Actor Rohit Saraf, who will be taking the lead in the much-anticipated film Ishq Vishk Rebound, made it clear on Tuesday that the upcoming movie is neither a sequel nor a remake of the 2003 hit Ishq Vishk, which starred Shahid Kapoor. The original Ishq Vishk was a romantic comedy that marked Shahid Kapoor’s debut and quickly became a sleeper hit, praised by both critics and audiences. Directed by Ken Ghosh, the film also featured actresses Amrita Rao and Shenaz Treasurywala alongside Shahid. Particularly notable was the soundtrack, which contributed significantly to the movie’s popularity.
Directed by Marathi filmmaker Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari, Ishq Vishk Rebound aims to create its own unique space while being part of the same franchise as the original film. “It is not a remake or sequel of Ishq Vishk. The thing common between the two films is that they belong to the same franchise. But it’s a new story altogether, a love story about Gen Z,” Saraf explained during a promotional event. He went on to emphasize that it’s a rare opportunity for a young actor to headline such a project. “I don’t want to dilute that by putting pressure on myself. There are people around me talking about the pressure; now I feel I should start taking the pressure,” he added, reflecting on the heightened expectations surrounding the film.
The excitement around Ishq Vishk Rebound is palpable, especially with the new version of the title track having been released on Tuesday. This updated rendition features Saraf himself, along with Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan, and Naila Grewal. Saraf, who gained fame through Netflix’s romantic comedy series Mismatched and has appeared in movies such as Ludo, The Sky is Pink, and the Hindi adaptation of Vikram Vedha, shared his surreal experience of featuring in the new version of a song he grew up listening to.
. “It is a dream come true; it (title song) has a legacy. I’m still a fanboy over what Shahid did in the song and to be able to do that is sheer blessing,” he said.
Pashmina Roshan, a cousin of Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, also shared her sentiments about her involvement in the project. Proud of her family’s storied filmmaking legacy, she acknowledged the accompanying expectations. “The pride, the luck, their support and advice are what I have, but the pressure is to live up to their advice, to their (body of) work, and make a place for myself in the industry and in the hearts of the audience,” Pashmina stated.
The upcoming film also stars Jibraan Khan, who is best known for his work as a child artist in the iconic Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Naila Grewal of Mamla Legal Hai fame. It is produced by Ramesh Taurani, with Jaya Taurani serving as the co-producer, under the banner Tips Films Limited. The movie is slated for theatrical release on June 21.
Given the success of the original Ishq Vishk, its connection to an enduring Bollywood legacy, and the fresh take aimed at capturing the sentiments of Generation Z, Ishq Vishk Rebound is generating considerable interest. Bollywood enthusiasts are keen to see how this new narrative will distinguish itself while being part of a beloved franchise.
With a cast that mixes seasoned actors and promising new talents, coupled with a director like Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari, who has a strong background in Marathi cinema, the film is poised to make a significant impact. As the industry and fans alike gear up for the release, expectations are high but so are the hopes for this new venture, which promises to combine elements of nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.
Rohit Saraf’s remarks have stirred up anticipation and curiosity, ensuring that Ishq Vishk Rebound is one of the most awaited films of the year. With its release just around the corner, the excitement continues to build, setting the stage for what could be yet another hit in the history of Bollywood.
