Imtiaz Ali Clarifies ‘Heer Ranjha’ Casting Speculation, Hopes to Team Up With Fahadh Faasil

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali remains keen to work with National Award-winning actor Fahadh Faasil, despite their earlier attempt to team up for a Hindi project failing to materialise.

Ali was set to work with the Malayalam star on The Idiot of Istanbul, but the project did not take off. Speaking on the sidelines of a film festival here, the filmmaker said they remain in touch and hope to find an opportunity to work together.

“We are in touch with each other and keen to work together. So, at some point of time, I hope to have the pleasure of working with Fahadh,” Ali said.

The filmmaker also addressed speculation surrounding the casting of his upcoming production, Heer Ranjha, following reports that actors Sara Arjun and Rohit Saraf would feature in the project.

“Not all of it is true,” Ali said when asked about the casting reports, without providing further details about the film’s cast.

Directed by Sajid Ali, Imtiaz Ali’s brother, Heer Ranjha will be the second instalment in the Laila Majnu franchise, carrying forward the legendary romance and its connection with audiences.

The original film, Laila Majnu, was released in 2018 and starred Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary in the lead roles. Although it was considered a box-office disappointment upon its initial release, the film gained renewed appreciation following its theatrical re-release in 2024.

Imtiaz Ali is producing Heer Ranjha in collaboration with noted producer Ektaa Kapoor.

Ali is known for romantic dramas and emotionally driven storytelling, with films such as Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal and Rockstar among his notable works. While the filmmaker has reiterated his interest in working with Faasil, no new project featuring the two has been officially confirmed.