Ishaan Khatter teams with 'Gullak' director Palash Vaswani for debut comedy 'Jugaadu'
Synopsis
Ishaan Khatter is trading drama for laughs. His first comedy, Jugaadu, pairs him with Palash Vaswani—the director behind the cult-hit Gullak—and introduces Punjabi actress Tania to Hindi cinema. Shot in Punjab, it's a calculated genre pivot for an actor who just earned Oscar recognition with Homebound.
Key Takeaways
Actor Ishaan Khatter makes his comedy debut with Jugaadu , directed by Palash Vaswani .
Punjabi actress Tania marks her official entry into Bollywood opposite Khatter .
The mahurat ceremony took place on 30 April in Mumbai ; principal shooting begins in Punjab in May.
Supporting cast includes Abhishek Banerjee , Jameel Khan , Vaibhav Raj Gupta , and others.
Khatter's last film, Homebound (2025), was shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
Actor Ishaan Khatter is set to venture into comedy for the first time with Jugaadu, a new film helmed by Palash Vaswani, the director behind the acclaimed web series Gullak and Bada Naam Karenge. The project marks a significant creative partnership as Khatter transitions from his recent dramatic roles into the comedy space.
Joining Khatter in the lead is popular Punjabi actress Tania, whose casting marks her official entry into Hindi cinema. The mahurat ceremony took place on 30 April in Mumbai, with the primary shooting schedule set to commence in Punjab later in May.
Khatter's Comedy Debut
The Dhadak actor announced the project on Instagram, describing Jugaadu as his "first in and as" comedy. "My first in and as! Cooking with an incredible and passionate team to bring you this riot of an entertainer in cinemas soon," Khatter wrote, signalling his enthusiasm for the genre shift.
Supporting Cast and Crew
The ensemble includes established names Abhishek Banerjee, Jameel Khan, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Yamini Dass, Sukhwinder Chahal, and Nirmal Rishi in pivotal roles. The film is jointly produced by Ramesh Taurani, Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Jaya Taurani under the banners of Tips Films and Baweja Studio. Cinematography is being handled by Rangarajan Ramabadran.
Following 'Homebound' Success
Khatter's last release was Homebound in 2025, a Neeraj Ghaywan directorial produced by Dharma Productions, which also starred Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The film earned recognition as one of 15 projects shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category and was adapted from a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer.
What's Next
With Jugaadu poised to showcase Khatter's range across genres, the film's Punjab schedule and subsequent post-production timeline will determine its theatrical window. The pairing of Vaswani's directorial sensibility with Khatter's comedic timing is expected to appeal to audiences seeking light-hearted, character-driven entertainment.
Point of View
Pivoting to a lighter, commercial comedy with an established web series director signals confidence in his range. Palash Vaswani's track record on Gullak—a show that balanced humour with character depth—suggests this won't be a forgettable comedy. The Punjab setting and ensemble cast also hint at a more grounded, regional flavour, which could differentiate it in a crowded Bollywood comedy space. If executed well, Jugaadu could reposition Khatter as a versatile entertainer, not just a dramatic actor.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Jugaadu' and who is directing it?
Jugaadu is Ishaan Khatter's debut comedy film, directed by Palash Vaswani, who is known for creating the acclaimed web series Gullak and Bada Naam Karenge. The mahurat ceremony took place on 30 April 2025 in Mumbai.
Who is the female lead in 'Jugaadu'?
Punjabi actress Tania plays the leading lady opposite Ishaan Khatter in Jugaadu. This marks her official entry into Hindi cinema and Bollywood.
When will 'Jugaadu' go on floors and where?
The primary shooting schedule for Jugaadu is set to begin in Punjab later in May 2025, following the mahurat ceremony held on 30 April.
What was Ishaan Khatter's last film before 'Jugaadu'?
Ishaan Khatter's last release was Homebound in 2025, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions. The film was shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Who are the producers and production companies behind 'Jugaadu'?
Jugaadu is jointly produced by Ramesh Taurani, Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Jaya Taurani under the banners of Tips Films and Baweja Studio.
