Side Heroes: Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain’s Film Set to Be Shot Entirely in Bihar
The upcoming feature film Side Heroes, backed by producers Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Shikha K Ahluwalia, will be filmed entirely on authentic locations across Bihar. With cameras scheduled to roll in January 2027, the project represents a rare move for a mainstream Hindi production to stage its entire shooting schedule inside the state.
What Happened
According to production sources reported by Bollywood Hungama, the creative team decided against recreating Bihar on studio sets or shooting in substitute locations such as Wai in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, or Uttar Pradesh. Because the storyline is organically tied to the region, the filmmakers determined it was necessary to capture real settings. The team is currently scouting a small town in Bihar where the primary portion of filming will take place, aiming to commence shooting on January 14, 2027.
The film is directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and written by Siddarth Sen (director of Good Luck Jerry) alongside Pankaj Matta. The cast is led by Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, with plans to introduce two new actresses. The narrative is framed as a nostalgic friendship-reunion comedy set in the heartland of India.
Key Highlights
- Side Heroes will be filmed completely within Bihar rather than using alternate domestic locations.
- Filming is targeted to begin on January 14, 2027, with the crew actively scouting small-town sites in the state.
- The cast features Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, alongside two debutant female leads.
- The film is directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and scripted by Siddarth Sen and Pankaj Matta.
- The production is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, and Shikha K Ahluwalia.
- The project is planned for a theatrical release on Friendship Day 2027.
Why This Matters
Historically, stories set in Bihar were often filmed in other states. The choice to shoot completely on site reflects an emphasis on authenticity for the story’s regional roots. Furthermore, producer Imtiaz Ali has personal ties to the region, having been born in Jamshedpur (formerly part of Bihar) and spending his early years in the state capital, Patna.
Institutional backing in the state has also developed to attract productions. Under the Bihar Film Promotion Policy, authorities provide financial incentives for productions. In October 2024, Rahul Kumar, general manager of the Bihar State Film Development & Finance Corporation, stated that the state implemented a single-window clearance system for shoot permissions, subsidies, and no-objection certificates, while offering the highest film subsidy in the country.
What to Watch Next
The production unit is finalizing its specific small-town filming locations across Bihar. Production is planned to formally kick off on January 14, 2027, leading up to its scheduled theatrical release on Friendship Day 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Side Heroes be filmed?
The film is planned to be shot entirely on location in Bihar, with the crew currently scouting a small town for the primary shoot.
Who is directing and writing Side Heroes?
The movie is directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and written by Siddarth Sen and Pankaj Matta.
Who are the lead actors in Side Heroes?
The film stars Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, and the producers also plan to introduce two new actresses.
When is the film scheduled to release?
The makers are targeting a theatrical release on Friendship Day 2027.
Source: Reporting and statements sourced from Bollywood Hungama.