‘Peepli Live’ Director Anusha Rizvi Returns With Family Comedy ‘The Great Shamsuddin Family’ for JioHotstar (EXCLUSIVE)

Indian filmmaker Anusha Rizvi, director of the acclaimed “Peepli Live,” is returning to feature filmmaking with “The Great Shamsuddin Family,” a comedy-drama that examines modern Indian family dynamics.

The film stars Kritika Kamra as Bani Ahmed, a writer racing against a career-defining 12-hour deadline when her home becomes ground zero for a family crisis. The ensemble cast includes Purab Kohli, Farida Jalal, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Juhi Babbar, Sheeba Chaddha, Dolly Ahluwalia, Natasha Rastogi and Nishank Verma.

Set over one day in Delhi, the narrative follows Bani as mothers, aunts, cousins and former romantic interests descend on her apartment, each bringing their own emergencies. As the protagonist navigates interfaith complexities, generational conflicts and family expectations, she faces a choice between pursuing international career opportunities or remaining with her family.

“At its core, the film isn’t just about interruptions; it’s about how family even at its most exasperating shapes us in ways we can’t escape,” Rizvi said. “Through Bani’s day of glorious madness, I hope audiences recognize glimpses of their own mothers, aunts, siblings, and that one relative who always shows up at the wrong moment but with the right heart.”

Kamra described her character as the quintessential eldest daughter in a middle-income family who prioritizes others’ needs over her own ambitions. “She’s quietly dependable, endlessly responsible, and always putting herself last, even when all she wants is a single day to focus on her own future,” the actor said.

For Dhanwanthary, the project marked a departure from recent roles. “This is my first time doing comedy after a run of serious, heavy-handed dramatic roles,” she said, noting she plays the impulsive younger sister who turns to her sibling during crises.

Chaddha emphasized the film’s single-location setting. “Everything, the humor, the conflicts, the emotions unfolds under one roof, creating a world that’s both intimate and wildly entertaining,” she said.

Kohli called the production a mirror reflecting typical Indian family dynamics. “That’s exactly what makes it so relatable and so warm,” he said.

“The Great Shamsuddin Family” premieres Dec. 12 on JioHotstar, India’s largest streamer.