Divyenndu on Saali Mohabbat: 'Have again tried to experiment with narrative and character' | Exclusive

Divyenndu spoke in an exclusive interview with OTTplay ahead of his upcoming ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) film, Saali Mohabbat, set for release on December 12. The actor, who takes on another grey-shaded role in the project, shared his feelings about the release and the unusual difficulty of promoting a project shot long ago.

Excitement and anxiety over diverse roles

The actor expressed a combination of excitement and nervousness for the film's release, noting his continuous effort to take on diverse roles.

Divyenndu stated, "I’m feeling really happy. The past couple of years have been so exciting—doing different kinds of stuff, being part of different stories and characters, and people receiving them so nicely. That’s a cherry on top. Saali Mohabbat is one such project where I have again tried to experiment with the narrative and the character. I'm really, really excited and anxious to see how people will like this one."

ALSO READ: Saali Mohabbat OTT release date, what to expect, trailer, cast, and more about Tisca Chopra's directorial debut murder-mystery movie

Advantages of working with actor-director

Divyenndu also highlighted the practical benefits of working under a director who is also a performer, like Tisca Chopra in Saali Mohabbat, emphasising the ease of communication. He was previously directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu for Madgaon Express.

The actor went on to say, "A lot of things become much easier, and you don't have to explain everything in detail. The other person, when they are an actor-director, knows that if they are pointing out something, this can be done; aise-aise karke ho jayega (it will be done in this manner). You don't really always have to talk stuff at great length. Very unsaid things are there, which just by, just isharon-isharon mein (in gestures), that talk happens and you move on.”

He added that it becomes “very interesting for a person like me to see the other actor, how they conceive direction, and what their perspective is."

Challenge of promoting a past project

When asked about the difficulty of promoting a film shot a year or more prior, Divyenndu admitted it was a challenging but intriguing exercise in hindsight. He shared, "It's definitely not easy at all that a project you shot like last year or a year and a half back, maybe, to relive, to recollect everything you did for the character – film mein kya kya hua tha (what all happened in the film) with your co-actors. It's absolutely not easy.”

However, he noted, “But at the same time, it might give you a sense of objectivity, where you can look back and see the whole process now and relive the whole process, and it's very interesting to see. It becomes a very different sort of exercise where it almost feels like, although for the people it's going to be a new experience, for you it's like looking back into it; it's almost like a retrospective. So, it's the past and the future coming together."

Cast of Saali Mohabbat

Saali Mohabbat also stars Radhika Apte in the lead role, alongside Anurag Kashyap.

Saali Mohabbat FAQs:

Q: What is Divyenndu's upcoming film, Saali Mohabbat, about?

A: Saali Mohabbat is a ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) original film, described as a crime/mystery thriller. It revolves around a housewife, Smita (played by Radhika Apte), whose seemingly quiet life is shattered by a shocking double murder, pulling her into a spiral of suspicion and secrets. Divyenndu plays the role of Ratan Pandit, a grey-shaded character, who is a cop investigating the case.

Q: When and where will Saali Mohabbat be released?

A: Saali Mohabbat is scheduled for a direct-to-digital release on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) on December 12, 2025.

Q: Who is the director and main cast of Saali Mohabbat?

A: The film marks the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Tisca Chopra, who also co-wrote the script. The main cast includes Radhika Apte and Divyenndu in the lead roles, alongside Anurag Kashyap, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Sauraseni Maitra.