Ishqnama (2026)

Ishqnama is an upcoming Punjabi romantic drama film directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira in his feature directorial debut. Produced by Saurabh Rana, Kalpna Rana, and Narinder Singh Rana, the film stars Jayy Randhawa, Shehnaaz Gill, and Saurabh Sachdeva in pivotal roles. It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, across India, Canada, the UK, and the US, and will also be released in Pakistan [citation:3][citation:6].

Plot

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of Nimma and Naseema, and adapted from the acclaimed book Hind Pak Bordernama, the film is set between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. It chronicles the love story of Nimma (Jayy Randhawa), a young Sikh poet from Indian Punjab, and Naseema (Shehnaaz Gill), a Muslim girl from Pakistani Punjab. Their romance dares to survive the scars left behind by the Partition, exploring themes of sacrifice, longing, and destiny [citation:3][citation:10][citation:14]. The real-life story is an unfinished one, with Nimma reportedly having spoken to Naseema as recently as 2019 [citation:6].

Cast and Crew

Cast

• Jayy Randhawa as Nimma [citation:3][citation:6]
• Shehnaaz Gill as Naseema [citation:3][citation:6]
• Saurabh Sachdeva as Bilawal Khan [citation:6][citation:10]
• Mahabir Bhullar [citation:2][citation:11]
• Arvinder Kaur [citation:2]

Crew

• Director: Arvvindr S. Khaira [citation:3][citation:10]
• Producer: Saurabh Rana, Kalpna Rana, Narinder Singh Rana [citation:2][citation:3]
• Music: B Praak [citation:3][citation:4]
• Lyrics: Jaani [citation:3][citation:4]

Production and Release

The film's trailer was unveiled on July 14, 2026, at an event in Punjab, which was chosen for its deep connection to the story and the actors' careers [citation:6][citation:10]. The film is based on the book Hind Pak Bordernama and marks Saurabh Sachdeva's entry into Punjabi cinema [citation:6]. The soundtrack is composed by B Praak with lyrics by Jaani [citation:3]. The film is releasing alongside other major films but is expected to make a significant impact given its powerful true story and star cast [citation:7][citation:10].

Music

The film's music, composed by B Praak with lyrics by Jaani, is a major highlight. The first song from the soundtrack, titled 'Narak' sung by Jyotica Tangri, has already gone viral [citation:6]. Another song, 'India Pakistan,' features vocals by G Khan and Jasmeen Akhtar [citation:4].