Ali Abbas Zafar Officially Confirms His Next With Saiyaara Star Ahaan Panday

Mumbai, February 23 - Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has officially confirmed his next directorial venture, and it will feature Saiyaara breakout star Ahaan Panday in the lead role. The project is a high-voltage action-romance backed by Yash Raj Films, marking Zafar's return to the banner after several successful collaborations in the past.

The confirmation came after Ali Abbas Zafar shared a photo with Ahaan Panday on social media, hinting at the film's theme with the caption, "Power isn't given... It's taken." The post quickly went viral, making it the first direct acknowledgement from the filmmaker about the collaboration.

Power Isn’t Given … Its TAKEN . Let’s Roll 🔥 #AhaanPanday pic.twitter.com/0xt8P1Yveu

— ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) February 23, 2026

The film is currently in advanced pre-production and is expected to go on floors by the end of March 2026. Major portions of the shoot are planned in Mumbai, with an international schedule, reportedly in London, being lined up for large-scale action sequences. The makers are aiming to wrap up principal photography by mid-2026.

The yet-to-be-titled film is described as an action-romance designed to position Ahaan Panday as a mainstream commercial hero after his debut in Saiyaara. The film features Sharvari Wagh as the female lead, while Aaishvary Thackeray is said to be playing the antagonist. With Ali Abbas Zafar known for mounting big-canvas entertainers and Yash Raj Films backing the project, expectations are already high.

Stay tuned...