An Imtiaz Ali film is almost always surrounded by much interest and anticipation. Things are no different for the filmmaker’s next, with fans curious to know more about the Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina-starrer. No prizes for guessing that Ali, known for his poetic takes on love, is exploring the genre again. mid-day has learnt that the yet-untitled film is a period drama set against India’s Partition, with Raina and Sharvari playing lovers whose lives are upended in its aftermath.

The film, also starring Naseeruddin Shah, is set in Punjab. A source reveals, “Set in the 1940s, the movie looks at Partition and its after-effects from the lens of two lovers. While Sharvari plays the young female lead opposite Vedang, Imtiaz is in talks with two more leading ladies for other prominent roles as the film revolves around different generations of families. Prep on the project has begun with Vedang and Sharvari recently doing their look tests. Designer Sheetal Sharma, who worked on Imtiaz’s last film Chamkila [2024], has been roped in for the period drama.”

If things go as planned, Ali will call action on the film in August. “Through the movie, Imtiaz will trace the heartbreak that accompanies migration. Despite the theme, the story will not show Pakistan, and only make passing references to it.”