While Ranveer Singh continues to dominate the box office with Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s record-breaking period spy thriller, the actor is already gearing up for his next big project — a venture that could take Hindi cinema into uncharted territory. The upcoming film, Pralay, promises to bring the zombie apocalypse to Mumbai in a post-pandemic, dystopian setting, and fans are already buzzing about Ranveer’s involvement in this ambitious venture.

A New Genre for Hindi Cinema

Unlike traditional Bollywood fare, Pralay aims to explore a genre rarely seen in India — the zombie apocalypse. While Hindi cinema has previously flirted with horror, supernatural thrillers, and even zombie comedies like Go Goa Gone(2013), the concept of a full-scale, dark, dystopian world overrun by zombies remains largely untouched. Drawing inspiration from Western cult hits such as 28 Days Later (2002), I Am Legend (2007), and World War Z (2013), Pralay is expected to be darker, grittier, and more visually immersive, blending post-apocalyptic devastation with the tension and thrills of survival horror.

The story reportedly takes place in Mumbai, transformed into a decayed, AI-influenced dystopia. Unlike the lighthearted supernatural elements seen in films like Lokah: Chapter 1, the narrative promises a tense, gripping atmosphere, where every street corner could hide danger, and human resilience will be tested to its limits. The city itself becomes a character, reflecting the chaos and collapse of civilization amid a zombie outbreak.

Ranveer Singh and His Leading Lady

For months, speculation swirled that Ranveer Singh might reunite with Alia Bhatt for a third film following Gully Boy(2019) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). However, Alia’s 2026 schedule is already packed with high-profile projects, including Shiv Rawail’s Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. Consequently, the makers of Pralay turned to a fresh face for the female lead.

Enter Kalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, who is expected to star opposite Ranveer in Pralay. Kalyani made waves last year with Lokah: Chapter 1, a Malayalam hit that blended supernatural elements with stylish storytelling, marking her as a rising star to watch. While official confirmation is still awaited, the film is likely to mark her Bollywood debut, a bold entry into a high-octane, genre-defying film. Kalyani’s prior experience with supernatural themes positions her as a natural fit for the intense, dystopian narrative of Pralay.

The Vision Behind the Camera

The film will also mark the feature directorial debut of Jai Mehta, son of acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta. Jai has previously co-directed acclaimed projects such as Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) and the 2024 thriller Lootere, bringing a sharp eye for realism and storytelling craft to his projects. For Pralay, Jai aims to blend cinematic spectacle with grounded, character-driven tension — ensuring the horror and action elements resonate beyond the visual spectacle.

The project is co-produced by Hansal Mehta and Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment, combining creative experience with the production acumen necessary for a high-stakes, effects-heavy film like Pralay. The film promises not just a fresh narrative for Indian audiences but also a technical benchmark for Bollywood’s approach to large-scale genre filmmaking.

Production Timeline and Challenges

Pralay was initially expected to begin filming in mid-2026. However, the production schedule is now contingent on Ranveer Singh’s commitments to Dhurandhar Part 2. Sources indicate that the actor has been advised to maintain a low profile until the sequel’s release, ensuring the momentum and anticipation around Dhurandhar isn’t overshadowed by news of his next project.

Meanwhile, Ranveer is reportedly preparing physically for the role, gradually shedding his Dhurandhar physique to adapt to the intense demands of a zombie-survival action thriller. The combination of rigorous action sequences, horror elements, and dystopian world-building is expected to challenge both the actor and the filmmakers, making Pralay one of the most ambitious projects of 2026.

High Expectations from Fans

With Ranveer Singh at the forefront and a fresh, talented lead in Kalyani Priyadarshan, expectations for Pralay are sky-high. Bollywood audiences, who have seen Ranveer excel across a range of genres — from musical dramas to intense thrillers — are curious to witness him navigate the horror-survival terrain. Moreover, the film’s focus on a zombie apocalypse in Mumbai adds novelty and suspense, promising a cinematic experience unlike anything previously attempted in Indian cinema.

If executed well, Pralay could redefine audience expectations from Hindi thrillers, opening doors for more experimentation in genres that have largely been unexplored in India. The combination of a debutant director with a vision, a star actor at the peak of his career, and a promising leading lady could position Pralay as a landmark film in Bollywood.

Looking Ahead

For now, fans eagerly await updates on filming dates and official confirmations regarding Kalyani Priyadarshan’s role. Ranveer Singh continues to ride the wave of success with Dhurandhar, and once Part 2 releases, all eyes will shift to this zombie-apocalypse spectacle, which promises high stakes, intense action, and a fresh cinematic experience for 2026.

Pralay may well be the film that tests the boundaries of Hindi cinema, both in narrative ambition and technical execution, offering audiences a glimpse of a post-apocalyptic Mumbai where survival, courage, and human resilience are put to the ultimate test.