Jun 15, 2026 1:10pm IST
Mahesh Bhatt To Present Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma’s ‘Naam – To Live Is War’
Actors Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma are set to headline a new romantic action thriller titled “Naam – To Live Is War,” with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt coming on board as the presenter of the film.
While the title draws inspiration from Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 blockbuster “Naam,” the makers have clarified that the similarities end there. Instead, “Naam – To Live Is War” is based on an original script penned by Sidhaanth Sachdev, Suhrita Das and Shweta Bothra under the creative supervision of Bhatt.
The film will be directed by Sidhaanth Sachdev, who has previously worked as an assistant director on films such as “Aashiqui 2,” “Ek Villain” and “Hamari Adhuri Kahani.” The leading lady of the project is yet to be announced.
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Produced by Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay under the banner of Utsav Entertainment and Productions, the film has Alphaneon Studioz as its studio partner. While plot details remain under wraps, the makers have revealed that Veer Pahariya will play an angry young man with grey shades, while Varun Sharma will step into the shoes of a fierce antagonist. A love story forms an integral part of the narrative and will be elevated by melodious music.
About first-time producers Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay, Mahesh Bhatt says, “This is a business that demands resilience. This field is about attitude more than aptitude. What will make their narrative different is their courage to be themselves. They should have audacity and follow their heart.”
Commenting on the casting of Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma, Bhatt adds, “They are far more cinematically literate than we were. They have the thirst and urgency to create a place for themselves under the sun. If their collective drive can be used and funneled down, then they will have a unique film in their hands.”
Bhatt also had words of advice for director Sidhaanth Sachdev. “I want him to make the film within the budget because the demand of every producer is that you not only make a good film but make it within the budget that’s been sanctioned. He must stay fiercely committed to his vision. He can take insights from all of us. But he must understand that in this business, there is democracy till a point and then there is dictatorship,” he said.
With “Naam – To Live Is War,” the makers aim to deliver a theatrical romantic action entertainer that blends intensity, drama, mainstream appeal, and soulful music. Meghna Hirawat Upadhyay and Kaveeta Agarwaal of Alphaneon Studioz are backing the project. While a release date is yet to be announced, the film’s announcement has already sparked curiosity within industry circles.
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