VIBE
Kunal Kemmu’s second directorial swing pairs a slacker-spy comedy with Preity Zinta’s long-awaited return to the big screen.
The Article
What the film is, who’s in it, and how it came together
Kunal Kemmu returns to the director’s chair for the first time since his well-received 2024 debut, Madgaon Express, and this time he’s also producing and starring in the film himself, backed by Drongo Films, the banner he launched with Chirag Nihalani.
The film brings Kemmu together on screen with Preity Zinta for the first time, and it’s a significant one for her too — Vibe marks a major comeback for the actress after a hiatus of over eight years. Rounding out the cast are Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir, with Dinesh Lal Yadav (“Nirahua”), Yashpal Sharma, and Sharmila Tagore also appearing.
The story
Two inseparable friends whose ordinary, unassuming lives spiral into an unpredictable, high-energy adventure that pushes their survival instincts and friendship to the limit. A clueless slacker and his by-the-book best friend find the fate of the nation in their hands after accidentally stumbling into a terrorist plot. Kemmu plays Hardik, essentially an extension of the stoner persona he’s played since Go Goa Gone, while Sparsh Shrivastava plays his best friend Bagirath — nicknamed “Bugs” — a software engineer who idolizes him. Zinta plays a spy tasked with training the two unlikely recruits for a national security mission.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the film released theatrically on September 18, 2026, going up against Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra the same week. Read the full Hollywood Reporter India review for more on the film’s tone and themes.
Audience Review
What people are actually saying after watching it
Reception has leaned strongly positive on the humour front, even if not every joke lands for every viewer. The film drew strong praise on social media for its comedy, performances, and nostalgic flavour, with viewers calling Kemmu “in top form” and applauding his chemistry with Sparsh Shrivastava.
One viewer said Kemmu is in top form, adding that not every gag lands but his commitment to the absurdity makes it fun to watch.
Another called it the most entertaining film they’d seen in recent times, noting the whole theatre was laughing — something they said has become rare.
A third praised the screenplay as extraordinary and singled out Kemmu’s dual work as director and lead actor.
One more balanced take found the Kemmu–Shrivastava pairing insanely funny, though it flagged a few dialogues as cringeworthy.
Critics agree, with caveats
Hollywood Reporter India’s review argued the film works wonders when it’s funny, which makes you forgive its tonal indulgences — framing it as a rare Hindi spy comedy willing to be irreverent about a normally hyper-serious subject. The full wave of fan reactions is rounded up in Esquire India’s Twitter review roundup.
