Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain’s Side Heroes to Become Rare Bollywood Film Shot Completely in Bihar
Producers Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain are gearing up for their upcoming feature Side Heroes, which is set to become one of the rare mainstream Bollywood productions to be filmed entirely in Bihar. Planned for a theatrical release on Friendship Day 2027, the movie is rooted organically in the state, prompting the makers to choose authentic regional backdrops over recreated studio sets.
The production team is currently location scouting across small towns in Bihar to finalize key filming spots, with principal photography scheduled to commence on January 14, 2027. The project holds a personal connection for co-producer Imtiaz Ali, who was born in Jamshedpur (then part of undivided Bihar) and spent his formative years in Patna.
Filmmakers previously set stories in Bihar but chose to shoot in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, or Uttar Pradesh due to logistical constraints. However, structural improvements and government initiatives have transformed the state’s filming landscape. Under the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, the local government offers single-window clearances for shooting permits alongside attractive financial subsidies, making it an appealing destination for film production.
Side Heroes is billed as a hilarious friendship-reunion story infused with heartland nostalgia. The ensemble cast features Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana in the lead roles, with the producers also planning to introduce two new actresses. Written by Siddarth Sen and Pankaj Matta, the film will be directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and co-produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Shikha K. Ahluwalia.
