Despite recent rumors of a rift between Ranveer Singh and director Jai Mehta, the high-octane zombie thriller Pralay is officially moving ahead. Insiders have dismissed reports of creative differences as “completely baseless,” confirming that the script is locked and the film is set to go on floors in August 2026.
The project, which is being mounted on a massive budget of ₹300 crore, is one of the most ambitious solo ventures of Ranveer’s career. It marks a significant genre shift for the actor as he steps into a gritty, post-apocalyptic world.
A Post-Apocalyptic Spectacle
Pralay is set in a decaying, dystopian version of Mumbai and is expected to be a heavy VFX production.
The Genre: While Bollywood has rarely explored the zombie genre on this scale, Pralay aims to be a grounded human drama set against a “gigantic spectacle” of a ruined city.
Innovative Visuals: Reports suggest the film will utilize AI-driven visuals to create a hyper-realistic, desolate urban landscape.
The Story: The narrative follows a married couple struggling for survival amidst societal collapse. South sensation Kalyani Priyadarshan is reportedly set to make her Bollywood debut as the female lead.
Behind the Scenes: A Powerhouse Collaboration
The film serves as the maiden venture for Ranveer Singh’s own production house, Maa Kasam Films, in partnership with Hansal Mehta’s True Story Films and Applause Entertainment.
Directorial Debut: This marks the big-screen directorial debut for Jai Mehta, who previously earned acclaim for his work on Scam 1992 and Lootere.
Writing Team: The screenplay has been co-written by Jai Mehta and Vishal Kapoor, ensuring a realistic and intense narrative style.
Ranveer’s Involvement: The actor is reportedly involved in every stage of development, from script tweaks to VFX planning, and has opted for a backend profit-sharing deal.What’s Next for Ranveer?
Fresh off the blockbuster success of the Dhurandhar franchise, Ranveer is dedicating the latter half of 2026 to this project. To prepare for the role, he is expected to undergo a significant physical transformation and sport a never-before-seen look.
While rumors about a collaboration with Aditya Dhar continue to swirl, Pralay remains his top priority, with pre-production currently in full swing for the August start date.
