Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has opened up about collaborating with Ahaan Panday for his upcoming untitled film backed by Yash Raj Films.
Best known for blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, Ali believes Ahaan represents a rare quality in today’s generation — the timeless charm of a classic romantic hero.
An Old-School Romantic Charm That Feels Real
According to Ali, what truly sets Ahaan apart is his sincerity. In an industry where performances can sometimes feel performative, he finds Ahaan refreshingly honest.
Moreover, the director insists that vulnerability cannot be manufactured. The camera, he says, always captures the truth. Therefore, an actor must genuinely feel emotions rather than simply act them out.
Importantly, Ahaan is not afraid to appear vulnerable. That willingness, Ali explains, reminds him of the romantic heroes audiences grew up admiring — actors who led with emotional depth rather than surface appeal.
Why Audiences Are Relating to Ahaan
Furthermore, Ali believes viewers are connecting with Ahaan because he is not trying too hard to impress. Instead, he remains present in every moment on screen.
At the same time, the actor balances softness with inner strength. This contrast, the filmmaker notes, makes him especially compelling in love stories.
As a result, Ali is confident that Ahaan has the potential to become a rare romantic hero — one who lingers in the audience’s mind long after the film ends.
A Powerful Blend of Romance and Action
Meanwhile, the untitled action entertainer is set to go on floors in Mumbai on March 30. Following the Mumbai schedule, the team will head to the UK for a 60-day shoot. The film also stars Sharvari opposite Ahaan.
However, this project is not just a love story. Instead, Ali aims to present Ahaan in a dynamic action-romance avatar.
He explains that a true romantic hero is not defined by softness alone but by emotional intensity. Romance brings grace. Action brings fire. And when grace meets fire, the result is a powerful cinematic experience.
Beyond Fights: Action With Emotional Stakes
Additionally, Ali emphasizes that modern audiences expect more than stylised fight sequences. They want meaning behind every punch.
If a hero fights for love, belief, or protection, the action naturally carries deeper emotional weight. Consequently, viewers connect with the story on a far more personal level.
With this film, Ali Abbas Zafar hopes to showcase Ahaan Panday in an entirely new light — romantic yet fierce, vulnerable yet strong, and above all, emotionally resonant.
