From war dramas to period love stories to films on misogyny, the first half of Bollywood's 2026 slate had myriad stories and credible performances. Here are the best films of the year so far. 

From war dramas to period love stories to films on misogyny, the first half of Bollywood's 2026 slate had myriad stories and credible performances. Here are the best films of the year so far.&nbsp;

Ikkis to Main Vaapas Aaunga: The best Hindi films of 2026 so far

Two weeks after Imtiaz Ali’s film Main Vaapas Aaunga was released in theatres, an unusual comeback story was scripted at the box office. Thanks to all the positive reviews, and good word of mouth publicity, the film has registered the kind of box office trend that’s hard to come by in today’s unpredictable theatrical market.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Ali’s film, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, earned Rs 5.50 crore in the opening weekend, the film’s business has been growing since its release. A film’s fate at the box office is decided based on its earnings in the first weekend. Main Vaapas Aaunga’s box office report for the first weekend was considered as slow. However, the word of mouth started to kick in for the film and witnessed a miraculous turnaround on the first Monday of its release, a day when films usually risk crashing.<h2>Main Vaapas Aaunga's comeback at the ticket window</h2>&nbsp;The first week itself, tides turned for the film. Amplified by favourable reviews and robust social media buzz, the film recorded a surprising rise in footfall in cinemas. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, its week one collection came at around Rs 12.25 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;The massive trending over the week and rave reviews coming from all quarters, Main Vaapas Aaunga was up for a glorious second weekend. The film went into overdrive as exhibitors actively added more shows—some starting as early as 6:30 AM. In a rare feat, the drama managed to script a smashing comeback, earning nearly as much as its entire first week's run in just three days.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/imtiaz-ali-reveals-why-he-chose-main-vaapas-aaunga-sharvari-vedang-raina-share-bts-secrets-1781336225234">Imtiaz Ali reveals why he chose Main Vaapas Aaunga before the script was ready</a>&nbsp;Main Vaapas Aaunga began its second weekend, earning Rs 1.90 crore net on Friday, taking a temporary hit due to the wave of a bigger commercial challenger releasing the same day- Cocktail 2, led by Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna.However, the film again picked up pace on Saturday and Sunday, recording its best individual days at the box office yet. It netted ₹4.35 crore on Saturday and ₹5.75 crore on Sunday, taking its second weekend total to an estimated ₹12 crore. This represents a massive jump of over 100 per cent from its opening weekend, matching almost the exact total it had accumulated across its entire first week.&nbsp;The film's total earnings after 10 days stand at Rs 24.25 crore, and with the film trending majorly on social media, trade pundits are hoping that the film will continue multiplying its earnings.&nbsp;<h2>About Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>Set in two different time zones- present day and the partition era- Main Vaapas Aaunga is a story of love, belonging, and homecoming. The film features Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vadang Raina, Rajat Kapoor, Banita Sandhu and Sanjay Suri in key characters. The film has Shah playing a 95-year-old dementia patient, who yearns to go to Sargodha, Pakistan, to complete an unfinished business. The film then goes into flashback to narrate the love story of Keenu and Jiya, an interfaith couple who separate due to partition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ar-rahman-laughs-at-main-vaapas-aaunga-anti-national-post-was-it-a-dig-at-dhurandhar-1781765972262">AR Rahman laughs at Main Vaapas Aaunga 'anti-national' post: Was it a dig at Dhurandhar?</a><h2>WION's review of Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>&nbsp;In her review of the film, Shomini Sen of WION wrote, "Main Vaapas Aaunga, despite its slightly uneven narrative, delivers and tugs at one’s heartstrings. It makes you wonder if the trauma of partition would ever go away because the generation which faced it buried it in their conscience and lived silently with trauma. And then later passed it on to the next generation. The hatred towards a certain community stems from the same incident. And thus, it is rather bold for Imtiaz Ali to talk of peace, healing and love on both sides of the border in a year like 2026 when the biggest hit has been based on anti-Pakistan views.Main Vaapas Aaunga makes you tear up and reflect. It makes you believe in forever love in the age of dating apps and quick swipes and makes you yearn to go home." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aunga-review-imtiaz-ali-crafts-a-hauntingly-beautiful-tale-of-partition-trauma-love-and-longing-diljit-dosanjh-naseeruddin-shah-1781264237205">Read the full review here</a>

Main Vaapas Aaunga, Imtiaz Ali's latest partition drama, may have had a slow start at the box office, but positive reviews, word of mouth publicity and strong social media buzz have ensured a major boost in the film's earnings in the week after its release. 

