Kunal Khemu has been building a quiet but interesting run behind the camera, and Vibe looks like his most ambitious step yet. Following 2024’s Madgaon Express, this marks his second outing as writer-director, and for the first time, he’s also stepping in as producer. The film is set for a theatrical release in India on September 18, 2026.
What’s the Story?
Vibe is an action comedy built around two best friends, Hardik and Bugs, who couldn’t be more different from each other. Hardik is a clueless slacker with no real direction in life, while Bugs is the far more sensible, by-the-book half of the duo.
Their contrasting personalities get pushed into chaos when they’re unexpectedly roped into a mission by the mysterious Madam H, tasked with protecting India from a major terrorist threat, despite being spectacularly unqualified for anything of the sort.
It’s a premise that leans heavily into mismatched-buddy comedy while still promising genuine stakes, a combination that tends to work well when the chemistry between the leads is strong.
The Full Cast
Khemu plays Hardik, with Sparsh Shrivastava taking on the role of Bugs. Preity Zinta plays Madam H, the powerful figure who drags the two friends into the mission in the first place. Vanshika Dhir marks her acting debut as Kareena, while Yashpal Sharma plays Rawal and Dinesh Lal Yadav takes on the role of Bansi. The cast is rounded out by Rajesh A. Krishnan, Sharmila Tagore, and Aaditya Kulshrestha.
It’s a solid mix of experienced performers and fresh faces, and having someone like Sharmila Tagore involved adds an extra layer of prestige to what’s otherwise being positioned as a fun, chaotic entertainer.
The Team Behind the Camera
Kaushal Shah handles cinematography, while Anand Subaya and Sanjay Shrirang Ingle share editing duties. Amit Trivedi composes the music, a name that usually signals a strong, memorable soundtrack given his track record across Bollywood.
The film is produced by Kunal Khemu and Chirag Nihalani, with Amazon MGM Studios and Drongo Films backing the production. PVR Inox Pictures is handling distribution, and the film runs for 145 minutes, entirely in Hindi.
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How the Film Was Marketed
Vibe was first announced on March 19, 2026, notably after filming had already wrapped, which is a slightly unconventional way to introduce a project. Amazon MGM Studios then released a one-minute twenty-second teaser on YouTube on August 20, 2026, a day after unveiling the film’s poster, building up anticipation gradually rather than all at once.
The full trailer, running two minutes and forty-four seconds, got its own dedicated launch event in Mumbai on September 2, 2026, with the film’s cast and production team in attendance. Khemu’s wife, actress Soha Ali Khan, was also present at the event, adding a nice personal touch to the promotional push. The film has since received an A certificate from the CBFC, which suggests the humour and content lean more mature than a typical family-friendly entertainer.
Should You Watch It?
Between Khemu’s growing confidence as a filmmaker, a cast that blends comic timing with genuine dramatic weight, and Amit Trivedi’s music backing it all, Vibe looks like a solid theatrical pick for anyone who enjoys action comedies built on odd-couple friendships.
If you’re looking for something completely different to watch in the meantime, comedy of an entirely different kind is also making the rounds online. India’s Got Latent Season 2’s bonus episode 3, featuring Deepak Kalal, Ravi Gupta and Agu Stanley, is worth a watch if you’re in the mood for something a little more unfiltered while you wait for Vibe to hit the big screen on September 18.