Tisca Chopra is making her feature directorial debut with Saali Mohabbat, starring Radhika Apte and Divyenndu Sharma. The film, set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 Global later this year, boasts a dynamic ensemble including Anurag Kashyap, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sharat Saxena. After its festival circuit appearances at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, the film is creating considerable anticipation.
Produced by Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production, Saali Mohabbat marks the celebrated designer’s debut as a digital producer. With a strong aesthetic and a deep emotional resonance, the film adds a new dimension to Malhotra’s creative repertoire. This project also highlights ZEE5’s collaborative success with Jio Studios, following acclaimed releases such as Hisaab Barabar, Mrs., and Bhagwat.
The story explores the life of Smita (Radhika Apte), a housewife in a small town whose ordinary existence spirals into a maze of infidelity, deceit, and moral dilemmas. The narrative starts as a domestic drama but swiftly transforms into a high-stakes psychological thriller exploring the blurred lines between love and obsession, truth and illusion.
From the perspective of ZEE5 Global, Saali Mohabbat is recognized not just as a suspenseful thriller but as a story that delves deep into the emotions that shape human decisions. The collaboration with Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra brings together visionary creativity and a commitment to impactful storytelling. Radhika Apte’s return to the platform adds excitement, promising another compelling performance.
The film has been shaped by a shared vision of courage and authenticity. For Jio Studios, the project embodies their ongoing support for bold, genre-transcending narratives. Manish Malhotra shared that Stage5 Production was established to champion original, craft-driven stories. Every aspect of Saali Mohabbat—from development to execution—was approached with intention, rigor, and responsibility. The cast members have brought restraint and truth to their roles, resulting in memorable performances.
Tisca Chopra’s inspiration for the film stemmed from her fascination with the unspoken power shifts and silent expectations within relationships, especially from a female viewpoint. She sought to capture the quiet strain beneath domestic life, exploring the boundaries of trust, betrayal, and self-identity. Directing the film was both daunting and liberating, as she navigated vulnerable emotions and broke through constraints often faced by women filmmakers. Chopra attributes the project’s authenticity and emotional impact to the trust and support shown by Manish Malhotra, Stage5 Production, Jio Studios, and ZEE5 Global.
Saali Mohabbat is set to captivate global audiences as one of the most awaited releases on ZEE5, offering a blend of cinematic artistry, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling backed by widely respected talent