Two weeks after Imtiaz Ali’s film Main Vaapas Aaunga was released in theatres, an unusual comeback story was scripted at the box office. Thanks to all the positive reviews, and good word of mouth publicity, the film has registered the kind of box office trend that’s hard to come by in today’s unpredictable theatrical market. While Ali’s film, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, earned Rs 5.50 crore in the opening weekend, the film’s business has been growing since its release. A film’s fate at the box office is decided based on its earnings in the first weekend. Main Vaapas Aaunga’s box office report for the first weekend was considered as slow. However, the word of mouth started to kick in for the film and witnessed a miraculous turnaround on the first Monday of its release, a day when films usually risk crashing. Main Vaapas Aaunga's comeback at the ticket window The first week itself, tides turned for the film. Amplified by favourable reviews and robust social media buzz, the film recorded a surprising rise in footfall in cinemas. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, its week one collection came at around Rs 12.25 crore. The massive trending over the week and rave reviews coming from all quarters, Main Vaapas Aaunga was up for a glorious second weekend. The film went into overdrive as exhibitors actively added more shows—some starting as early as 6:30 AM. In a rare feat, the drama managed to script a smashing comeback, earning nearly as much as its entire first week's run in just three days. Also read: Imtiaz Ali reveals why he chose Main Vaapas Aaunga before the script was ready Main Vaapas Aaunga began its second weekend, earning Rs 1.90 crore net on Friday, taking a temporary hit due to the wave of a bigger commercial challenger releasing the same day- Cocktail 2, led by Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna. However, the film again picked up pace on Saturday and Sunday, recording its best individual days at the box office yet. It netted ₹4.35 crore on Saturday and ₹5.75 crore on Sunday, taking its second weekend total to an estimated ₹12 crore. This represents a massive jump of over 100 per cent from its opening weekend, matching almost the exact total it had accumulated across its entire first week. The film's total earnings after 10 days stand at Rs 24.25 crore, and with the film trending majorly on social media, trade pundits are hoping that the film will continue multiplying its earnings. About Main Vaapas Aaunga Set in two different time zones- present day and the partition era- Main Vaapas Aaunga is a story of love, belonging, and homecoming. The film features Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vadang Raina, Rajat Kapoor, Banita Sandhu and Sanjay Suri in key characters. The film has Shah playing a 95-year-old dementia patient, who yearns to go to Sargodha, Pakistan, to complete an unfinished business. The film then goes into flashback to narrate the love story of Keenu and Jiya, an interfaith couple who separate due to partition. Also read: AR Rahman laughs at Main Vaapas Aaunga 'anti-national' post: Was it a dig at Dhurandhar? WION's review of Main Vaapas Aaunga In her review of the film, Shomini Sen of WION wrote, "Main Vaapas Aaunga, despite its slightly uneven narrative, delivers and tugs at one’s heartstrings. It makes you wonder if the trauma of partition would ever go away because the generation which faced it buried it in their conscience and lived silently with trauma. And then later passed it on to the next generation. The hatred towards a certain community stems from the same incident. And thus, it is rather bold for Imtiaz Ali to talk of peace, healing and love on both sides of the border in a year like 2026 when the biggest hit has been based on anti-Pakistan views. Main Vaapas Aaunga makes you tear up and reflect. It makes you believe in forever love in the age of dating apps and quick swipes and makes you yearn to go home." Read the full review here

Main Vaapas Aaunga, Imtiaz Ali's latest partition drama, may have had a slow start at the box office, but positive reviews, word of mouth publicity and strong social media buzz have ensured a major boost in the film's earnings in the week after its release.&nbsp;

Main Vaapas Aaunga Scripts an unprecedented box office comeback, adds early morning shows in select theatres

Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga is garnering outstanding reviews from critics and audiences alike. Both on and off screen, the audience is hailing the emotional core of the movie. Amid all this, A.R. Rahman, who composed the music for the film, has reacted to a post that accused the movie of pushing an anti-national narrative.&nbsp;Featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, the movie explores migration, trauma, and love against the backdrop of Partition.<h3>Is Main Vaapas Aaunga anti-national?</h3>Rahman reacted to a post that was a sarcastic take on the movie for showing a Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents, and a dig at other Bollywood movies and shows that have portrayed the neighbouring country in a bad light.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aunga-review-imtiaz-ali-crafts-a-hauntingly-beautiful-tale-of-partition-trauma-love-and-longing-diljit-dosanjh-naseeruddin-shah-1781264237205">Main Vaapas Aaunga review: Imtiaz Ali crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of partition trauma, love, and longing</a>&nbsp;Taking to his Instagram Stories, the Oscar-winning composer shared a screenshot of a post and reacted to it with a laughing emoji. The post, shared by Newsbut-Funny, read: "Anti-National? Movie Dares to show Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents."&nbsp;In the caption, they sarcastically wrote about how the man, who watched the movie, was disappointed that the movie did not have any terrorists and spies.

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“The man who was excited to watch an Indian spy exact revenge on Pakistan, and who, toward the very end of the movie, says, ‘Mein Vaapas Aaunga,' was disappointed that the movie had nothing to do with terrorists and spies. Though touched by the heartfelt drama, he was confused about how Pakistan can neither have terrorists nor spies, given that's all they seem to have in other movies. He later mentioned in an interview that this was something completely new, and he walked away with the perspective that there can be normal humans in Pakistan,'' the caption of the post reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;He did not comment on anything, but his reaction was enough to show what he wanted to convey. While some laughed along with the post and his reaction, others called him out for taking a sly dig at movies like Dhurandhar.

Still of Reddit comments

The netizens have shared the screengrab of Rahman's post on Reddit, where the debate around his post quickly started.&nbsp;One user wrote,''People like him keep throwing shade at Dhurandhar while crying about how nobody is watching their supposedly superior movie.''<h3>What is Main Vaapas Aaunga about?</h3>Exploring the emotions, longing and love, Ali's film talks about the man-made borders, the refugee crisis worldwide and the pain that came along with the partition of India in 1947. The movie revolves around 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal, played by Shah. He's bedridden and now lives in Chandigarh. And the only wish he has is to go to Sargodha. But the only obligation is the man-made border. The only one who can understand his language, is his UK-returned grandson, Dosanjh.&nbsp;

Featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, the movie explores migration, trauma, and love against the backdrop of Partition.

Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga is garnering outstanding reviews from critics and audiences alike. Both on and off screen, the audience is hailing the emotional core of the movie. Amid all this, A.R. Rahman, who composed the music for the film, has reacted to a post that accused the movie of pushing an anti-national narrative. Featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, the movie explores migration, trauma, and love against the backdrop of Partition. Is Main Vaapas Aaunga anti-national? Rahman reacted to a post that was a sarcastic take on the movie for showing a Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents, and a dig at other Bollywood movies and shows that have portrayed the neighbouring country in a bad light. Also read: Main Vaapas Aaunga review: Imtiaz Ali crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of partition trauma, love, and longing Taking to his Instagram Stories, the Oscar-winning composer shared a screenshot of a post and reacted to it with a laughing emoji. The post, shared by Newsbut-Funny, read: "Anti-National? Movie Dares to show Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents." In the caption, they sarcastically wrote about how the man, who watched the movie, was disappointed that the movie did not have any terrorists and spies.

Featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga explores migration, trauma, and love against the backdrop of Partition.

AR Rahman laughs at Main Vaapas Aaunga 'anti-national' post: Was it a dig at Dhurandhar?

Main Vaapas Aaunga, the much-discussed period romantic drama starring Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Diljit Dosanjh, and Naseeruddin Shah, is now in cinemas. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film explores the weight of the Partition-era migration and the enduring nature of the human spirit.&nbsp;Raina, Sharvari, and Ali recently spoke with IMDb, sharing interesting anecdotes from the sets of the film and their experience working with each other.<h2>Why Imtiaz Ali chose to make the film</h2>Reflecting on how he chose the film, Imtiaz Ali shared, “There was a time when there were many films that were ready scripts, and I was going to make them at some point. Main Vaapas Aaunga at that point was just a small fledgling thought which was not even ready to be made into a film. That is the time I decided to make it.”<h2>Is Vedang Raina unapproachable?</h2>The conversation turned candid when the trio discussed public perception. Addressing the common misconception that he is unapproachable, Vedang Raina admitted, “People before meeting me, think that I am rude.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-trailer-diljit-dosanjh-vedang-raina-sharvari-feature-in-imtiaz-ali-s-emotional-tale-of-love-and-partition-watch-1779188233710">Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari in Imtiaz Ali's emotional tale of love and partition | Watch</a>&nbsp;Imtiaz Ali offered his own perspective on his lead actor, noting, “I can understand that. You are a person who second guesses himself, someone who puts himself through scrutiny a lot. You apply a lot of your mind to that, which makes you less free flowing when you meet someone for the first time.”<h2>Sharvari on her favourite films</h2>Discussing the cinematic works that have left a lasting impression on them, Sharvari expressed her admiration for recent standout performances, saying, “I have said this before as well, and not that I am saying that I could have done a better or worse job, but because of the film and performance that I genuinely like is Raazi.”&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aunga-review-imtiaz-ali-crafts-a-hauntingly-beautiful-tale-of-partition-trauma-love-and-longing-diljit-dosanjh-naseeruddin-shah-1781264237205"> Main Vaapas Aaunga review: Imtiaz Ali crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of partition trauma, love, and longing</a>&nbsp;She also noted her deep appreciation for modern storytelling, adding, “I would have loved to do a movie like 12th Fail, calling it an incredible film and an equally incredible part,” a sentiment echoed by Vedang Raina, who confirmed, “12th Fail is one of my recent favourites as well.”&nbsp;When asked about his personal go-to movie, Imtiaz Ali shared a fun personal preference: “It’s a movie called Dulhe Raja. I have seen it like 30 times and it is a very fun film and I watch it all the time.”<h2>BTS moments from Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>The group also shared a playful moment regarding the early days of production.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharvari shared to Imtiaz Ali, “In the initial days when we were trying to figure things out, we noticed that you’re quite an introvert. I was very apprehensive of approaching you, because I thought I was bothering you on my off days, but I had a lot of questions to ask, one of which was ‘What does the term “Haman” mean?’ I initially asked Vedang to go and ask you the same, but he insisted on me going myself by saying ‘I know, but you go!’ Later I pushed that I will myself go, but then you wore your headgear and stood in a position that clearly meant that you’re in your default thinking pose, making me take a Big U-Turn and rush back.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-box-office-collection-day-1-diljit-dosanjh-imtiaz-ali-film-opens-with-this-much-1781334876101">Main Vaapas Aaunga box office collection Day 1: Diljit Dosanjh, Imtiaz Ali film opens with THIS much</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-ar-rahman-gives-first-ever-performance-at-attari-wagah-border-watch-1780849776703">Main Vaapas Aaunga: AR Rahman gives first-ever performance at Attari-Wagah Border | Watch</a>&nbsp;Laughing at the memory, Imtiaz Ali replied, “Are you sure I was not Lamenting?” before clarifying, “Haman is a Mumbaikar term, similar to ‘Apan’.”<h2>About Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>Helmed by Ali, the film is set across two timelines and explores themes of memory, displacement, loss and enduring love. The film follows an elderly man's longing to revisit his ancestral home in present-day Pakistan.&nbsp;Main Vaapas Aaunga reunites A. R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil and Ali, who have previously collaborated for films like Rockstar and Tamasha.&nbsp;Produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, film’s music has been released under Tips Music.&nbsp;The film was released in cinemas on June 12.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Main Vaapas Aaunga team recently spilled some lesser known secrets about the making of the film. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film released in cinemas on June 12. Read on to know more.

