Sajid Khan's Grand Comeback: Is He Launching Govinda's Son Yashvardhan Ahuja?

Looks like filmmaker Sajid Khan is reportedly set to make his return to direction, bringing Govinda's son Yashvardhan Ahuja to the big screen in a new romantic comedy, though one key actress has reportedly stepped away.

TL;DR

• Sajid Khan is reportedly in advanced discussions with Zee Studios for a new romantic comedy, marking his potential directorial comeback after seven years.
• The film is anticipated to be the grand Bollywood debut for Yashvardhan Ahuja, son of veteran actor Govinda.
• Actress Krithi Shetty, initially rumored as a female lead, has reportedly opted out of the project, leaving the team to search for a new heroine alongside Nitanshi Goel.

The Director's Chair Beckons: Sajid Khan's Reported Return to Filmmaking

Bollywood is buzzing with whispers that filmmaker Sajid Khan might be making his much-anticipated directorial comeback. After a significant hiatus of seven years, the director, known for his earlier commercial successes, is reportedly in advanced talks with Zee Studios to helm a romantic comedy. This project is shaping up to be a major talking point, not just for Khan's return but also for the fresh talent it aims to introduce.

Khan's last full-fledged directorial venture was Humshakals in 2014. His career saw a halt when he was embroiled in the #MeToo allegations in 2018, leading to a one-year ban imposed by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, which concluded in 2019. Despite the controversy, trade insiders suggest that Khan still holds considerable backing within certain industry circles. More recently, he made a public appearance on Bigg Boss 16 in 2022-2023, an appearance that itself sparked debate and drew criticism, including a letter from the Delhi Commission for Women's chief, Swati Maliwal, demanding his removal from the show, arguing it would "whitewash his image." There was also a recent allegation in 2025 by TV actress Navina Bole regarding an inappropriate incident during a meeting.

Before these new talks, Khan was previously attached to direct a film titled 100%, starring John Abraham, Nora Fatehi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Shehnaaz Gill. However, that project reportedly faced multiple delays and setbacks, with John Abraham eventually walking out due to a shift in interest away from comedy films. All eyes are now on this potential new venture, which, if confirmed, would truly mark his official return to directing after such a prolonged period.

A Star Kid's Grand Introduction: Yashvardhan Ahuja Set for Bollywood Debut

Stepping into the glittering world of Bollywood is no easy feat, especially when you carry a legendary surname. All signs point to Yashvardhan Ahuja, the son of yesteryear superstar Govinda, making his much-anticipated debut with this very film. This project is being designed as a significant launchpad for the young actor, offering him a prominent entry into the Hindi film industry.

The pressure on star kids is immense, and Yashvardhan is no exception. While details about his specific role in the romantic comedy are still under wraps, the buzz around his debut is palpable. Interestingly, Yashvardhan is also reportedly lined up for another project with Phantom Studios, but this film, under Sajid Khan's direction and Zee Studios' banner, is expected to kick off first. This suggests a strategic move to ensure his debut is impactful and well-supported by a major production house.

Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani, a close friend of Govinda, shared his thoughts on the veteran actor and his son, hinting at Yashvardhan's potential:

"Govinda is a powerhouse actor, and still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, he has limited his options by his unpredictable behaviour. His son is a very talented boy, bound to go far if given the right break."

— Pahlaj Nihalani, Filmmaker and close friend of Govinda

Nihalani's comments underscore the talent Yashvardhan possesses and the critical need for "the right break," which this Sajid Khan-helmed project aims to provide.

A Shifting Landscape for Female Leads: Krithi Shetty Reportedly Exits

When initial reports circulated about the film's cast, South sensation Krithi Shetty was named as one of the female leads, set to star alongside Yashvardhan Ahuja and Nitanshi Goel of Laapataa Ladies fame. However, the latest updates indicate a significant change in the casting landscape: Krithi Shetty has reportedly opted out of the project.

This comes as a surprise to many, especially given the "grand launch" narrative associated with the film. For Krithi, who made a memorable Telugu debut with Uppena in 2021 and quickly garnered fame, this marks a second setback in her Bollywood aspirations. Earlier, she was finalized to play the leading lady in the Hindi remake of the Telugu film Baby, opposite Babil Khan, but that project was unfortunately shelved due to creative differences.

The reason behind Krithi Shetty's latest withdrawal from the Sajid Khan project remains unclear. Her career trajectory in the South Indian film industry has seen its ups and downs, with some script choices reportedly not helping her reach superstardom. A strong Bollywood debut could have been a pivotal moment. With her exit, the makers are now reportedly "clueless" about the next heroine and are actively searching for a replacement to star alongside Yashvardhan Ahuja and Nitanshi Goel. This unexpected turn adds another layer of intrigue and challenge to the film's production, as finding the right female lead is crucial for any romantic comedy.

The Movie Details: A Rom-Com Remake with High Stakes

The untitled film, bankrolled by Zee Studios, is reportedly a romantic comedy, a genre that Sajid Khan has successfully delivered in the past with hits like Heyy Babyy, Housefull, and Housefull 2. Adding to its appeal, sources suggest the movie will be a remake of a popular South Indian film. This approach often provides a proven narrative framework, but also comes with the challenge of adapting it successfully for a Hindi-speaking audience.

Despite the advanced discussions, it's important to note that Sajid Khan has "not said yes yet" to directing the film. While Zee Studios is reportedly keen on having him at the helm, believing his comedic touch aligns perfectly with the script, official confirmations are still pending from both the director and the studio. The current scenario, with a lead actress having exited, further emphasizes the fluid nature of the project's early stages. The team is now tasked with not only securing the director's final nod but also finding a new leading lady who can complement the talents of Yashvardhan Ahuja and Nitanshi Goel.

Industry Reactions and What Lies Ahead

The news of Sajid Khan's potential comeback, especially after the #MeToo controversy, has naturally stirred considerable conversation within Bollywood. While some segments of the industry reportedly offer him strong backing, his return will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny from both the public and critics. For Yashvardhan Ahuja, this film represents a significant opportunity to carve out his own identity and escape the shadow of his famous father's legacy. The success of this debut could set the tone for his entire career.

Similarly, for Nitanshi Goel, who recently earned praise for her performance in Laapataa Ladies, this project could be a valuable step in solidifying her presence in mainstream Bollywood. The search for the new female lead will also be closely watched, as it could introduce another fresh face or bring in a more established star. As discussions continue and casting decisions unfold, the industry waits with bated breath for official announcements that will confirm the path forward for this highly anticipated project.

FAQ: Your Quick Answers About the Film Is Sajid Khan officially confirmed as the director? Not officially. Reports indicate he is in advanced talks with Zee Studios, but he hasn't given his final confirmation yet. Who is Yashvardhan Ahuja? Yashvardhan Ahuja is the son of veteran Bollywood actor Govinda, and this film is expected to mark his acting debut in Hindi cinema. Will Krithi Shetty be starring in the film? No. Initial reports linked her to the project, but recent articles state that Krithi Shetty has reportedly opted out. What kind of movie is this going to be? It's reported to be a romantic comedy, and sources suggest it's a remake of a successful South Indian film. Sources

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• Filmfare (October 9, 2025)
• Bollywood Hungama (October 17, 2025)
• Bollywood Life (October 10, 2025)
• Times Now (October 9, 2025)
• BollywoodLife.com (October 9, 2025)
• M9 News (October 17, 2025)