New Delhi: Acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali returns to the realm of epic romance with a new take on one of South Asia’s most tragic love stories, Heer Ranjha.
Bollywood’s new love story
Produced by Ekta Kapoor and presented by Imtiaz Ali, the film was officially announced on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026. Promoted as a modern cinematic retelling of the classic Punjabi folk tale, the project aims to blend timeless romance with contemporary storytelling. Although rumors have spread about the lead character, the official cast has not been confirmed yet.
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Creative team and vision
The film reunites Ali with producer Ekta Kapoor, after their critically acclaimed collaboration Laila Majnu (2018). Directed by Sajid Ali, who also directed Laila Majnu, Heer Ranjha promises to bring the emotional depth of the classic story to today’s audiences. The announcement was accompanied by a short concept teaser, with no cast details but a poetic tone and the tagline, “Some love stories never die…
From Laila Majnu to Heer Ranjha – the legacy of love continues.”
Filming is expected to begin once the lead cast has been cast, with the lead cast to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Sad story of Heer and Ranjha
Heer Ranjha is a 15th-century Punjabi folk tragedy centered on Dhido Ranjha, the youngest son of Heer and the Ranjha clan of Takht Hazara, born in a wealthy Siyal Jat family of Jhang. After Ranjha leaves home due to family disputes, he comes to Heer’s village and works as a cattle herder.
The lovers secretly fall in love with each other, but their relationship faces opposition from Heer’s parents and jealous uncle Kaido. Heer is forcibly married to another person named Saeeda Kheda, while Ranjha becomes a Jogi under Gorakhnath in Tila Jogian. In the story’s heartbreaking conclusion, Heer is poisoned on her wedding day, and Ranjha dies beside her after consuming the leftover poison. Their mausoleum in Jhang remains a symbol of eternal love.
Read this also ‘Laila Majnu’ second chapter announced: Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali return with ‘Heer Ranjha’
cinematic legacy
The folk tale has inspired several Bollywood adaptations:
- Heer Ranjha (1970) starring Raj Kumar and Priya Rajvansh is famous for Kaifi Azmi’s poetic dialogues.
- Heer Ranjha (1992), starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi.
Imtiaz Ali has previously portrayed tragic folklore in Rockstar, which is widely considered to be a loose adaptation of the Heer Ranjha tale.
cast speculation
According to Variety India, Rohit Saraf is set to play the lead role, although Hindustan Times reports that the casting has not been decided yet. While Heer’s identity is being kept under wraps, the makers are reportedly considering a new face to generate anticipation.