Main Vaapas Aaunga, the much-discussed period romantic drama starring Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Diljit Dosanjh, and Naseeruddin Shah, is now in cinemas. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film explores the weight of the Partition-era migration and the enduring nature of the human spirit. Raina, Sharvari, and Ali recently spoke with IMDb, sharing interesting anecdotes from the sets of the film and their experience working with each other. Why Imtiaz Ali chose to make the film Reflecting on how he chose the film, Imtiaz Ali shared, “There was a time when there were many films that were ready scripts, and I was going to make them at some point. Main Vaapas Aaunga at that point was just a small fledgling thought which was not even ready to be made into a film. That is the time I decided to make it.” Is Vedang Raina unapproachable? The conversation turned candid when the trio discussed public perception. Addressing the common misconception that he is unapproachable, Vedang Raina admitted, “People before meeting me, think that I am rude.” Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari in Imtiaz Ali's emotional tale of love and partition | Watch Imtiaz Ali offered his own perspective on his lead actor, noting, “I can understand that. You are a person who second guesses himself, someone who puts himself through scrutiny a lot. You apply a lot of your mind to that, which makes you less free flowing when you meet someone for the first time.” Sharvari on her favourite films Discussing the cinematic works that have left a lasting impression on them, Sharvari expressed her admiration for recent standout performances, saying, “I have said this before as well, and not that I am saying that I could have done a better or worse job, but because of the film and performance that I genuinely like is Raazi.” Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga review: Imtiaz Ali crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of partition trauma, love, and longing She also noted her deep appreciation for modern storytelling, adding, “I would have loved to do a movie like 12th Fail, calling it an incredible film and an equally incredible part,” a sentiment echoed by Vedang Raina, who confirmed, “12th Fail is one of my recent favourites as well.” When asked about his personal go-to movie, Imtiaz Ali shared a fun personal preference: “It’s a movie called Dulhe Raja. I have seen it like 30 times and it is a very fun film and I watch it all the time.” BTS moments from Main Vaapas Aaunga The group also shared a playful moment regarding the early days of production. Sharvari shared to Imtiaz Ali, “In the initial days when we were trying to figure things out, we noticed that you’re quite an introvert. I was very apprehensive of approaching you, because I thought I was bothering you on my off days, but I had a lot of questions to ask, one of which was ‘What does the term “Haman” mean?’ I initially asked Vedang to go and ask you the same, but he insisted on me going myself by saying ‘I know, but you go!’ Later I pushed that I will myself go, but then you wore your headgear and stood in a position that clearly meant that you’re in your default thinking pose, making me take a Big U-Turn and rush back.” Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga box office collection Day 1: Diljit Dosanjh, Imtiaz Ali film opens with THIS much

The Main Vaapas Aaunga team recently spilled some lesser-known secrets about the making of the film. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film was released in cinemas on June 12. Read on to know more.

Imtiaz Ali reveals why he chose Main Vaapas Aaunga; Sharvari, Vedang Raina share BTS secrets

