The landscape of Bollywood romance is set for a fresh transformation as acclaimed filmmaker Vikas Bahl (of Queen and Shaitaan fame) announces his next directorial venture, Ikaae. In a move that has surprised the industry, Bahl has locked a unique and “fresh” on-screen pairing by casting fan-favorite Raghav Juyal opposite talented debutant Komal Pawaskar.
Described as a “new-age love story with a haunting twist,” Ikaae (reportedly meaning “Unit” or “One”) is set to explore a blend of romance and psychological depth, a significant departure from the director’s recent supernatural thrillers.
Raghav Juyal, who has been on a meteoric rise following his chilling performance in Kill and his role in Aryan Khan’s The Bads of Bollywood, continues his streak of diverse roles with this project. While he has long been celebrated for his “King of Slow Motion” dance persona, Ikaae marks his transition into a full-fledged romantic lead. Komal Pawaskar, a fresh face discovered through Bahl’s extensive casting search, is said to have “blown the team away” with her screen presence during workshops.
The film is produced by Reliance Entertainment and is expected to go on floors in the second half of 2026, following the completion of Bahl’s musical project with Siddhant Chaturvedi. With its intriguing title and unconventional casting, Ikaae is already being hailed as one of the most experimental love stories to watch out for next year.