Actress Maanvi Gagroo is counting down to the release of her upcoming road-trip film 'Heer Sara Aur Pondicherry', scheduled to hit screens on 29 May 2026, and she has been candid about what makes her character tick. Gagroo describes Heer as a woman who is fearless, instinctive, and entirely unafraid to be herself — stubborn, jovial, and perpetually viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses.

What drew Maanvi Gagroo to the film

Directed by Kartik Chaudhry, the film follows two women who set off on a rebellious motorcycle journey to Pondicherry, a road trip that gradually becomes a story of freedom, self-discovery, and healing. Gagroo said the script caught her attention the moment she read it. 'When I first read the script, it read like a lighthearted, easy book. The dialogues were funny and moving at the same time. It was a story that was simple, yet had moments that tug at your heart, and I think that's what drew me to it,' she said.

Unpacking the character of Heer

Gagroo painted a vivid portrait of Heer — a woman who charges ahead on instinct rather than calculation. 'There's a sense of abandon that Heer has. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it, completely oblivious to the consequences. She's stubborn, jovial, and someone who sees the world through her rose-tinted glasses,' Gagroo explained. She added that despite Heer's impulsive streak, there is a quiet intelligence beneath the surface. 'Heer isn't someone who thinks things through, yet she's intelligent enough to know what's serving her and what's not. She's confident and comfortable with who she is, and that's what I love most about her.'

The film's message for women

Beyond the adventure, 'Heer Sara Aur Pondicherry' subtly interrogates the social expectations placed on women at different stages of life. Gagroo articulated a clear hope for what audiences — particularly women — take away from the experience. 'I hope it instills in women and girls a curiosity to travel, to explore the world themselves. I believe travelling expands us in ways very few things can, and most women live their entire lives without travelling alone. The sense of freedom and liberation, the luxury of making mistakes and rising above them, and the joy of finding yourself in the process are things I wish people take away from the film,' she said.

On-screen chemistry with Patralekhaa

The film pairs Gagroo with actress Patralekhaa, and the two share a bond that mirrors their characters' arc on screen. Gagroo noted that their friendship developed organically, much like the relationship their characters forge along the journey. 'There's an arc to their relationship. They don't start off as friends but forge a relationship along the journey. That's pretty much how we became friends as well. We knew each other socially and forged a lovely working relationship along the way,' she said.

Production and release

The film is backed by Sony Music India and produced by Maghaa Creations (Dinesh Soni), Next Level Productions (Neeraj Ruhil and Subhav Sharma), and Opticus Inc. With its 29 May 2026 release date approaching, all eyes will be on whether this women-led road film can carve its own space in a crowded summer slate.