No one depicts love and longing as beautifully as Imtiaz Ali does. His coming-of-age dramas like Rockstar, Cocktail, Jab We Met, and even Jab Harry Met Sejal have had these two as central themes in the plot. In Amar Singh Chamkeela, Ali’s most political film to date, love made the two lead characters brave even as they longed to belong. His latest, Main Vapas Aaunga, is based on a similar theme, but Ali goes a step forward and talks of man-made borders, refugee crisis world over and how no particular community should be held responsible for the trauma that came with the partition of India in 1947. Featuring a stellar cast comprising Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Rajat Kapoor, and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga speaks the language of love in a polarised world.&nbsp;Main Vaapas Aaunga marks Dosanjh’s second collaboration with Imtiaz Ali, and while the actor is effortlessly charming as Nirvair Grewal, a man who has commitment phobia but is a sensitive man deeply connected to his grandfather, Main Vaapas Aaunga belongs to the veteran Naseeruddin Shah, who is stunning in the film as the ailing man yearning to go back to the land that he called his home, at the fag end of his life.<h2>What’s the story of Main Vapas Aaunga</h2>Shah plays 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal, who is desperate to go to Sargodha. His age and health have made him delirious and he has forgotten that now Sargodha, where he grew up, and Chandigarh, where he now lives with his family, are separated by international borders. As he slips in and out of consciousness and is restricted to a hospital bed, he keeps wanting to go to Sargodha to meet someone. He is incoherent, and only his UK-returned grandson, Dosanjh, can understand his language.&nbsp;What many deem as gibberish turns out to be a story from the past involving the family’s migration to India, facing rioters on the way, losing their loved ones and leaving behind home and love. The narrative flip-flops from past and present and depicts an inter-religion love story featuring Vedang Raina (as the young Ishar) and Sharvari, a spirited young Afsana or Jiya, who are well aware of the growing tensions between the two communities but keep wanting to be together. Their story is juxtaposed with Niravir’s on-and-off relationship with his girlfriend (Banita Sandhu), a stark contrast from other love stories.&nbsp;As Nirvair makes his way home, he realises he is unknown to a lot of family secrets and his father (Rajat Kapoor) is not willing to tell the full story. Kapoor’s character is shown to have a lot of resentment towards his own father (Shah), who has been a completely different man post partition, a phase that is not only mentioned but never shown on screen.<h2>What works</h2>The film is hauntingly beautiful. Written by Ali and Nayanika Mehtani, Main Vaapas Aaunga takes an interfaith love story to tell a story about belonging and about homecoming. It comes at a time when headlines all over are dominated by news of conflict and war. &nbsp;But the film, instead of pointing fingers at a community in particular, tries to look at the larger picture of loved lost, of passing on trauma through generations due to one tragic incident and blaming circumstances over the community.&nbsp;The film’s cast is superb. Actors like Sanjay Suri, Dolly Ahluwalia, Vinod Nagpal, Mashhoor Amrohi and Manish Chaudhary play important characters which have limited screen time. You almost cannot recognise half of them, because they are there on screen but never in focus untill the climax. Dosanjh has always been easy on the eyes and likeable with his effortless charm and acting skills. It is always a treat to watch him on screen and this one is no different.&nbsp;As Niravair, Dosanjh plays a sensitive man who can never settle and only finds answers when he starts digging deep into his grandfather’s history. Young on-screen pair Vedang Raina and Sharvari deliver to their part well. Sharvari, with her character, lights up the screen with grace and the right amount of naivety that her character requires. Raina, on the other hand, truly comes on his own. He shares screen space with some veteran faces but never slips and holds his own as the shy, loyal lover who is foolish to believe he will come back to take his love with him and in later years is riddled by guilt when he is unable to.&nbsp;The star of the film, however, is Naseeruddin Shah, who is stunning as the ageing, delirious old man desperate to go back to Sargodha one last time. Shah balances his performance, as a man often speaking gibberish, but never overdoes it, making his performance truly stand out.&nbsp;AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali, along with Irshad Kamil, are known for creating splendid musicals in the past, and this one is no different.&nbsp;<h2>What does not work</h2>The film hints at subplots but never gets into the details, leaving them slightly unfinished. There is a portion where Dosnajh is shown to help build something that can help the farmers, giving a hat tip to the actor’s personal support to the farmers’ movement in the past, but there is only one scene that shows him working on a technology to support them, but it doesn't dig deeper. I wish they had explored Rajat Kapoor and Shah’s strained relationship a bit more or given a conclusion to Dosanjh and Banita Sandhu’s relationship. The film is also uneven, and drags especially when Ali goes too much into detail to describe Shah’s outlandish descriptions.<h2>Final Verdict</h2>Main Vaapas Aaunga, despite its slightly uneven narrative, delivers and tugs at one’s heartstrings. It makes you wonder if the trauma of partition would ever go away because the generation which faced it buried it in their conscience and lived silently with trauma. And then later passed it on to the next generation. The hatred towards a certain community stems from the same incident. And thus, it is rather bold for Imtiaz Ali to talk of peace, healing and love on both sides of the border in a year like 2026 when the biggest hit has been based on anti-Pakistan views.&nbsp;Main Vaapas Aaunga makes you tear up and reflect. It makes you believe in forever love in the age of dating apps and quick swipes and makes you yearn to go home.

Main Vaapas Aunga, Imtiaz Ali's latest film, tells a beautiful love story based in the troubled times of India's partition. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah delivers a masterclass in acting as an ageing man longing to go back to his motherland and meet the love of his life. 

