23 March,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Abhay Verma
With an exciting slate announcement by Amazon MGM Studios last week, the project that caught immediate attention was Hansal Mehta's Dilkashi and its leading man, Abhay Verma. Featuring music by Oscar winner A. R. Rahman and directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery - a filmmaker whose work has been India's official Oscars entry, the powerhouse collaboration has set the industry abuzz. The coming together of these creative forces promises a cinematic combination unlike any other, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema in 2026.
Abhay Verma, who delivered a remarkable debut that shattered expectations by crossing the Rs 100 crore mark, continues to prove he is a firecracker talent with no signs of slowing down. With four major releases already slated for this year, the recent announcement further cements his position as the leading man a new generation has been waiting for. The sheer momentum of his career, backed by an impressive box-office track record, makes it clear that 2026 could well belong to him.
While awaiting his upcoming releases, Abhay has already begun shooting for Dilkashi. Expressing his excitement, he said, "It feels like my work has reached the very people I've always looked up to. A.R. Rahman sir, Hansal Mehta sir, and Lijo Jose Pellissery sir have been constant sources of inspiration for me, and to have my name mentioned alongside theirs is something I still find hard to believe. They've been my gurus in every sense. Moments like these make you believe in something bigger - in grace, destiny, and in God a little more."
As anticipation builds for his first release of the year, Abhay has now commenced filming with this dream team. Dilkashi also stars Zahan Kapoor alongside him, bringing fresh, dynamic energy to the lead cast. While the makers have kept plot details under wraps, the project clearly marks a defining moment in Abhay's career.
Meanwhile, Abhay Verma is also filming for King with Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The film directed by Siddharth Anand will be released later this year and also stars Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji and Raghav Juyal.
