Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has revealed how centuries of violence across Punjab directly influenced the visual language of his upcoming film 'Main Vapas Aaunga', set in the region in the years leading up to the Partition of India in 1947. Speaking during promotions of the film alongside lead actors Vedang Raina and Sharvari, Ali offered a rare architectural perspective on one of India's most turbulent historical landscapes.

Violence and Vanishing Architecture

“What has happened in Punjab is that most of the very good architecture has not survived the violence that Punjab has sporadically seen over the centuries,” Ali said. “Since the film was set in 1947, we were looking at buildings and places that predate 1947.”

The observation underscores a lesser-discussed consequence of the subcontinent’s bloody history — the erasure of built heritage. Punjab, which witnessed invasions, colonial upheaval, and the catastrophic violence of Partition, has seen much of its pre-modern architectural fabric destroyed or left in ruin. The film uses those surviving ruins as an evocative backdrop for its central love story.

The Story and Its Cast

'Main Vapas Aaunga' follows the story of two lovers in pre-Partition Punjab, exploring the depth of human connection against a backdrop of historical rupture. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari in key roles.

Ali was deliberate in his casting choices. On Sharvari, who plays the character Jiya, he said: “Sharvari has that exuberance, and it is a very important part of the character that she plays, which is Jiya. And that exuberance is something natural to her, and therefore it becomes natural for her to portray the character of Jiya.”

Of Vedang Raina, who plays Kino, Ali noted: “There is a certain earnestness that I felt would be very good for Kino… the whole emotional process that he has would be very suited to the way Kino is.”

Director’s Casting Philosophy

Ali framed casting as the single most critical directorial decision. “The most important decision for a director as far as acting is concerned is the casting. I felt when I met each one of them individually, I felt that casting them would be a big favour to the film, because they will bring in a natural exuberance and an interest to the characters,” he said.

Notably, the film pairs seasoned veterans like Naseeruddin Shah with newer talents such as Raina and Sharvari — a generational contrast that mirrors the film’s own preoccupation with time, memory, and continuity.

Release and Production

'Main Vapas Aaunga' is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. The film is set for a theatrical release on 12 June 2026 under the Birla Studios Worldwide banner.

As the release date approaches, the film’s unusual blend of historical setting, architectural storytelling, and an ensemble cast positions it as one of the more ambitious Hindi releases of mid-2026.