‘Udta Teer’: Akash Kaushik Praises Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, Says Fans Will ‘Truly Enjoy’ Their Performances

Director Akash Kaushik opened up about his upcoming film Udta Teer while speaking to the media on the side-lines of the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai. The espionage satire, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan in the lead roles, promises a mix of comedy, action and mistaken identity. Akash, who is making his directorial debut with the film, also shared why he believes fans of both actors will enjoy seeing them in this unusual story.

When asked what he would like to say to Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan’s fans and why they should watch the film, Akash praised both performers. He said, “Well, both are amazing actors. I don't think anyone other than Ayushmann was right for this film—or that anyone else would have even agreed to do it—because it was a tricky role, and he portrayed it beautifully; he always chooses unconventional films.” He added that he was “very grateful to Ayushmann as well as Sara” for coming on board.

Akash also had special words for Sara Ali Khan, describing the actor as a calming presence amid the film’s madness. “Sara is naturally very bubbly, but amidst all the madness in this film, she brings a sense of calm; she is the most calming presence in the movie,” he said. The filmmaker expressed confidence that audiences will connect with the performances, adding, “I am sure their fans will truly enjoy the film and their performances.”

The director also spoke about his long-standing friendship with producer Guneet Monga Kapoor. Revealing that the two go back around two decades, Akash said, “Guneet and I go way back; she has been tying a Rakhi for me for 20 years. We were both friends from our theater days, though we eventually took different paths.” He explained that while Guneet went on to produce critically acclaimed films, he focused more on commercial cinema, and the two would often joke about wanting what the other had achieved.

Akash recalled how those conversations eventually inspired their collaboration on Udta Teer. “We used to joke about it often: I’d say I wanted the kind of praise she received, and she’d say she wanted the kind of box-office success my films enjoyed. So, we decided to make a film together that would achieve both—making a lot of money while also earning great acclaim,” he said. The film brings together Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, with Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Achin Jain among the producers.

Udta Teer follows Bilal Ahmed, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, a Pakistani spy who travels to India on a mission but suffers amnesia following an unexpected explosion. He wakes up believing that he is an Indian counter-terrorism officer and ends up joining forces with a fellow officer, played by Sara Ali Khan, who remains unaware of his real identity. Written and directed by Akash Kaushik, the film features music by Sachin-Jigar with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya and is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on October 9, 2026.

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