Jackky Bhagnani, Rhea Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Alia Bhatt are expected to throw up some major surprises
The time for predictable storytelling is over in Indian cinema. The biggest blockbusters and critical successes in the past few years have steered clear from formulaic and jaded narratives to astound audiences with fresh themes. A new generation of makers is taking creative risks to craft films that do not tread the beaten path. In 2025 too, we are likely to see the continuance of this trend of young producers redefining entertainment with their fresh perspectives.
An overview:
1. Jackky Bhagnani
Jackky Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment is back to the drawing board and envisioning some major projects this year. The legacy production house is revisiting the comedy genre that yielded box-office gold in the nineties but with a twist. Devoid of gags and cliched humour, their upcoming project ‘Mere Husband Ki Biwi’ is expected to be a modern, fresh comedy that checks the boxes of good taste as well as crackling entertainment. The story unspools in unexpected ways when a wife unexpectedly befriends her husband’s ex-girlfriend. Produced by Jackky Bhagnani, this comedy promises laughs, twists, and plenty of relatable drama. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film is expected to release on February 21, 2025. It stars Bhumi Pednekar, Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh.
2. Rhea Kapoor
This year Rhea Kapoor is expected to continue with her winning streak by working on the sequels of ‘Crew’ and ‘Veere Di Wedding’ in collaboration with co-producer Ekta Kapoor. Their release dates have not yet been shared but ‘Crew 2’ is expected to have the same cast (Tabu, Kareena Kapoor and Kriti Sanon) and will most likely be directed by Rajesh A Krishnan once again. The themes of ambition, resilience and female friendships will yet again be explored in both sequels with large dollops of humour, sharp repartee and insightful social commentary.
3. Farhan Akhtar
From ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001 to ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ in 2024, Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment has always broken new cinematic ground. His production house has also created popular OTT shows like ‘Inside Edge’, ‘Mirzapur’ and ‘Dahaad.’ In 2025, he is also expected to offer updates on the long-awaited ‘Don-3: The Final Chapter’ as well as ‘Jee Le Zara’ which is expected to star Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. ‘Don-3’ stars Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani and will have his signature flair for slick production values, smart punchlines and cutting-edge shot-taking.
4. Zoya Akhtar
Founded in 2015, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s production house Tiger Baby Films has always sprung up surprises with projects like ‘Gully Boy’, ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan’, ‘Made in Heaven’ and ‘Dahaad.’ This year she is expected to announce a new film with Aamir Khan and a riveting gangster saga inspired by the cinema of Salim Javed. She is also expected to co-produce the much talked about road film, ‘Jee Le Zara’ apart from working on the third season of ‘Made in Heaven’ and the second season of ‘Dahaad.’
5. Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s company Eternal Sunshine Productions has scored big wins with gritty thrillers like ‘Darlings’, ‘Poacher’ and ‘Jigra’ and is all set to back unusual tales with powerful female protagonists in 2025 too. The actor-producer has shown great promise by picking stories that celebrate women with all their strengths and vulnerabilities. Even though ‘Jigra’ failed at the office, Alia is likely to back more projects this year that will follow the road less travelled in terms of characterisation and themes.