Bollywood’s power shift just got real. In a move that’s already generating massive buzz, maverick filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has announced a new project titled ‘Side Heroes’, starring three of the industry’s most underrated comic powerhouses — Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Varun Sharma. But make no mistake — this isn’t just another buddy comedy. This is the film that could upend how we view “side characters” in mainstream cinema.
In This Article:
- A Slice-of-Life with a Kick of Realism — And a Punch of Sarcasm
- When the ‘Second Leads’ Get Top Billing — And Rightfully So
- Bollywood’s Meta Moment? Or A Clever Industry Commentary?
- Gossip That’s Boiling Over — Are the Big Khans Watching?
- Final Word — Friendship, Fools, and Full Circles
A Slice-of-Life with a Kick of Realism — And a Punch of Sarcasm
Helmed by Ssanjay Tripaathy and co-written by Siddharth Sen and Pankaj Matta, Side Heroes is slated for a Friendship Day 2026 release. It promises a layered, emotionally-charged narrative centered around three childhood friends reuniting after years of distance, missed dreams, and unresolved tension. Think bittersweet nostalgia with belly-aching laughter — and a mirror to every millennial’s midlife friendship crisis.
In a Nutshell:
- Title: Side Heroes
- Stars: Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Varun Sharma
- Director: Ssanjay Tripaathy
- Producers: Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba
- Release: Expected Friendship Day 2026
- Theme: Friendship, regret, rediscovery, and the chaos of adulting
When the ‘Second Leads’ Get Top Billing — And Rightfully So
This casting is not coincidental. In an industry obsessed with larger-than-life heroes and 6-pack abs, these three actors have consistently delivered scene-stealing performances in “supporting” roles. With Side Heroes, they’re finally getting the screen real estate — and character depth — they deserve.
And yes, it’s not lost on anyone that Varun Sharma’s Choocha, Aparshakti’s friendzone expert, and Banerjee’s quirky underdog roles have all been fan favorites despite not being “leads.” This film could be their collective revenge — a cinematic flipping of the bird to Bollywood’s hero-worship hierarchy.
Bollywood’s Meta Moment? Or A Clever Industry Commentary?
Imtiaz Ali’s decision to back Side Heroes could also be interpreted as a sharp commentary on the industry’s own bias. The title alone is a bold satire — “side heroes” owning their narrative, possibly better than their front-running counterparts.
If executed with the right tonal balance, this could be Bollywood’s The Hangover meets Dil Chahta Hai, minus the pretentiousness.
Gossip That’s Boiling Over — Are the Big Khans Watching?
Sources close to the production hint that the film’s emotional gravitas might overshadow some of the more recent big-banner duds. There’s already chatter about how this trio’s genuine camaraderie could set a new benchmark — and ruffle a few superstar egos.
And with Imtiaz Ali’s recent track record being patchy, insiders say Side Heroes is his shot at redemption, away from romantic melancholia and into something palpably real.
Final Word — Friendship, Fools, and Full Circles
Side Heroes could well become the dark horse hit Bollywood didn’t know it needed. With a refreshing cast, a relatable theme, and a meta-cultural undercurrent, this film isn’t just celebrating friendship — it’s resurrecting the relevance of the overlooked.
Let’s just say, if the promo drops with the right punch, it may just bulldoze the next 100-crore solo-hero bore-fest.
By – Nikita