Ranveer Singh is ready to turn the page on one of the most turbulent phases of his career. After months of headlines surrounding his reported exit from Don 3 and the industry-wide speculation that followed, the actor is now focusing on his ambitious next film, Pralay, a high-budget post-apocalyptic thriller that is set to go on floors in September 2026.
Billed as one of the biggest Indian survival dramas ever mounted, Pralay is being made on an estimated budget of ₹300 crore. The film is set in a dystopian version of Mumbai devastated by a global pandemic and a fictional zombie outbreak. Against this grim backdrop, the story follows a married couple fighting to survive as society collapses around them during a city-wide lockdown.
The film marks the theatrical directorial debut of Jai Mehta, son of acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta. Jai previously co-directed the critically praised series Scam 1992 and Lootere, earning recognition for his storytelling style. With Pralay, he is taking on a much larger canvas, blending emotional drama with large-scale action and survival elements.
Joining Ranveer Singh in the film is Malayalam actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, who will make her Bollywood debut as the female lead. The project is expected to rely heavily on cutting-edge AI-assisted visual effects to recreate its haunting, post-apocalyptic world, making it one of the most technically ambitious Hindi films currently in production.
Pralay also holds special significance for Ranveer as it will be produced under his newly launched production house, Maa Kasam Films. Industry insiders believe the actor sees the project as an opportunity to reinvent himself with a genre that Bollywood has rarely explored on such a grand scale.
Although initial reports suggested filming would begin in August, pre-production requirements have pushed the official start date to September. A major portion of the movie will be shot in Australia, where the production team is collaborating with international technicians known for their work on global action and survival films. Ranveer has reportedly already begun intensive physical training and character preparation to portray the emotionally demanding lead role.
The excitement around Pralay comes shortly after Ranveer’s highly publicized departure from Don 3. Reports claimed the actor exited the project due to creative disagreements and delays related to the script. Following his departure, Excel Entertainment reportedly sought compensation of ₹45 crore to recover pre-production expenses, adding fuel to an already controversial situation.
The dispute also led to a brief non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). However, the directive was later withdrawn, allowing the actor to move ahead with future projects without industry restrictions.
Adding another layer to his career reset, reports suggest Ranveer has decided to maintain an 18-month media blackout. The actor is reportedly avoiding interviews, promotional appearances, and press interactions until Pralay nears release. The strategy is believed to be aimed at shifting public attention away from recent controversies and allowing his work on screen to define the next chapter of his career.
With an ambitious storyline, international production scale, and one of Bollywood’s biggest stars leading the charge, Pralay is shaping up to be among the most anticipated Hindi films of the coming years.