No one depicts love and longing as beautifully as Imtiaz Ali does. His coming-of-age dramas like Rockstar, Cocktail, Jab We Met, and even Jab Harry Met Sejal have had these two as central themes in the plot. In Amar Singh Chamkeela, Ali’s most political film to date, love made the two lead characters brave even as they longed to belong. His latest, Main Vapas Aaunga, is based on a similar theme, but Ali goes a step forward and talks of man-made borders, refugee crisis world over and how no particular community should be held responsible for the trauma that came with the partition of India in 1947. Featuring a stellar cast comprising Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Rajat Kapoor, and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga speaks the language of love in a polarised world. Main Vaapas Aaunga marks Dosanjh’s second collaboration with Imtiaz Ali, and while the actor is effortlessly charming as Nirvair Grewal, a man who has commitment phobia but is a sensitive man deeply connected to his grandfather, Main Vaapas Aaunga belongs to the veteran Naseeruddin Shah, who is stunning in the film as the ailing man yearning to go back to the land that he called his home, at the fag end of his life. What’s the story of Main Vapas Aaunga Shah plays 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal, who is desperate to go to Sargodha. His age and health have made him delirious and he has forgotten that now Sargodha, where he grew up, and Chandigarh, where he now lives with his family, are separated by international borders. As he slips in and out of consciousness and is restricted to a hospital bed, he keeps wanting to go to Sargodha to meet someone. He is incoherent, and only his UK-returned grandson, Dosanjh, can understand his language. What many deem as gibberish turns out to be a story from the past involving the family’s migration to India, facing rioters on the way, losing their loved ones and leaving behind home and love. The narrative flip-flops from past and present and depicts an inter-religion love story featuring Vedang Raina (as the young Ishar) and Sharvari, a spirited young Afsana or Jiya, who are well aware of the growing tensions between the two communities but keep wanting to be together. Their story is juxtaposed with Niravir’s on-and-off relationship with his girlfriend (Banita Sandhu), a stark contrast from other love stories. As Nirvair makes his way home, he realises he is unknown to a lot of family secrets and his father (Rajat Kapoor) is not willing to tell the full story. Kapoor’s character is shown to have a lot of resentment towards his own father (Shah), who has been a completely different man post partition, a phase that is not only mentioned but never shown on screen. What works The film is hauntingly beautiful. Written by Ali and Nayanika Mehtani, Main Vaapas Aaunga takes an interfaith love story to tell a story about belonging and about homecoming. It comes at a time when headlines all over are dominated by news of conflict and war. But the film, instead of pointing fingers at a community in particular, tries to look at the larger picture of loved lost, of passing on trauma through generations due to one tragic incident and blaming circumstances over the community. The film’s cast is superb. Actors like Sanjay Suri, Dolly Ahluwalia, Vinod Nagpal, Mashhoor Amrohi and Manish Chaudhary play important characters which have limited screen time. You almost cannot recognise half of them, because they are there on screen but never in focus untill the climax. Dosanjh has always been easy on the eyes and likeable with his effortless charm and acting skills. It is always a treat to watch him on screen and this one is no different. As Niravair, Dosanjh plays a sensitive man who can never settle and only finds answers when he starts digging deep into his grandfather’s history. Young on-screen pair Vedang Raina and Sharvari deliver to their part well. Sharvari, with her character, lights up the screen with grace and the right amount of naivety that her character requires. Raina, on the other hand, truly comes on his own. He shares screen space with some veteran faces but never slips and holds his own as the shy, loyal lover who is foolish to believe he will come back to take his love with him and in later years is riddled by guilt when he is unable to. The star of the film, however, is Naseeruddin Shah, who is stunning as the ageing, delirious old man desperate to go back to Sargodha one last time. Shah balances his performance, as a man often speaking gibberish, but never overdoes it, making his performance truly stand out. AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali, along with Irshad Kamil, are known for creating splendid musicals in the past, and this one is no different. What does not work The film hints at subplots but never gets into the details, leaving them slightly unfinished. There is a portion where Dosnajh is shown to help build something that can help the farmers, giving a hat tip to the actor’s personal support to the farmers’ movement in the past, but there is only one scene that shows him working on a technology to support them, but it doesn't dig deeper. I wish they had explored Rajat Kapoor and Shah’s strained relationship a bit more or given a conclusion to Dosanjh and Banita Sandhu’s relationship. The film is also uneven, and drags especially when Ali goes too much into detail to describe Shah’s outlandish descriptions. Final Verdict Main Vaapas Aaunga, despite its slightly uneven narrative, delivers and tugs at one’s heartstrings. It makes you wonder if the trauma of partition would ever go away because the generation which faced it buried it in their conscience and lived silently with trauma. And then later passed it on to the next generation. The hatred towards a certain community stems from the same incident. And thus, it is rather bold for Imtiaz Ali to talk of peace, healing and love on both sides of the border in a year like 2026 when the biggest hit has been based on anti-Pakistan views. Main Vaapas Aaunga makes you tear up and reflect. It makes you believe in forever love in the age of dating apps and quick swipes and makes you yearn to go home.

Main Vaapas Aaunga, Imtiaz Ali's latest film, tells a beautiful love story based in the troubled times of India's partition. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah delivers a masterclass in acting as an ageing man longing to go back to his motherland and meet the love of his life.&nbsp;

Main Vaapas Aaunga review: Imtiaz Ali crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of partition trauma, love, and longing

Imtiaz Ali, who is currently gearing up for Main Vaapas Aaunga, has opened up about a disturbing incident from his days at Delhi University that has taken over the internet. The filmmaker revealed that when he was a student, a local political group abducted him from the hostel following a disagreement over a poster.<h2>When Imtiaz Ali was abducted</h2>During his appearance on Unfiltered with Samdish, Ali recalled the incident that happened during his years at Hindu College, saying, "At that time, there was the usual NSUI versus ABVP rivalry in universities. Someone had put up a poster on the wall of my hostel. I told them not to put it on the front face of the hostel and instead use the side walls. They deliberately pasted it on the front wall. In front of them, I removed it and put it up on the side. They left."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-imtiaz-ali-brings-the-story-of-sacrifice-love-longing-1773390230989">Main Vaapas Aaunga: Imtiaz Ali brings the story of sacrifice, love &amp; longing</a>&nbsp;While he thought the matter was settled, "A few days later, around 2 am, one of my hostel mates came and told me to run because those people were coming. They arrived and said, ‘Come with us.’ I asked where, but they had come in a cycle rickshaw to take me away."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/imtiaz-ali-says-fans-quitting-corporate-jobs-after-watching-ranbir-kapoor-film-makes-him-feel-responsible-and-guilty-1780029867414">Imtiaz Ali says fans quitting corporate jobs after watching Ranbir Kapoor film makes him feel ‘responsible and guilty'</a>&nbsp;The filmmaker revealed that he was taken in a rickshaw to a government-quarters-like area within the university vicinity. "The gang leader then asked one of his men whether I had torn the poster. He replied, ‘It’s the same thing. Whether he removed it or tore it, it’s the same.’ The gang leader got angry and said, ‘You told me he had torn the poster, and now you’re saying he only removed it?,'" he added. "They got into an argument, and the gang leader slapped his own man twice for lying to him. That’s how I got away."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/imtiaz-ali-clarifies-facade-remark-about-deepika-padukone-s-cocktail-role-impossible-to-be-mean-to-you-1779783519151">Imtiaz Ali clarifies 'facade' remark about Deepika Padukone’s Cocktail role: 'Impossible to be mean to you'</a>&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/imtiaz-ali-birthday-special-jab-we-met-to-rockstar-6-films-showcasing-director-s-modern-take-on-love-1750059119091">Imtiaz Ali birthday special: Jab We Met to Rockstar, 6 films showcasing director's modern take on love</a><h2>Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>Directed by Ali, the upcoming film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari in lead roles. Produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment and Mohit Choudhary, Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, Main Vaapas Aaunga is scheduled to hit theatres on June 12.&nbsp;The film also marks the reunion of the legendary trio of A.R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil, and Ali. &nbsp;

