by After a relatively quiet year on the release front, John Abraham is preparing for a busy phase in Bollywood, with several projects lined up across 2027. The actor has now quietly begun shooting for another film, a psychological thriller tentatively titled Guru. Directed by Ribhu Dasgupta, the project brings together an intriguing cast that includes John Abraham, Dhurandhar actor Danish Pandor, Arif Zakaria and Kitu Gidwani.
According to an exclusive report published by Bollywood Hungama on September 21, 2026, John is currently in London shooting for the high-concept thriller. The report identifies Guru as the film’s working title and says that Dasgupta’s vision for the story impressed Abraham enough for him to come on board. (Bollywood Hungama)
While several important details about the film remain under wraps, its psychological-thriller genre, London shoot and ensemble cast have already generated curiosity. Rather than being positioned simply as another conventional action vehicle for Abraham, Guru appears to be moving into a more unsettling and mind-oriented space, where questions surrounding perception, memory and reality could become central to the narrative.
John Abraham Quietly Begins Work on
Guru
The announcement of Guru arrives at an interesting point in John Abraham’s career. The actor did not have a theatrical release in 2026, but his upcoming slate suggests that 2027 could be significantly more active.
His immediate major release is Force 3, the third instalment of the action franchise in which he reprises the role of ACP Yashvardhan Singh. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on March 19, 2027, and stars Harshvardhan Rane and Tanya Maniktala alongside Abraham. (Bollywood Hungama)
After Force 3, Abraham is also set to appear in Rohit Shetty’s Maria IPS. In the film, he is expected to portray former police officer Rakesh Maria, marking a different kind of role from the physically driven characters with which the actor has frequently been associated.
Now, with Guru, Abraham is adding another genre to that upcoming lineup.
The film is being directed by Ribhu Dasgupta, a filmmaker whose work has often explored mystery, crime, suspense and psychologically complex situations. His credits include Te3n and The Girl on the Train, while he has also directed the Netflix series The Bard of Blood. (Moneycontrol)
That background makes his collaboration with Abraham particularly notable. Guru could provide the filmmaker with another opportunity to build a story around uncertainty, while Abraham gets to operate within a genre that depends less on conventional spectacle and more on character, atmosphere and narrative tension.
What Is
Guru
About?
At present, the makers have kept much of the plot confidential. However, a report from Moneycontrol, citing Variety, describes the film as an unsettling mystery in which a man’s life begins to change when he realises that something around him may not be quite right. The story reportedly involves his struggle to distinguish memories from reality, ultimately forcing him to question what—and whom—he can trust. (Moneycontrol)
That premise immediately places Guru within the psychological-thriller tradition, where the protagonist’s understanding of events becomes as important as the events themselves.
Psychological thrillers can create suspense without relying entirely on traditional action sequences. Instead, they frequently build tension through uncertainty. A familiar room can suddenly feel threatening. A memory can become questionable. A trusted person can appear suspicious. Even an ordinary event can acquire a different meaning when the protagonist begins doubting his own perception.
For a mainstream Hindi film audience, this kind of storytelling can offer a different experience from the straightforward action entertainer.
The central mystery in Guru also appears to be connected to memory and perception, although the precise circumstances remain undisclosed. That distinction is important because the available information does not yet reveal whether the film will lean toward a grounded psychological mystery, a crime thriller, an unreliable-narrator story or another variation of the genre.
Until the filmmakers release an official synopsis, trailer or additional details, the exact shape of the narrative remains deliberately mysterious.
Ribhu Dasgupta Returns to Psychological Suspense
Ribhu Dasgupta’s involvement is one of the most interesting aspects of Guru.
The director previously made Te3n, a mystery thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vidya Balan. He subsequently directed The Girl on the Train, an adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel.
His filmography demonstrates an interest in stories where investigation and character psychology intersect. That makes his collaboration with Abraham on Guru a natural fit from a genre perspective.
Dasgupta is also attached to Section 84 IPC, another project involving a courtroom and legal-thriller setting. His body of work therefore reflects a recurring interest in suspense-driven narratives rather than purely conventional commercial formulas. (Moneycontrol)
With Guru, the director appears to be returning to an area that allows him to explore uncertainty and psychological tension.
For Abraham, meanwhile, the project represents another collaboration with a filmmaker working outside the traditional action-blockbuster template. Although the actor remains strongly associated with action cinema, his filmography has also included thrillers, dramas and socially oriented projects.
John Abraham’s Changing 2027 Slate
The timing of Guru is particularly notable because Abraham already has multiple projects connected to 2027.
Force 3 will take him back into the franchise world. The film is directed by Bhav Dhulia and brings Abraham back as ACP Yashvardhan Singh, a character he first played in the original Force. (Bollywood Hungama)
Then comes Maria IPS, where the actor is set to portray Rakesh Maria. The project represents another transformation for Abraham, with the character based on a real-life former police officer.
