by Indian cinema is entering a new era—one where mythological storytelling no longer remains confined to grand epics or intense period dramas. Instead, filmmakers are beginning to reinterpret the ancient with a contemporary voice, blending wisdom with wit, satire with sentiment, and the familiar with the experimental. Steering this fresh wave is one of Bollywood’s most respected and thoughtful directors, Shoojit Sircar, who is all set to deliver India’s first true mytho-humour entertainer. And the excitement just doubled with the latest development: Viineet Kumar Siingh and Saurabh Shukla have officially joined a powerhouse cast already led by Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao.
According to exclusive details emerging from industry sources, Sircar’s upcoming film—backed by Rising Sun Films and Kino Works, and produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar—is one of the most ambitious and imaginative projects currently in pre-production in Mumbai. With an enormous set being constructed by National Award-winning production designer Mansi Dhruv Mehta, and a narrative deeply inspired by a significant chapter from the Mahabharat, this film is poised to be a genre-defining moment in Hindi cinema.
As the film prepares to go on floors in early 2026, here is an in-depth look at why this project is generating industry-wide buzz, what the mytho-humour space represents, and how this ensemble cast and creative team promise a cinematic experience unlike any other.
Shoojit Sircar: A Filmmaker Who Redefines Genres, One Film at a Time
To understand the anticipation behind this project, it is essential to understand Shoojit Sircar’s unique reputation in the film industry. Over the last decade, Sircar has emerged not just as a filmmaker but as a storyteller capable of elevating everyday narratives into deeply emotional, philosophical, and humorous experiences.
His filmography speaks volumes:
Vicky Donor (2012)
A trailblazing film that brought humour to a taboo subject, Vicky Donor showcased Sircar’s mastery at using comedy to dissolve discomfort. It introduced a fresh cinematic tone—youthful, vibrant, and socially relevant.
Piku (2015)
A heartwarming dramedy that explored family dynamics, generational gaps, ageing, and love. Piku demonstrated Sircar’s ability to make audiences laugh and cry—often at the same moment.
October (2018/2024 reference corrected)
A poetic and minimalist film about love, loss, and healing, October proved Sircar’s skill in creating atmospheric cinema where silence speaks louder than dialogue.
Sardar Udham (2021)
This critically acclaimed biographical drama was an intense, immersive take on Udham Singh’s life, showcasing Sircar’s ability to handle historical narratives with emotional intelligence and visual depth.
I Want To Talk (2024)
His latest release reaffirmed his instinct for storytelling that feels relevant, introspective, and profoundly humane.
Across all genres—comedy, slice-of-life, drama, historical biography—Sircar has delivered films that reflect his signature elements: warmth, relatable humour, nuance, and a deep sense of human observation.
This time, however, he’s venturing into uncharted waters: mytho-humour.
And that, in itself, is a reason for cinephiles to be excited.
What Is Mytho-Humour—and Why Is It a Potential Breakthrough Genre?
The phrase mytho-humour is not commonly heard in Bollywood discussions. While Indian cinema frequently draws inspiration from mythology, the genre usually leans toward grandeur, devotion, heroism, and moral fables. Humour—especially contemporary satire layered within mythological settings—is relatively unexplored territory.
Mytho-humour can be understood as:
- Retelling mythological stories through a humorous, modern lens
- Using satire to highlight human behavior, politics, social systems, and contradictions
- Creating a contemporary narrative tone without distorting the essence of the original myth
- Blending traditional storytelling with wit, irony, and observational comedy
The genre has global parallels—Greek myths reinterpreted in comedic plays, or Western shows like Good Omens and Lucifer, which humorously explore religious and mythic themes. But in Indian cinema, the attempt to merge mythology with intelligent humour is fresh, exciting, and potentially pioneering.
Given that India’s mythological storytelling tradition is rich and emotionally powerful, adding humour makes the experience more accessible for younger audiences who crave relatable, light-hearted content with depth.
Sircar’s film, thus, could become a blueprint for a new narrative form in Bollywood.
A Mahabharat-Inspired World Built With Ambition and Detail
One of the most intriguing revelations about the project is the construction of a massive set inspired by a key chapter from the Mahabharat. This set is being designed by Mansi Dhruv Mehta, who earned national acclaim for her meticulous and authentic world-building in Sardar Udham.
What this signals:
- The film is not just a casual comedy set against a generic mythological backdrop
- It involves a detailed recreation of a specific Mahabharat-era world
- The production values will lean toward authenticity blended with stylized satire
- The environment will play a pivotal role in the humour and storytelling
Given that the Mahabharat is one of the most complex and philosophically layered epics, there are countless possibilities for scenes and characters that can be interpreted with modern humour.
Possible narrative directions include:
- A humorous reinterpretation of lesser-known events
- Satirical takes on divine dilemmas
- Humanizing epic characters in relatable, everyday ways
- Drawing parallels between ancient conflicts and current social behaviours
- Exploring moral greys through comedic conflict
The merging of mythology with a contemporary satirical lens could lead to moments that are funny, thought-provoking, and reflective of modern society’s quirks.
An Ensemble Cast That Guarantees Range, Depth, and Comedic Precision
The casting of the film is one of its most exciting highlights. Each actor brings a very specific flavour and talent that is essential for a mythical satire. The combination itself signals a performance-driven project.
Manoj Bajpayee
Widely regarded as one of India’s most versatile actors, Bajpayee’s mastery over both drama and subtle humour makes him perfect for a mytho-comedic role. His expressive restraint and impeccable timing could add layers of depth to the satire.
Rajkummar Rao
Another powerhouse performer, Rao brings a natural fluidity to both comedy and intense character-driven performances. His adaptability and sharp comic instincts will likely complement the tonality Sircar is aiming for.
