Mumbai | January 2026

Fresh off the massive success of Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s record-breaking period spy thriller, Ranveer Singh is already setting his sights on his next ambitious project. The actor is reportedly preparing for Pralay, a dystopian zombie-apocalypse film that could mark a new chapter in Hindi cinema.

Pralay will be the feature film debut of filmmaker Jai Mehta, son of acclaimed director Hansal Mehta. Jai, who previously co-directed the hit web series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story and Lootere, is expected to bring a grounded, realistic tone to a genre rarely explored in Bollywood. The film is being co-produced by Hansal Mehta and Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment.

Industry buzz suggests that Pralay has also found its female lead. While there was speculation for months that Alia Bhatt would reunite with Ranveer Singh after Gully Boy and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, her packed 2026 schedule reportedly ruled out the collaboration. The makers have now turned to Kalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. Known for her breakout role in the Malayalam hit Lokah: Chapter 1, Kalyani has already proved her mettle in a supernatural setting and is seen as a strong fit for Pralay. If confirmed, the film would mark her Bollywood debut.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Mumbai, Pralay explores a city overrun by zombies, with artificial intelligence playing a key role in transforming the metropolis into a dark, decaying dystopia. Unlike lighter takes on the genre such as Go Goa Gone, the film promises a grittier, more intense narrative inspired by global zombie classics like 28 Days Later, I Am Legend and World War Z.

Although Pralay was initially expected to go on floors in mid-2026, its schedule now depends on the release of Dhurandhar Part 2. Sources suggest Ranveer Singh has been advised to maintain a low profile until the sequel hits screens. In the meantime, the actor is reportedly shedding his Dhurandhar physique and awaiting the final go-ahead for what could be one of the boldest films of his career.

Ranveer Singh’s Next Big Leap: Zombie Apocalypse Film Pralay Takes Shape After Dhurandhar

Ranveer Singh, riding high on the box office success of Dhurandhar, is already being linked to another ambitious and genre-bending project. The actor is reportedly gearing up for Pralay, a dark zombie-apocalypse thriller set in a dystopian version of Mumbai, which promises to push the boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema.

The film will mark the feature debut of director Jai Mehta, son of renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta. Jai, who has earlier co-directed acclaimed projects like Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story and Lootere, is expected to bring a gritty and realistic storytelling style to the zombie genre. Pralay is being jointly produced by Hansal Mehta and Sameer Nair under the Applause Entertainment banner.

Casting developments around the film have also sparked interest. While there was strong speculation about Alia Bhatt reuniting with Ranveer Singh for a third collaboration, her packed slate for 2026 reportedly led the makers to look elsewhere. Kalyani Priyadarshan, daughter of veteran director Priyadarshan, has now emerged as the frontrunner for the female lead. After her impressive performance in the Malayalam supernatural hit Lokah: Chapter 1, Kalyani is said to be a natural choice for the intense, dystopian world of Pralay. The film is expected to mark her debut in Bollywood.

Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Mumbai, Pralay explores a city devastated by a zombie outbreak, with artificial intelligence playing a key role in reshaping society. Unlike earlier Indian attempts at the genre that leaned towards humour, this film is expected to take a darker, more serious approach, drawing inspiration from global zombie classics.

Though the project was initially slated to begin filming in mid-2026, its timeline now depends on the release of Dhurandhar Part 2. Sources say Ranveer Singh is currently maintaining a low profile and undergoing a physical transformation after Dhurandhar, awaiting the final green signal for what could become one of the most daring roles of his career.