Guru, however, appears to occupy a different space altogether.
Instead of focusing primarily on physical action or a real-life personality, the film is built around psychological uncertainty. The contrast between these projects highlights the variety in Abraham’s upcoming screen appearances.
It also means that audiences could see the actor moving between significantly different character worlds in a relatively short period.
This kind of scheduling can be particularly interesting for an actor whose screen persona has historically been associated with physicality. Psychological thrillers provide a different opportunity: the performance can depend heavily on subtle changes in behaviour, suspicion, fear, confusion and emotional restraint.
The available details suggest that Guru could therefore place greater emphasis on Abraham’s character and his perception of the world around him.
Danish Pandor Joins the Cast
One of the most notable casting developments is the addition of Danish Pandor.
Pandor has recently attracted considerable attention following his appearance in the Dhurandhar franchise. His filmography includes Sacred Games, Double XL, Chhaava and other projects, but his role in Dhurandhar significantly increased his visibility.
According to Bollywood Hungama, Pandor is now part of the ensemble for Guru, alongside Arif Zakaria and Kitu Gidwani. (Bollywood Hungama)
The actor’s growing list of projects indicates that his post-Dhurandhar period is becoming increasingly active.
Earlier in September, Bollywood Hungama reported that Pandor had also joined Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Lalkaara, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The report said he would play one of Khan’s friends in the period sports drama, while character details were being kept confidential. (Bollywood Hungama)
His involvement in Guru therefore adds another major project to an increasingly prominent slate.
Why Danish Pandor’s Casting Adds Intrigue
The casting of Pandor is interesting not simply because of his recent visibility, but because psychological thrillers often depend on supporting characters whose relationships with the protagonist can carry narrative significance.
At this stage, however, the makers have not disclosed Pandor’s character in Guru. It would therefore be premature to assume whether he will play an ally, antagonist, investigator, colleague or another figure within the story.
That secrecy could be deliberate.
In a psychological thriller, revealing too much about the supporting cast can sometimes give away the structure of the mystery. Keeping character identities and motivations private allows the audience to encounter the story without knowing exactly who can be trusted.
Pandor’s casting also gives the film an actor who is entering a particularly active phase of his career. His presence alongside Abraham, Zakaria and Gidwani creates a cast with performers from different generations and backgrounds.
Arif Zakaria and Kitu Gidwani Also Join
The supporting cast further expands the film’s dramatic possibilities.
Arif Zakaria has worked across film, television and theatre and has frequently appeared in character-driven roles. Kitu Gidwani, meanwhile, is a familiar face across Hindi cinema and television.
Neither actor’s specific role in Guru has been revealed in the reports currently available.
Their presence nevertheless fits the ensemble nature of the project. Psychological thrillers often require a surrounding world populated by characters whose relationships with the central protagonist gradually acquire new meanings.
A character who initially appears trustworthy may become suspicious. Another who seems peripheral may suddenly become crucial. The effectiveness of such storytelling often depends on the supporting performances being convincing enough to sustain ambiguity.
The film’s casting therefore becomes particularly relevant even without detailed character descriptions.
London Becomes the Film’s Current Shooting Ground
According to Bollywood Hungama, Abraham is currently in London filming Guru. (Bollywood Hungama)
International locations can play an important role in psychological thrillers because the setting itself can contribute to a sense of unfamiliarity. A city known to audiences can be presented through a different visual language, using isolated interiors, unfamiliar streets, changing weather or tightly controlled spaces to establish mood.
The available reports do not yet provide detailed information about the film’s London schedule or whether the story is primarily set there.
Therefore, it is best to view London at this stage as a confirmed shooting location rather than assume that it represents the film’s entire narrative setting.
The production’s decision to begin filming quietly also fits the nature of the project. With a mystery-driven story, limiting information during production can help preserve the film’s eventual surprises.
John Abraham as Producer
Another important element of Guru is Abraham’s involvement behind the scenes.
The project is being produced by his banner, JA Entertainment, along with Authum Entertainment, according to Bollywood Hungama. (Bollywood Hungama)
This adds another layer to Abraham’s involvement beyond acting.
JA Entertainment has previously been associated with projects that move between commercial cinema and more subject-driven material. By backing Guru, Abraham is again participating in a film where the concept and genre appear to be central to the project’s identity.
Authum Entertainment is also involved in Maria IPS and Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5. Bollywood Hungama reported that the company is expanding its film-production slate with multiple major projects in development for 2027. (Bollywood Hungama)
The involvement of both production houses places Guru within a wider slate of upcoming Hindi films rather than treating it as an isolated project.
A High-Concept Thriller in an Expanding Hindi Film Landscape
The phrase “high-concept” is particularly relevant when discussing Guru.
A high-concept film generally begins with a central premise that can immediately generate questions. In the case of Guru, the reported uncertainty surrounding memory and reality provides exactly that kind of hook.
