Exclusive: Hansal Mehta to Produce Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Next Project Starring Zahaan Kapoor

Filmfare has exclusively learnt that acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery is set to direct his next ambitious project with Zahaan Kapoor in the lead role. The film will be produced by celebrated filmmaker Hansal Mehta, marking an exciting crossover of creative voices from different industries.

Lijo Jose Pellissery, widely regarded as one of the most inventive storytellers of Indian cinema, has carved a niche with films like Angamaly Diaries, Jallikattu (India’s official entry to the Oscars), and Churuli. Known for his visceral filmmaking style, raw realism, and bold cinematic experiments, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s work has pushed Malayalam cinema onto the global map. This yet-untitled project promises to blend his trademark visual language with a fresh narrative space that could appeal to audiences across India.

The film also shines a spotlight on Zahaan Kapoor, grandson of the legendary Shashi Kapoor and son of Kunal Kapoor. Zahaan made his acting debut in Hansal Mehta’s Faraaz (2023), where his restrained yet powerful performance was widely appreciated. Coming from the illustrious Kapoor family, Zahaan represents the new generation of actors who are willing to experiment with content-driven cinema instead of chasing formulaic stardom. With Lijo at the helm and Mehta backing the film, this is poised to be Zahaan Kapoor’s most challenging role yet.

Hansal Mehta, known for Shahid, Scam 1992, and Scoop, has been at the forefront of redefining storytelling in Hindi cinema and streaming. His association with Pellissery signals a rare creative collaboration that could bridge regional and mainstream sensibilities.

While the collaboration itself is under wraps, this collaboration, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s immersive storytelling and Hansal Mehta’s sharp narrative vision are set to converge in an exciting new space. Zahaan Kapoor, carrying the legacy of the iconic Kapoor family while steadily crafting his own identity, will be stepping into perhaps his most ambitious role yet. For Malayalam cinema fans, it marks a rare crossover moment with Bollywood, and for cinephiles at large, it signals a project that promises scale, experimentation, and emotional depth.

Also read: Hansal Mehta talks about Aligarh