Anil Kapoor, Rajkumar Hirani, Sharman Joshi and Bollywood Stars Grace Doosra Premiere in Mumbai

Mumbai witnessed a star-studded evening as Bollywood celebrities and prominent filmmakers gathered for the grand premiere of director Abhinay Deo’s much-anticipated docu-drama Doosra. The special screening brought together some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry, including Anil Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani and Jaaved Jaaferi. Prem Chopra, Arunoday Singh, Ajinkya Deo, Divya Khosla Kumar, Sumeet Raghavan, Taha Shah Badussha, Meezaan Jafri and Yukti Thareja were among the other notable personalities who attended the event, making it a memorable gathering ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

Anil Kapoor was one of the prominent guests at the premiere, showing his support for Abhinay Deo’s latest cinematic venture. Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani also made an appearance, while Sharman Joshi and Jaaved Jaaferi added to the impressive celebrity turnout. Veteran actor Prem Chopra was among the familiar faces at the event, alongside Arunoday Singh, Ajinkya Deo and Sumeet Raghavan. Divya Khosla Kumar, Taha Shah Badussha, Meezaan Jafri and Yukti Thareja also graced the occasion, with the gathering bringing together actors from different generations of Indian cinema.

The premiere celebrated Doosra: India's Other Freedom Struggle, a distinctive project that blends documentary footage with narrative storytelling. Directed by Abhinay Deo, the film draws inspiration from one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history: the team's dramatic victory over England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord's. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly’s famous shirt-waving celebration on the balcony became a powerful symbol of confidence and defiance, and the film explores the wider cultural significance of that historic sporting moment.

At the heart of the film is a parallel story featuring Tara, played by Plabita Borthakur, a young girl growing up in a conservative, patriarchal household. As she watches the Indian cricket team's historic victory unfold on television, Ganguly's bold celebration inspires her to question the restrictions placed on her and find the courage to challenge expectations. By connecting a landmark moment in cricket with an individual's journey towards freedom, Doosra explores themes of self-belief, identity, courage and social change.

Abhinay Deo’s project takes a different approach to the traditional sports drama by bringing together real historical events and fictional storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on the match itself, the film examines how sporting achievements can influence attitudes and inspire people beyond the playing field. The 2002 NatWest Series final remains an iconic moment for Indian cricket fans, and its emotional connection with the audience provides the backdrop for Tara’s personal journey. Anil Kapoor and cricketer Rohit Sharma have also praised the film’s trailer, drawing attention to its blend of sporting history and a deeply personal narrative.

With the premiere bringing together leading names from Bollywood, Doosra is preparing for its nationwide theatrical release on Friday, October 23, 2026. Distributed by PVR INOX Pictures, the film aims to offer audiences a fresh perspective on a defining moment in Indian cricket while telling a story about challenging social barriers and discovering one's voice. The Mumbai premiere served as a celebration of Abhinay Deo’s ambitious project, with the presence of Anil Kapoor, Rajkumar Hirani, Sharman Joshi, Jaaved Jaaferi and many other celebrities adding to the excitement surrounding its arrival in cinemas.