Main Vaapas Aaunga director Imtiaz Ali recently revealed that he was once abducted during his student days at Delhi University. The filmmaker revealed that the matter concerned a disagreement over a poster.

Imtiaz Ali, who is currently gearing up for Main Vaapas Aaunga, has opened up about a disturbing incident from his days at Delhi University that has taken over the internet. The filmmaker revealed that when he was a student, a local political group abducted him from the hostel following a disagreement over a poster. When Imtiaz Ali was abducted During his appearance on Unfiltered with Samdish, Ali recalled the incident that happened during his years at Hindu College, saying, "At that time, there was the usual NSUI versus ABVP rivalry in universities. Someone had put up a poster on the wall of my hostel. I told them not to put it on the front face of the hostel and instead use the side walls. They deliberately pasted it on the front wall. In front of them, I removed it and put it up on the side. They left." Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga: Imtiaz Ali brings the story of sacrifice, love & longing While he thought the matter was settled, "A few days later, around 2 am, one of my hostel mates came and told me to run because those people were coming. They arrived and said, ‘Come with us.’ I asked where, but they had come in a cycle rickshaw to take me away." Also Read: Imtiaz Ali says fans quitting corporate jobs after watching Ranbir Kapoor film makes him feel ‘responsible and guilty' The filmmaker revealed that he was taken in a rickshaw to a government-quarters-like area within the university vicinity. "The gang leader then asked one of his men whether I had torn the poster. He replied, ‘It’s the same thing. Whether he removed it or tore it, it’s the same.’ The gang leader got angry and said, ‘You told me he had torn the poster, and now you’re saying he only removed it?,'" he added. "They got into an argument, and the gang leader slapped his own man twice for lying to him. That’s how I got away." Also Read: Imtiaz Ali clarifies 'facade' remark about Deepika Padukone’s Cocktail role: 'Impossible to be mean to you'

Main Vaapas Aaunga director Imtiaz Ali recently revealed that he was once abducted during his student days at Delhi University. The filmmaker revealed that the matter was related to a disagreement over a poster.

'They came in rickshaw to take me': Imtiaz Ali shares shocking college-day abduction story

The much-awaited trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga has finally been released, and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali once again dives into the world of old-school romance, with Vedang Raina and Sharvari being his new lead pair. Vedang Raina has been winning hearts with his soulful voice in Maskara, a song from the film that has cast a magical spell of love among the audience.&nbsp;On Tuesday, during the trailer launch of Main Vaapas Aaunga, the legendary AR Rahman heaped praise on Vedang Raina’s singing skills. Calling him a “real singer”, he complimented Raina by saying, “He has a beautiful voice.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond being a compliment, these words of praise coming from AR Rahman throw light on Vedang’s ability to win hearts with his magical voice. And going by how Maskara is performing online, the audience would surely like to see him pick up the mic again.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-trailer-diljit-dosanjh-vedang-raina-sharvari-feature-in-imtiaz-ali-s-emotional-tale-of-love-and-partition-watch-1779188233710">Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari in Imtiaz Ali's emotional tale of love and partition | Watch</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Vedang Raina was over the moon for lending his voice to the Maskara song from the upcoming film. Billed as a charming story of love and longing, Main Vaapas Aaunga also stars Diljit Dosanjh and Naseeruddin Shah. It also marks the reunion of Imtiaz Ali, AR Rahman and Irshad Kamil, who previously collaborated on Amar Singh Chamkila, Tamasha and Rockstar.<h2>About Main Vaapas Aaunga</h2>The film has two timelines. One set in present times where an ailing Naseeruddin Shah expresses his wish to travel to Sargodha to his grandson Diljit Dosanjh. The other timeline is set in pre-independent India, where a young Vedang Raina is shown romancing Sharvari amid the tensions of partition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Main Vaapas Aaunga is all set to hit the theatres on June 12.

Vedang Raina will soon be seen in Imtiaz Ali's next film, Main Vaapas Aaunga. The actor not only plays the lead in the film but has also rendered his voice for a song composed by AR Rahman.

The much-awaited trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga has finally been released, and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali once again dives into the world of old-school romance, with Vedang Raina and Sharvari being his new lead pair. Vedang Raina has been winning hearts with his soulful voice in Maskara, a song from the film that has cast a magical spell of love among the audience. On Tuesday, during the trailer launch of Main Vaapas Aaunga, the legendary AR Rahman heaped praise on Vedang Raina’s singing skills. Calling him a “real singer”, he complimented Raina by saying, “He has a beautiful voice.” Beyond being a compliment, these words of praise coming from AR Rahman throw light on Vedang’s ability to win hearts with his magical voice. And going by how Maskara is performing online, the audience would surely like to see him pick up the mic again.

