19 August,2026 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yami Gautam (Pic/Instagram)
Yami Gautam is set to headline a quirky fantasy family entertainer, Nayyi Navelli, which promises a mix of humour, adventure and supernatural elements. Set in Meerut, the film introduces Gautam as a picture-perfect bride whose arrival brings happiness to a chaotic family. Nayyi Navelli is Yami Gautam Dhar's second horror comedy after Bhoot Police.
Set in Meerut, the film follows a picture-perfect bride who brings a sense of happiness and harmony to a chaotic family. However, things take an unexpected turn when her brother-in-law begins to suspect that his seemingly ideal sister-in-law could actually be a daayan (witch).
In the poster, the actor is seen dressed as a bride while seemingly playfully choking a demon-like figure with a piece of cloth. A giant wheel spins in the backdrop. Announcing the film, the makers wrote, "Nayyi Navelli Daayan. This Dussehra, get ready for India's very own fantasy family entertainer!"
Producer Aanand L Rai said, "Nayyi Navelli is the kind of story that surprises you at every turn. When Himanshu and I first discussed the story, we were immediately drawn to the unique way it brings together families for a fantasy, humour and adventure-filled experience. Yami Gautam Dhar was an instinctive choice, bringing exactly the warmth and mischief the character demands."
The announcement comes amid Yami Gautam being feted with the National Award for her work in the thriller Article 370. The film is based on the 2019 revocation of the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution of India. It dominated the 72nd National Film Awards announcements, as it bagged three awards, including Best Music, Best Actress and Best Feature Film.
Workwise, Yami Gautam is set to headline Kahaani 3, with filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh returning to direct the next chapter of the hit thriller franchise. Unlike the Vidya Balan-led films, the third instalment will reportedly introduce a fresh story and a new protagonist while retaining the suspense and mystery.
Yami sprang a surprise on her fans with Dhurandhar: The Revenge. She has a cameo in her husband and filmmaker Aditya Dhar's movie, playing a nurse in Pakistan who is actually an undercover Indian agent. She was also seen in Haq alongside Emraan Hashmi, which was loosely based on the Shah Bano case.
