Veer Pahariya to Star in Dark Action Thriller Naam - To Live Is War Presented by Mahesh Bhatt

Veer Pahariya has officially announced his next film, Naam – To Live Is War, a dark action thriller that will see the debutant actor take on a rugged, intense role. The project is being presented by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and is produced by Utsav Entertainment and Productions, with the film’s sets located at Alphaneon Studioz.

The film, directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, is described as a blend of high‑octane action and strong emotional drama. According to reports, the story will feature a love subplot alongside the main conflict, but the full plot remains under wraps. The tagline, “NAAM To Live is War,” signals a hard‑battled narrative that is expected to be one of the most anticipated projects in Pahariya’s growing filmography.

Pahariya’s debut, Sky Force (2025), was a war drama that starred Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan. The film was released on 24 January 2025 and received generally positive reviews. Naam will be his third feature, and the actor is set to portray the protagonist in a role that demands a gritty, action‑heavy performance.

Adding to the buzz, comedian‑turned‑actor Varun Sharma will make his first negative appearance in the film. Sharma, best known for his comic timing as “Choocha” in the Fukrey series, has expressed interest in darker roles in the past. His shift into an antagonist role is expected to create a compelling face‑off with Pahariya, a highlight that industry insiders say will draw significant attention.

Mahesh Bhatt, who has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema since the 1980s, has taken on the role of presenter for the project. In interviews, Bhatt has emphasized the resilience required for a project of this nature and has praised the collective drive of the cast and crew. He has also stated that the film is not a remake, underscoring its original storyline.

The production team has not yet announced a release date. However, the announcement itself has sparked curiosity among fans and film‑watchers, who are eager to see how the action sequences will be choreographed and how the emotional beats will be handled.

Naam – To Live Is War is expected to be a dark action thriller that balances intense fight scenes with a narrative that explores the emotional stakes of its characters. The inclusion of a love story is intended to add depth to the protagonist’s journey.

The film’s production houses, Utsav Entertainment and Productions, have previously worked on projects that blend genre elements. The studio, Alphaneon Studioz, is known for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities, which should support the film’s high‑production‑value requirements.

With Mahesh Bhatt’s backing, Varun Sharma’s first negative role, and Veer Pahariya’s growing reputation, Naam – To Live Is War is poised to become a notable entry in the 2026 Bollywood slate. While details about the storyline and release schedule remain scarce, the announcement has already positioned the film as a potential highlight for audiences looking for a fresh take on the action‑drama genre.

As the film moves into production, industry observers will be watching to see how the collaboration between the veteran filmmaker, the emerging actor, and the comedic actor turned antagonist unfolds. The final product is expected to showcase a blend of action, drama, and romance, offering a new dimension to Veer Pahariya’s career and a fresh narrative for Indian cinema.

The project’s official status as a non‑remake, its dark thematic tone, and the involvement of Mahesh Bhatt as presenter are key points that underline the film’s ambition. With no release date yet, the industry and fans alike will be awaiting further updates on the film’s progress and eventual premiere.