Producer Ektaa Kapoor has heaped praise on filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, calling him “in top form” for their upcoming romantic drama ‘Heer Ranjha’, which serves as the second chapter in the beloved ‘Laila Majnu’ franchise .
In a recent interaction, Ektaa also teased that the film has a “surprise package” in store for audiences, though she remained tight-lipped about specific details .
‘Heer Ranjha’ announced on Valentine’s Day
The project was officially announced on February 14, 2026, marking the reunion of Ektaa Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali after the cult success of ‘Laila Majnu’ (2018) . The film will be directed by Sajid Ali, who also helmed the first installment, and is presented by Imtiaz Ali .
Sharing her excitement about the collaboration, Ektaa said: “Imtiaz and Sajid have the rare ability to capture love with honesty and depth. While Laila Majnu found its audience over time and became a cult classic, Heer Ranjha is a love story that aims to transcend time and emotions” .
She added that Imtiaz is in “top form” and that the film will feature a “surprise package” — hinting at an unexpected element that fans are eagerly awaiting.
What we know about ‘Heer Ranjha’
Rooted in classic romance yet shaped for contemporary viewers, ‘Heer Ranjha’ reimagines the legendary Punjabi folk tragedy for a new generation . The makers have described it as a poetic and emotionally immersive cinematic experience that carries forward the legacy of tragic love first established in ‘Laila Majnu’ .
Imtiaz Ali shared: “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” .
Shooting for the film is expected to commence soon, though exact dates have not been announced .
Casting under wraps, fresh face expected
While fans had hoped for the return of ‘Laila Majnu’ stars Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri, reports suggest that the makers are considering a fresh face for the lead role . According to some media reports, Rohit Saraf has been rumored to play the male lead, though casting is yet to be finalized .
Ektaa’s hint about a “surprise package” has fueled speculation — could it be a cameo by original stars, an unexpected plot twist, or a special appearance by a major Bollywood actor? Fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
The legacy of ‘Laila Majnu’
‘Laila Majnu’, directed by Sajid Ali and starring Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri, was released in 2018. Despite earning only ₹3 crore during its initial theatrical run, the film later gained a strong following online and became a cult classic . A re-release in 2025 helped it collect an additional ₹11 crore, finally enabling it to break even .
This late-blooming success encouraged the makers to expand the romantic universe with ‘Heer Ranjha’, which is expected to follow a similar template: intense emotions, poetic storytelling, and heartbreaking romance.
What to expect
While plot details are being kept under wraps, ‘Heer Ranjha’ is expected to be a contemporary retelling of the tragic Punjabi love story of Heer and Ranjha — one of South Asia’s most enduring folk tales . The film aims to blend timeless romance with modern sensibilities, appealing to both fans of the original and new audiences.
The bottom line
With Imtiaz Ali in “top form,” Ektaa Kapoor’s production backing, and a “surprise package” awaiting fans, ‘Heer Ranjha’ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic dramas in Bollywood. As casting announcements draw closer, the curiosity around the project only continues to grow.
