Veer Pahariya’s Evolution: After establishing his presence in recent projects, Pahariya is being tasked with carrying the film’s moral ambiguity. His portrayal of a protagonist caught in a cycle of conflict is expected to be the emotional anchor of the thriller.
- Varun Sharma’s Transformation: Widely beloved for his comedic timing and iconic portrayals in the Fukrey franchise, Sharma’s pivot to a villainous antagonist role is arguably the film’s most anticipated element. His ability to command the screen in a menacing capacity is expected to challenge audience perceptions and showcase his range as a dramatic performer.
In a recent industry interaction, Mahesh Bhatt expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the young leads. Reflecting on the energy Pahariya and Sharma have brought to the set, the veteran filmmaker remarked, “They have the thirst.”
Bhatt’s endorsement underscores the production’s focus on nurturing new talent within the framework of a classic-inspired thriller. With the creative supervision of a master of the genre and a team dedicated to modernizing the “Naam” brand of storytelling, Naam – To Live Is War is rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing entries in the 2026–2027 film calendar.
As principal photography continues, the industry is keeping a close eye on this fresh take on an iconic legacy.
