In January, mid-day reported that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s yet-untitled spy comedy was in limbo ever since the first schedule was concluded in 2024 (Intermission comes before the film, Jan 20). Things appear to have swiftly progressed on the Karan Johar and Guneet Monga production in the last two months. It has been learnt that the leads shot an extensive schedule in Mumbai in February, including a massive song sequence.

Originally, first-time director Aakash Kaushik wanted to film the song, titled ‘Jai Hind’, in real locations in Delhi and Mumbai. However, when that didn’t materialize, the makers decided to shoot it on a set at Madh Island in Mumbai.

A source told mid-day, “‘Jai Hind’ is set against the Independence Day celebration that happens in Delhi. More than 700 dancers and junior artistes were roped in for the song that depicts the Independence Day parade. Karan and Guneet felt that a colourful, patriotic song, mounted on a grand scale, would add to the spy comedy’s appeal. It appears at a critical juncture in the movie. Ayushmann and Sara shot the track in two days.”

We’ve heard that the unit has an end-credit number to be filmed before Kaushik can call it a wrap on the project. The makers are apparently eyeing a mid-2026 release.

Had things gone as planned, Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan would have been gearing up for the release of their yet-untitled action comedy now. Instead, mid-day has learnt that the film, co-produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor, has been in limbo since its first schedule concluded in late 2024.

A source shared, “It is a quirky, fun story. Everything was on track when the team began shooting the first schedule mid-2024 in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. But after that, the movie, which was to release in the first half of 2026, has been stuck for over a year. The actors and the crew are keen to resume filming, but there’s no clarity on when the project will return to floors.”

So, what exactly is blocking debutant Aakash Kaushik’s directorial venture? Another insider revealed that the makers are apparently indecisive about the release model of the film, which was initially conceived of as a theatrical offering.

“There have been discussions about whether it should take the web route and be released as an OTT original. The talks have been going on for months, while the shoot has been on hold,” said the insider.