What happens when a person can no longer completely trust his own memories?
What if the evidence contradicts what he remembers?
What if people around him know something he does not?
And what happens when the protagonist’s own perception becomes part of the mystery?
These questions can provide a strong foundation for suspense without revealing the actual plot.
The genre also allows filmmakers to explore contemporary anxieties surrounding identity, memory, trust and perception. However, because the filmmakers have not yet revealed the full narrative, these themes should be regarded as possibilities suggested by the reported premise rather than confirmed thematic statements from the makers.
A Different Kind of John Abraham Film
John Abraham has built a substantial part of his contemporary screen identity around action-oriented cinema.
From Dhoom to Force, Pathaan and other action-heavy projects, physical roles have remained an important part of his career. His upcoming Force 3 continues that association.
But Guru appears to move in another direction.
A psychological thriller requires a different rhythm. Instead of constantly escalating through physical confrontation, tension can emerge from dialogue, silence, facial reactions, fragmented information and gradually revealed details.
For an actor, that can create a different performance challenge.
The character may not always know what the audience knows. In some psychological thrillers, the audience may actually understand certain developments before the protagonist does. In others, viewers are encouraged to experience the same uncertainty as the central character.
If Guru follows the reported memory-and-reality premise, Abraham’s character could become the audience’s primary guide through the mystery.
That would make his performance central not merely because he is the lead actor, but because the credibility of the protagonist’s emotional journey could determine how effectively the mystery works.
The Mystery Around the Title
Even the title remains provisional.
Guru is currently being described as the working title rather than a confirmed final title. That distinction matters because films in production can undergo title changes before their official announcement or release.
Consequently, audiences should treat “Guru” as the project’s current identifier rather than necessarily its final theatrical title.
The simplicity of the word itself could eventually carry multiple meanings if retained. “Guru” can refer to a teacher, guide or authority figure, but without knowing the film’s plot or character relationships, there is no basis yet for determining why the title has been chosen.
That meaning may become clearer when the makers officially reveal more information.
What Audiences Can Expect—Without Giving Away the Mystery
The available reports establish a few key facts: John Abraham has begun filming a psychological thriller currently known as Guru; Ribhu Dasgupta is directing; the shoot is underway in London; and the cast includes Danish Pandor, Arif Zakaria and Kitu Gidwani. (Bollywood Hungama)
Beyond those details, much remains intentionally undisclosed.
The reported premise suggests a story involving an unsettling mystery, questionable memories and a protagonist struggling to understand what is real. (Moneycontrol)
That is enough to establish the film’s broad identity while leaving room for the eventual trailer, first look and official promotional material to reveal more.
Importantly, there is currently no confirmed release date for Guru. The possibility of a 2027 release has been reported, but the project is still in production, meaning the eventual release schedule can change.
Why
Guru
Could Become an Interesting Addition to Abraham’s Lineup
The film’s appeal at this stage lies largely in its combination of talent and genre.
John Abraham brings a well-established mainstream presence. Ribhu Dasgupta brings experience in mystery and suspense-driven storytelling. Danish Pandor arrives with increased visibility following Dhurandhar. Arif Zakaria and Kitu Gidwani add experienced supporting performers to the ensemble.
The production is also being backed by JA Entertainment and Authum Entertainment, giving the project an established production partnership. (Bollywood Hungama)
Yet the most intriguing factor remains the story’s reported psychological foundation.
A mystery based on unreliable memory can create several layers of suspense. The protagonist is not simply trying to discover what happened; he may first need to establish whether his understanding of what happened can be trusted.
That difference can fundamentally change the audience’s relationship with the story.
The Road Ahead for John Abraham
With Force 3, Maria IPS and now Guru in his upcoming lineup, John Abraham appears set for a particularly varied period on screen.
Force 3 represents the continuation of an established action franchise. Maria IPS puts him in the role of a real-life police figure. Guru takes him into psychological-thriller territory.
The three projects therefore represent three different approaches to the actor’s screen image: franchise action, real-life characterisation and psychological mystery.
For now, Guru remains the most mysterious of the three.
The production has begun without a conventional promotional campaign revealing its story, and the film’s working title could still change. Its eventual release date has also not been officially confirmed.
What is known is that Abraham is already shooting in London, Dasgupta is directing, and the ensemble includes Pandor, Zakaria and Gidwani. (Bollywood Hungama)
As more details emerge, the film’s character dynamics, official title, first look and release plans will determine how much of its psychological mystery the makers choose to reveal.
Until then, Guru stands as an intriguing new chapter in John Abraham’s upcoming filmography: a project built not around a familiar franchise or an already established character, but around uncertainty, perception and a mystery that appears designed to keep both its protagonist and its audience questioning what they see.
And for a film whose reported central idea is that reality itself may not always be trustworthy, keeping the details hidden may be precisely the point.
