After months in the spotlight for reasons beyond cinema, composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal has shifted his focus back to work. The director is set to begin a new, yet-untitled thriller with Shreyas Talpade in the lead, and the latest update confirms that Daisy Shah has been cast as the film's female lead.
The announcement was shared by trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who revealed that the project will go on floors soon. Set in Mumbai, the thriller is expected to revolve around an everyman character, with Talpade reportedly playing a common man caught in extraordinary circumstances.
While the makers are keeping the plot and supporting cast under wraps for now, the film marks Palash's return to direction after a turbulent period in his personal life.
DAISY SHAH JOINS SHREYAS TALPADE IN PALASH MUCHHAL'S NEXT FILM... On the auspicious occasion of #MahaShivratri, director #PalaashMuchhal has signed #DaisyShah as the female lead opposite #ShreyasTalpade for his upcoming, as-yet-untitled thriller.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 15, 2026
Set against the backdrop of… pic.twitter.com/fWWNYJoucI
The development comes weeks after his much-talked-about wedding with Indian women's cricketer Smriti Mandhana was called off. The couple had been scheduled to marry on Nov. 23, 2025, in Sangli, Maharashtra, but the ceremony was halted following a medical emergency in Mandhana's family.
On the same day, Palash was also hospitalised due to viral symptoms and acidity-related complications. The wedding was officially called off on Dec. 7.
Speaking earlier about the difficult phase, Palash had said that both families had been through an emotionally challenging time and that he wanted to focus on staying positive. Since then, he has largely kept a low public profile, making only a few appearances, including a visit to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan.
The period also saw controversy after a person claiming to be Mandhana's childhood friend levelled serious allegations against the filmmaker in a media interaction. Palash did not publicly engage with the claims and instead chose to remain away from the limelight.
His upcoming film now signals a clear professional reset. As for Daisy Shah, the project offers a prominent return to the big screen in a performance-driven role, while for Talpade it adds another character-driven film to his line-up.
Meanwhile, Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League 2026 title.
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