Ranveer Singh’s entry into production is already creating a buzz, even before his highly anticipated debut project Pralay begins filming. This post-apocalyptic
zombie thriller, helmed by Jai Mehta, is emerging as one of the most captivating Bollywood endeavors in recent memory. While the film promises an unprecedented universe and genre innovation, what’s currently drawing attention is Singh's personal involvement in selecting the female lead. Reports indicate that Kalyani Priyadarshan, who was initially hesitant about making her Hindi film debut with a zombie thriller, agreed to join the project only after direct persuasion from Dhurandhar star Ranveer. Continue reading to discover how he persuaded the Lokah Chapter One actress.
How Ranveer Singh persuaded Kalyani Priyadarshan
According to a report from mid-day, Singh played a pivotal role in securing Kalyani Priyadarshan as the female lead for Pralay, a zombie thriller directed by Jai Mehta. Kalyani, who recently gained significant attention for her superhero role in the Malayalam hit Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025), was reportedly reluctant to enter Bollywood at this stage of her career. Despite being the daughter of renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan, sources suggest she remains cautious about venturing into the Hindi film industry.
The portal cited a source stating, “Even though her father Priyadarshan is a prominent figure in Bollywood, Kalyani lacks extensive knowledge about the Hindi film scene. The actress, who is enjoying a career peak following Lokah’s success, was taking her time to evaluate whether she should transition to Hindi films and if Pralay would serve as the right launchpad."
However, it was Ranveer Singh who made it happen. As this is his own production, he personally reached out to her and persuaded her to join. Reportedly, Ranveer and Kalyani engaged in an extensive conversation. Following that, the actress realized that Ranveer and Jai were embarking on something innovative with the film and agreed to participate. According to the same report, Kalyani is currently in Mumbai to finalize the agreement and confirm her schedule.
More about Pralay
Pralay is conceptualized as a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller, featuring Ranveer Singh and his wife, portrayed by Kalyani, battling for survival in a disintegrating world. The film is co-produced by Sameer Nair and Hansal Mehta, which adds further legitimacy to the project.
Reports suggest that Pralay will depict the protagonist’s fight for survival, utilizing the zombie genre to delve into themes of social, emotional, and moral disintegration. Jai Mehta is expected to reimagine Mumbai in a Hunger Games-inspired setting, giving the film a dystopian flair. Filming is anticipated to commence in April.