Vedang Raina will soon be seen in Imtiaz Ali's next film Main Vaapas Aaunga. The actor not only plays the lead in the film but has also rendered his voice for a song composed by AR Rahman.

AR Rahman calls Vedang Raina a ‘real singer’ at Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer launch: He has a beautiful voice

The makers have finally unveiled the much-awaited trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga, which is set to showcase a deeply emotional story filled with romance, separation, and nostalgia. The film is directed by Imtiaz Ali, and the trailer has given a glimpse of its heartfelt emotions and lingering memories.<h2>Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer</h2>Since the release of the teaser and songs, fans are excited about the film, and now, with the trailer, the team of Main Vaapas Aaunga has given viewers a closer look into Ali's layered storytelling.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/main-vaapas-aaunga-imtiaz-ali-brings-the-story-of-sacrifice-love-longing-1773390230989">Main Vaapas Aaunga: Imtiaz Ali brings the story of sacrifice, love &amp; longing</a>&nbsp;Released on Monday, the clip featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari blends romance with the emotional scars caused by the Partition.&nbsp;The trailer begins with Naseeruddin Shah’s character lying on his deathbed, expressing one final wish, to return to Sargodha, now located in Pakistan, where he once lived before the Partition.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/-us-citizen-since-this-is-why-diljit-dosanjh-can-t-enter-the-political-world-in-india-1778751173978"> 'US citizen since....'This is why Diljit Dosanjh can't enter the political world in India!</a>&nbsp;Diljit Dosanjh is playing the role of his grandson, who decides to fulfil that wish and uncover the story of a love that remained incomplete for almost eight decades.As the trailer moves forward, it showcases past timelines. Vedang Raina and Sharvari portray the younger versions connected to the old love story. Their romance unfolds amid the painful incident of 1947, while the present-day narrative follows Dosanjh’s emotional journey across borders.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/diljit-dosanjh-halts-calgary-concert-asks-pro-khalistan-supporters-to-leave-1777805218221">Diljit Dosanjh halts Calgary concert, asks pro-Khalistan supporters to leave</a><h2>Imitiaz Ali opens up about the film</h2>Speaking about the film, the director said, "What have we left behind? What is the love that we carried in our hearts when we crossed the river of time? Main Vaapas Aaunga is a personal story of love and longing which remained in someone's heart for 78 years after the partition of the country," as quoted by Hindustan Times.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/-hope-he-is-coping-mentally-fans-concerned-after-diljit-dosanjh-s-emotional-concert-remarks-1777733690235"> 'Hope He Is Coping Mentally': Fans concerned after Diljit Dosanjh’s emotional concert remarks</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;"It is also an echo of hundreds of stories that I heard from the veteran generation that has seen partition with their own eyes. The film looks back from a contemporary point of view at the heart beats of a dynamic generation. I feel privileged and grateful to get the chance to work on this story and make this film. I along with Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films present the trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga with love. See you in theatres on the 12th of June."<h2>About the film</h2>Main Vaapas Aaunga reunites A. R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil and Imtiaz Ali, who have previously collaborated for films like Rockstar and Tamasha. Produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to release on June 12, 2026. The film’s music has been released under Tips Music.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga has been released, giving the viewers a glimpse of the film's heartfelt emotions and lingering memories. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, it features Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari.

The makers have finally unveiled the much-awaited trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga, which is set to showcase a deeply emotional story filled with romance, separation, and nostalgia. The film is directed by Imtiaz Ali, and the trailer has given a glimpse of its heartfelt emotions and lingering memories. Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer Since the release of the teaser and songs, fans are excited about the film, and now, with the trailer, the team of Main Vaapas Aaunga has given viewers a closer look into Ali's layered storytelling. Also Read: Main Vaapas Aaunga: Imtiaz Ali brings the story of sacrifice, love & longing Released on Monday, the clip featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari blends romance with the emotional scars caused by the Partition. The trailer begins with Naseeruddin Shah’s character lying on his deathbed, expressing one final wish, to return to Sargodha, now located in Pakistan, where he once lived before the Partition. Also Read: 'US citizen since....'This is why Diljit Dosanjh can't enter the political world in India! Diljit Dosanjh is playing the role of his grandson, who decides to fulfil that wish and uncover the story of a love that remained incomplete for almost eight decades. As the trailer moves forward, it showcases past timelines. Vedang Raina and Sharvari portray the younger versions connected to the old love story. Their romance unfolds amid the painful incident of 1947, while the present-day narrative follows Dosanjh’s emotional journey across borders. Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh halts Calgary concert, asks pro-Khalistan supporters to leave Imitiaz Ali opens up about the film Speaking about the film, the director said, "What have we left behind? What is the love that we carried in our hearts when we crossed the river of time? Main Vaapas Aaunga is a personal story of love and longing which remained in someone's heart for 78 years after the partition of the country," as quoted by Hindustan Times. Also Read: 'Hope He Is Coping Mentally': Fans concerned after Diljit Dosanjh’s emotional concert remarks

The trailer of Main Vaapas Aaunga has been released, giving the viewers a glimpse of the film's heartfelt emotions and lingering memories. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film features Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari.

Main Vaapas Aaunga trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari in Imtiaz Ali's emotional tale of love and partition | Watch

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