‘Raid’ Franchise Director Raj Kumar Gupta to Helm Tentpole Film for India’s Junglee Pictures (EXCLUSIVE)

India’s Junglee Pictures has tapped filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta to helm a tentpole theatrical feature, bringing together the studio behind “Badhaai Ho” and “Raazi” with the director of the “Raid” franchise.

Gupta, whose credits include “Raid,” “Raid 2,” “No One Killed Jessica” and “Aamir,” has established himself as a filmmaker specializing in reality-based narratives with commercial appeal. His most recent film, “Raid 2,” ranks among the top 10 highest-grossing Bollywood theatrical releases of 2025.

The collaboration pairs Gupta’s grounded storytelling approach with Junglee Pictures’ track record of championing content-driven cinema across multiple genres. The studio launched with “Dil Dhadakne Do” before producing hits including “Badhaai Ho,” “Raazi,” “Talvar,” “Badhaai Do” and “Bareilly Ki Barfi.” Its 2025 slate included “Haq” and Malayalam-language film “Ronth,” both receiving acclaim during their theatrical and streaming releases.

The untitled project has completed its scripting phase, with casting scheduled to begin soon. The film is described as delivering an intense narrative consistent with Gupta’s directorial signature.

“Junglee Pictures has always focused on backing distinctive, relatable stories with lasting cultural value,” said Vineet Jain, MD of The Times Group, which is Junglee’s parent outfit. “This collaboration with Raj reflects the studio’s intent to join forces with filmmakers who strengthen its slate through purposeful, impact-driven cinema, bringing quality storytelling with relevance, scale, and audience connection. This film will also be a true tentpole for Junglee – bold and impactful, rooted in realism.”

“I’ve always been drawn to narratives grounded in reality that also have the ability to connect with audiences on a larger canvas,” Gupta added. “This film is conceived as a hard-hitting, immersive, engaging and entertaining theatrical experience. Junglee Pictures has a strong legacy of backing thoughtful, content-led cinema, making this collaboration feel like a natural alignment.”

Producing partner Myra Karn added: “Junglee Pictures brings together heart, vision, and fearless storytelling. Junglee’s bold innovative approach meets Raj Kumar Gupta’s unflinching storytelling, crafting stories that questions the status quo. This collaboration is special and I am honored to be part of this dream team.”

Additional story details remain undisclosed.