Ahaan Panday Reunites with Aditya Chopra for Ali Abbas Zafar’s Action-Romance After ‘Saiyaara’ Becomes Biggest Love Story in Indian Cinema.

Following the phenomenal success of his debut film Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday is gearing up for his sophomore project—a high-octane action-romance helmed by acclaimed director Ali Abbas Zafar and backed by producer Aditya Chopra.

Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and presented by Chopra’s Yash Raj Films, released on July 18, 2025, to spectacular box office numbers. The film shattered records to become the highest-grossing romantic drama in Indian cinema history while establishing Ahaan Panday and co-star Aneet Padda as breakout stars. The industry and audiences have since been buzzing with anticipation about Ahaan’s next move.

Pinkvilla can exclusively reveal that Panday has locked his second YRF project, which will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar—the filmmaker behind blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai.

An insider close to the project disclosed, “Ali Abbas Zafar has been developing an action-romance in partnership with Aditya Chopra. He wanted to return to the genre blend of drama and adrenaline that’s been his signature. After seeing Saiyaara, Ali was struck by Ahaan’s emotional range and commanding screen presence.”

According to sources, casting Ahaan was Chopra’s brainchild. “Adi believes Ahaan’s limited filmography works in his favor. Following Saiyaara’s blockbuster run, there’s organic intrigue around his next choice. Combining a fresh talent like Ahaan with a big-scale narrative creates genuine audience anticipation,” the source revealed.

The untitled film will present Panday in an entirely new light, featuring an explosive combination of high-stakes action, passionate romance, and dramatic intensity—hallmarks of both Chopra and Zafar’s filmmaking styles. Pre-production is well underway, with the screenplay finalized and music compositions in progress. Filming is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with action training and styling sessions beginning shortly to transform Ahaan’s look from his debut.

This project represents the fifth partnership between Chopra and Zafar, following Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai—a collaboration that boasts an unbroken track record of commercial successes. With a hit-making director, powerhouse producer, and emerging star joining forces, this Gen Z-focused action-romance has already emerged as one of the most anticipated projects on the horizon.