India’s Rohan Sippy, Nilesh Sahay Team for Festival-Set Action Comedy ‘Iss Diwali’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Indian filmmakers Rohan Sippy and Nilesh Sahay are joining forces on the holiday action comedy film “Iss Diwali.”

The film, which unfolds during the Diwali festival against a backdrop of political intrigue, is presented by industry veterans Ramesh Sippy and Zaheeda.

Rohan Sippy, known for helming “Nautanki Saala,” “Dum Maaro Dum” and “Bluffmaster,” and serving as showrunner on Netflix noir series “Aranyak,” will collaborate with Sahay, who wrote, produced and directed action film “Squad.” The project is produced by Rohan Sippy, Roopa De Choudhury, Brajesh Sahaya and Sahay via Indian Media Entertainment Network (IMEN).

Casting for “Iss Diwali” is currently underway, with announcements expected in the coming months.

Popular on Variety

Rohan Sippy said: “I’ve loved watching films that feature chemistry between charismatic leads, from ‘Ram Balram’ and ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’ to ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ the original ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ and later making films like ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Taxi No. 9 2 11,’ so it is very exciting to take ‘Iss Diwali’ forward which continues this tradition, with the magic and emotion of our most important family festival adding to the genre’s appeal.”

Nilesh Sahay added: “There’s nothing better than to celebrate the holidays with an amazing family entertainer and ‘Iss Diwali’ promises just that along with tackling a major issue in today’s society. When I wrote the film I knew Rohan would be the absolute best person to make it as he has handled edgy light entertainers fantastically. We will bring in action that will be created for all age groups of audiences where they will be thrilled entertained and engaged. ‘Iss Diwali’ is going to be one hell of a ride for the cinegoers I promise you that.”

The film is scheduled to hit theaters during the 2025 festival season.

Rohan Sippy is also due to direct a film under the Ramesh Sippy Entertainment banner, with rising Indian star Taha Shah Badussha, known for his breakout role in Netflix’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” in the lead.