After Border 2 success, Ahan Shetty sets intense action-romance with Shaad Ali; details inside

With the signing of three major projects, Ahan Shetty has confirmed his comeback to the spotlight following the spectacular success of the war epic Border 2. Shaad Ali, the director of Saathiya (2002), spearheads the new roster. Shetty will be making a triumphant return to the genre that catapulted him to stardom with his upcoming film, which is supposedly an intense action love story.

How did Border 2 revitalise Ahan Shetty’s career after a four-year hiatus?

After taking a break of almost four years after making his debut in Tadap in 2021, Shetty's career has experienced a remarkable revival. The highest-grossing Indian war film to date, Border 2 (released on January 23, 2026), has already surpassed the ₹375 crore mark globally. This triumph represents a major turning point for Shetty, who plays Lt Cdr Mahendra Singh Rawat in the film, following years of contractual duties and a self-admitted decline in self-assurance.

While speaking with Mid Day about his forthcoming projects, Shetty said that he is now in the pre-production stages of his collaboration with Ali. "It’s an intense action love story, something I’m returning to after Tadap [2021]. I like such intense characters and the depth they carry," he shared.

ALSO READ: Border 2 star Ahan Shetty recalls tough time after Tadap, shares why he waited for 4 years to sign another film

When will production begin for this untitled action-romance?

The work on the untitled film is progressing at a rapid pace. Ali, who has successfully juggled commercial successes with complex love dramas, plans to start production in the summer. Production is set to begin in March or April. Currently, though, they are flexible with dates. Shetty disclosed that they are now sitting on the script and music. 

The actor expressed his admiration for Ali's directing style and mentioned that they immediately clicked. He added, "Shaad sir knows exactly what he wants. I’m excited to work with him because we understand each other. I think he’ll get a great performance out of me. I believe in completely surrendering to my director."

What other upcoming films are in Ahan Shetty’s diverse pipeline?

In addition to working with Ali, Shetty is branching out into other types of films. He will next be seen in the action-thriller Sanki, in which he portrays ACP Veerendra "Veer" Saigal. Untitled horror project which is Patrick Graham's venture into the fantastical. Collaborations with filmmakers Birsa and Ribhu Dasgupta are in the works for upcoming action dramas.

Border 2 is still having a dominating run in cinemas, having eclipsed the lifetime collections of giant hits like Fighter and Uri: The Surgical Strike when the announcement has been made. Shetty has been able to ensure a consistent flow of future releases thanks to the film, which has reportedly earned ₹275 crore domestically as of February 2, 2026.

Is Ahan Shetty strategically leaning into his "intense" persona?

Some in the industry believe that Shetty is trying to cash in on his rising star power among younger demographics by collaborating with a filmmaker of Ali's ability in a romantic action film, all the while clinging to the "intense" image he created in his debut.

Ahan Shetty FAQs:

Q: What is Ahan Shetty’s role in Border 2?

A: Ahan Shetty portrays Lt Cdr Mahendra Singh Rawat in the war epic. His character is an Indian Navy officer from the 14th Frigate Squadron, a role reportedly inspired by the real-life bravery of Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, MVC.

Q: How much has Border 2 collected at the box office?

A: As of February 2, 2026, Border 2 has become a massive commercial success, crossing the ₹375 crore mark worldwide. In India, the film has recorded a domestic net collection of approximately ₹275 crore, surpassing the lifetime earnings of other major war films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Fighter.

Q: Who is directing Ahan Shetty’s next film?

A: Ahan Shetty is set to collaborate with director Shaad Ali, known for the 2002 romantic hit Saathiya. The upcoming project is described as an intense action love story and is expected to begin filming around March or April 2026.