Actor-producer Alia Bhatt has unveiled her next project, Don't Be Shy, a coming-of-age romantic comedy that is set to stream on Prime Video. The announcement, made at the platform's 2026 slate event, It Starts Here, has already sparked excitement, especially with the promise of launching new talent.
Taking to Instagram, Alia shared the film's first look poster and wrote, “This is just the beginning.. DON'T BE SHY (a story you grow up with) Coming this October.”
The film is being produced by Alia along with her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, under their banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions. Speaking at the event, the actor opened up about their vision as producers and the kind of stories they want to support.
“Ours is a small, passionate and new production company. Shaheen and I decided that we would like to give sunshine to films in the same way that films have given it to us.
‘Don't Be Shy' is a film that we cannot wait for audiences to see. At Eternal Sunshine, we have always wanted to back stories that feel honest and voices that feel unique,” Alia said.
Directed by debutant Sreeti Mukerji, the film revolves around Shyamili ‘Shy' Das, a 20-year-old who believes she has her life perfectly planned. However, things take an unexpected turn, sending her world into a spiral and forcing her to confront change and uncertainty. Mukerji has previously worked as an assistant director on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva. The dialogues and additional screenplay are written by Sehaj Kaur Maini.
During a light-hearted moment at the event, host Karan Johar teased Alia Bhatt about her casting choices, joking that she already seemed like a seasoned producer. Alia responded by hinting at her approach to introducing new talent and confirmed that the film will feature fresh faces, saying, “They are outsiders.” Karan reacted warmly to the decision, adding, “I'm so proud of you.”
Co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani under Chalkboard Entertainment, Don't Be Shy promises a youthful narrative centred on friendship, identity and self-discovery. While the cast is yet to be announced, the film is expected to release in October 2026.
Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt will next be seen in Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, balancing a busy slate as both actor and producer.
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