Saurabh Shukla
A veteran actor with an unmatched command over drama, humour, and satire, Saurabh Shukla’s addition elevates the film instantly. His past performances—from Jolly LLB to Barfi—have showcased his ability to switch between emotional gravitas and laugh-out-loud comedy effortlessly.
Viineet Kumar Siingh
Known for his intense roles in films like Mukkabaaz and series like Bard of Blood, Viineet Kumar Siingh’s presence adds an unpredictable, exciting layer to the cast. Despite being celebrated for his serious performances, his untapped comedic potential is something audiences will be eager to watch.
The dynamic between these four actors promises:
- A balanced mix of humour and seriousness
- Sharp dialogues delivered with precision
- Characters that play off each other’s quirks and contradictions
- Strong emotional undercurrents within comedic sequences
- High-quality performance-driven entertainment
With a cast like this, the film automatically positions itself as a performer’s playground.
Why This Film Is Generating Industry Buzz Even Before Shooting Begins
In a landscape dominated by large-scale spectacles, biopics, and action-heavy spectacles, a project that blends mythology with modern satire stands out as bold and inventive.
Several factors contribute to the buzz:
1. Shoojit Sircar’s return to humour
After several emotionally intense films, Sircar returning to a lighter, comedic tone brings nostalgia and anticipation.
2. A never-seen-before genre
Mytho-humour is a fresh experiment that could open doors to innovative storytelling.
3. High-profile cast
Manoj Bajpayee + Rajkummar Rao + Saurabh Shukla + Viineet Kumar Singh = unmatched acting synergy.
4. Large-scale production
A gigantic Mahabharat-inspired set signals cinematic ambition.
5. Rising Sun Films & Kino Works reputation
Both production houses are known for backing content-driven yet visually engaging films.
6. Audience appetite for new forms of storytelling
With OTT culture expanding viewers’ tastes, experimental genres are gaining traction.
7. Increasing interest in mythology
Recent years have seen a renewed fascination with mythological reinterpretations in books, shows, and films.
Blending Satire with Mythology: The Challenges and Creative Opportunities
Making a mytho-humour film is not a simple task. It requires balance, cultural sensitivity, and creative courage.
Challenges include:
- Maintaining respect for revered characters and narratives
- Avoiding caricature or distorted representation
- Ensuring humour does not undermine the emotional or moral message
- Creating contemporary satire without anachronistic awkwardness
- Satisfying both traditional audiences and modern viewers
But the opportunities are tremendous:
- Humanizing mythological characters in refreshing ways
- Highlighting the universality of human behaviour across eras
- Using humour to emphasize philosophical wisdom
- Opening mythology to younger generations
- Encouraging critical thinking through satire
- Allowing audiences to see familiar stories with new eyes
Shoojit Sircar is known for respecting emotional truth, even in humour, making him an ideal director to handle these complexities.
What This Film Could Mean for the Future of Bollywood Storytelling
If executed well, this film could mark a turning point in Indian cinema.
Potential impacts include:
1. Opening a new genre category
Mytho-humour could become a trend, inspiring other filmmakers to experiment with epics and humour.
2. Encouraging bold reinterpretations of cultural stories
Filmmakers may feel more confident exploring mythology without being confined to traditional formats.
3. Diversifying Bollywood’s narrative palette
At a time when audiences seek novelty, this approach offers originality and freshness.
4. Expanding India’s cinematic reach globally
Mythology interpreted through humour could resonate strongly with international audiences, just as Norse or Greek myth reinterpretations have.
5. Inspiring OTT creators
The genre is ripe for web series adaptations and episodic explorations.
Why the Mahabharat is the Perfect Epic for a Mytho-Humour Adaptation
The Mahabharat is arguably the most human and psychologically complex epic in the world. It is filled with:
- moral contradictions
- heartfelt friendships
- bitter rivalries
- mistakes and forgiveness
- comedy, irony, and mischief
- philosophical depth
Its characters are flawed, relatable, and multi-dimensional—perfect subjects for satire and humour that emerge organically from human behaviour.
Humour potential within the Mahabharat includes:
- Bhim’s larger-than-life persona
- Krishna’s wit and strategic teasing
- Arjun’s dilemmas and emotional conflicts
- Duryodhan’s ego and miscalculations
- Shakuni’s sly humour
- The playful banter among the Pandavas
A contemporary, satirical lens on these dynamics can create a comedic yet meaningful film.
Early 2026: A Release Timeline Worth the Wait
With set construction currently underway and full-scale pre-production in motion, the film is expected to go on floors in early 2026. Considering the technical precision, detailed art direction, and performance-heavy nature of the project, the timeline appears meticulously planned.
Given Sircar’s filmmaking style—where authenticity, rehearsal, and character immersion are prioritized—this project will likely undergo extensive workshops and detailed groundwork before cameras roll.
Conclusion: A Genre-Defining Film in the Making
Shoojit Sircar’s upcoming project promises to be more than just a film; it could be a cultural moment, a genre breakthrough, and a creative reinvention of mythological storytelling. With:
- a stellar cast led by Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Saurabh Shukla, and Viineet Kumar Siingh
- a National Award-winning production designer crafting a Mahabharat-inspired world
- producers known for meaningful and high-quality cinema
- a narrative blending humour, mythology, and sharp satire
…the film holds tremendous potential.
If everything aligns as envisioned, this could mark Sircar’s triumphant return to humour while opening an entirely new lane in Bollywood—one where ancient tales meet modern laughter, where divinity meets relatability, and where mythology becomes a playful mirror reflecting today’s world.
2026 may still be a while away, but for cinephiles and industry watchers alike, Shoojit Sircar’s mytho-humour entertainer is already one of the most anticipated films on the horizon.
