The film, directed by Bejoy Nambiar, blends survival, social media, and romance—set for release on Valentine’s Day 2026
Actors Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav are set to headline Tu Yaa Mai, a new genre-bending romantic thriller that promises to push creative boundaries and explore modern storytelling like never before. The film is directed by Bejoy Nambiar and will hit theatres on Valentine’s Day 2026.
Backed by filmmaker Aanand L. Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and Vinod Bhanushali’s Bhanushali Studios Limited, Tu Yaa Mai marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration between two production houses known for delivering fresh narratives.
A Genre-Defying Love Story
Tu Yaa Mai will be anything but an ordinary love story. Set against the backdrop of an intense survival thriller, the film follows two social media influencers—played by Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor—who are caught in a horrifying and deadly situation involving a man-eating crocodile.
The gripping narrative intertwines romance with elements of fear, vulnerability, and high-stakes drama. The stark differences in their socio-economic backgrounds further add layers to their characters and the challenges they face together.
Director Bejoy Nambiar, known for his work on edgy films like Shaitan and David, brings his distinct visual flair and narrative style to the project. With Tu Yaa Mai, he ventures into a new space that combines human emotion, internet-age relevance, and primal survival instincts.
Filmmakers Speak
Talking about the project, Aanand L. Rai shared,
“With every film, we want to stretch the boundaries of what stories can feel like. Tu Yaa Mai is a bold and surprising new step in that direction. I’m excited to begin this collaboration with Bhanushali Studios, who share our belief in discovering the unexpected.”
Vinod Bhanushali echoed the sentiment, adding,
“At the heart of everything we do is the desire to tell stories that truly move people. This partnership with Colour Yellow is built on a shared passion for creative risk and meaningful content. With Tu Yaa Mai, we’re diving into something exhilarating, emotional, and exceptionally bold.”
The film is being produced by Aanand L. Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Vinod Bhanushali, and Kamlesh Bhanushali.
A Valentine’s Day Release with a Twist
Scheduled to release in theatres on February 14, 2026, Tu Yaa Mai aims to reimagine the idea of Valentine’s Day films. While most romantic films opt for light-hearted tales of love and longing, Tu Yaa Mai leans into suspense, tension, and a visceral fight for survival—while still maintaining a deeply emotional core.
Social Media Meets Survival Horror
The teaser of the film, released earlier in March on social media, gave audiences a glimpse into the world of the characters played by Shanaya and Adarsh. The short clip hinted at a striking contrast between their characters’ backgrounds and personalities, brought together by fate and tested by an unimaginable threat in the wild.
By introducing social media influencers as protagonists, the film reflects the growing influence of digital life and its dangers when placed outside the comfort of screens and into real-life survival.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Rising Career
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor, is gradually establishing herself in the Indian film industry. She recently made her acting debut in the romantic musical Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey. Directed by Santosh Singh, the film released in theatres on July 11, 2025, and marked her official entry into Bollywood.
Audiences and critics alike praised her performance, particularly for her expressive screen presence and confident portrayal of a complex character. With Tu Yaa Mai, Kapoor appears to be making bold choices early in her career, stepping into a survival thriller genre few young actresses attempt.
Adarsh Gourav’s Bold Filmography
Adarsh Gourav, known for his critically acclaimed performance in The White Tiger, brings depth and intensity to every role he plays. Whether it’s portraying a working-class youth thrust into global class conflict, or stepping into the shoes of a digital-age survivor, Gourav continues to pick unconventional stories that challenge him as an actor.
His casting opposite Kapoor creates a fresh on-screen pairing that adds intrigue to Tu Yaa Mai. Audiences can expect a powerful mix of emotion, conflict, and chemistry between the lead characters.
Creative Collaboration at Its Core
Tu Yaa Mai also highlights the growing trend of cross-collaboration in the Hindi film industry. By bringing together Colour Yellow—known for soulful and slice-of-life films—and Bhanushali Studios, which champions bold and contemporary cinema, this partnership is likely to produce stories that connect deeply with new-age audiences.
The film’s vision to reinvent the romantic thriller genre also underlines Bollywood’s evolving taste for stories that go beyond formula. With a strong technical team and a passionate cast, Tu Yaa Mai promises to be one of the most awaited releases of 2026.