Mumbai, Nov 7 (NationPress) Actress Tisca Chopra is making her directorial debut with the feature film “Saali Mohabbat”, which stars Radhika Apte and is scheduled to premiere digitally later this year after successful festival screenings at IFFI Goa and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.

Tisca expressed her long-standing intrigue with the subtle tensions present in relationships, stating, “The invisible power struggles, the unspoken expectations, the ways in which love can transform into something darker”.

She further elaborated, “This film delves into those delicate boundaries — of trust, betrayal, and identity — but through a deeply female lens.”

The narrative focuses on Smita, an ordinary housewife from a small town, whose life spirals into a complex tale of infidelity, deceit, and ethical dilemmas, as reported by variety.com.

This thriller also features actors Divyendu Sharma, Anurag Kashyap, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sharat Saxena.

Producer Manish Malhotra stated that Stage5 Production was created to nurture original stories with exceptional craftsmanship.

“This project was developed with significant involvement at every stage — from conception to the final cut — because at Stage5, we don’t just produce films; we stand by them,” he noted.

“Every creative and strategic choice has been made with intention, rigor, and accountability.”

The producer highlighted that the film showcases “an ensemble of remarkably talented actors, each adding unique rhythm, restraint, and authenticity to their roles — performances that don’t shout but resonate.”

Tisca acknowledged Manish for his early support, saying, “His reaction — just three minutes into the narration — gave me confidence that this story had found its rightful home. He and his team not only provided resources but also genuine artistic trust and emotional insight, allowing the film to maintain its raw, unrefined honesty.”

The director described her filmmaking journey as “both daunting and freeing — daunting due to the demand for emotional openness, and freeing as it encouraged me to break away from the limitations often imposed on women filmmakers.”

“Saali Mohabbat” reunites Apte with ZEE5 after her previous role in “Mrs. Undercover.”

Produced by Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra's Stage5 Production, the film marks the celebrated fashion designer's debut as a producer in the digital realm. This collaboration with ZEE5 is the third with Jio Studios, following “Hisaab Barabar” and “Mrs.”, which featured R. Madhavan and Sanya Malhotra, as well as “Bhagwat” with Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, according to variety.com.

Kaveri Das, head of Hindi at ZEE5, expressed excitement about “Saali Mohabbat,” stating, “We’re eager to present a thriller that transcends mere suspense, delving into the complex emotions that shape human decisions.”

Jyoti Deshpande, president of Jio Studios, described the film as “an ingeniously crafted thriller that exemplifies our proud partnership with producer Manish Malhotra, who effortlessly extends his creative brilliance from fashion to film.”