Aaishvary Thackeray Cast as Antagonist Opposite Ahaan Panday in YRF’s New Action-Romance

Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming film for Yash Raj Films has taken a significant step forward with the casting of Aaishvary Thackeray as the negative lead. He will be seen opposite Ahaan Panday, setting up a charged on-screen clash between two young actors who have quickly become names to watch.

Thackeray has been gaining attention since his performance in Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi, where he impressed audiences with his screen presence. His casting by a filmmaker of Zafar’s scale indicates confidence in his ability to take on a demanding part at an early stage of his career.

The film also features Sharvari Wagh alongside Panday and Thackeray, creating a young core cast for Zafar’s action romance. The choice reflects an appetite amongst audiences for fresh faces after the success of Saiyaara, which turned Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda into breakout stars and became the highest grossing love story in Indian cinema this year.

Although the project remains untitled, early information suggests a blend of romance and large-scale action. The conflict between Panday and Thackeray is expected to be central to the narrative. Zafar, who has previously directed major hits like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is known for mounting action with emotional stakes.

A trade source says, “Ali Abbas Zafar is known for mega entertainers like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, so you can expect him to mount the Ahaan–Aaishvary clash on a huge scale. The film has romance at its core and action designed to shock and awe, and Ali is not going to hold back. It’s meant to be a full-blown big-screen ride.”

Another source adds, “Ali really does have one of the strongest young casts in the industry right now. With his storytelling and sense of spectacle, these three actors will be presented in a massive way. It’s refreshing to see a big film being built around young talent, and it’s a major chance for them to prove what they’re capable of.”