Other than the story, perhaps the one thing that catches everyone's attention when a film is announced is the star couple that will feature in the project. And while we have seen a fair share of big stars team up, there is a slew of forthcoming films where the casting team has pulled off some rather unorthodox - and undeniably exciting - pairings. A case in point would be when Kangna Ranaut was cast opposite Vir Das in 'Revolver Rani'. We take a look at other such onscreen couples that one can expect to see in the coming months...
Vidya Balan and Ali Fazal
Film: 'Bobby Jasoos'
Director: Samar Shaikh
Lowdown: While she commands attention for her women-centric films, he is seen as an upcoming actor. Besides, throughout her acting career, Vidya has been usually paired opposite reasonably big names. Fazal's last major film appearance was in 'Fukrey' (2013).
Irrfan and Deepika Padukone
Film: 'Piku'
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Lowdown: This has to be interesting! Irrfan, given his plethora of clinical performances, is used to accolades while Deepika has a splendid BO track record. Overlooking the 19 years that separate them, their onscreen chemistry is worth a wait.
Sonam Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao
Film: 'Dolly Ki Doli'
Director: Abhishek Dogra
Lowdown: Sonam must be used to odd pairings now - be it Abhay Deol, Dhanush or Farhan Akhtar. She'll be seen next with National Award-winning Rajkummar Rao, who - after portraying a series of intense characters - will finally get a chance to showcase his funny side in this comedy-drama. The two haven't worked together before. Given that he is shorter than her, it will be interesting to see how they look together.
Shahid Kapoor and Tabu
Film: 'Haider'
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lowdown: Even though Tabu is rumoured to be playing Shahid's stepmother in this adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, rumours doing the rounds point to a possible romantic angle between their characters. If that is so, the sparks between the boy-faced actor and the forever-serious actress would surely grab our attention.
Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar
Film: 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha'
Director: Sharat Katariya
Lowdown: So far, a lean Ayushmann has starred opposite lithe actresses. His next venture pitches him opposite a plump Bhumi. She was apparently chosen because the script demanded an `unconventional` heroine. Unconventional indeed.
Anushka Sharma and Neil Bhoopalam
Film: 'NH10'
Director: Navdeep Singh
Lowdown: In her first home production, that is touted to be a road adventure, Anushka has signed on Neil Bhoopalam (best known for the TV series '24'). Let's hope the difference in the star quotients between the two doesn't affect the pairing.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Singh
Film: Untitled
Director: Kushan Nandy
Lowdown: Nawaz might earn undisputed acclaim for his work but he seldom gets to act alongside arm candies, but this time, he'll be paired opposite Chitrangada in a comedy thriller. Interestingly enough, she is best remembered for her non-glitzy part in 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi' (2003).
Blast from the past
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bipasha Basu in 'Aatma' (2013)
Randeep Hooda and Ali Bhatt in 'Highway' (2014)
Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapoor in 'Dil Bole Hadippa!' (2009)
Boman Irani and Farah Khan in 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi' (2012)
Ranbir Kapoor and Konkana Sen Sharma in 'Wake Up Sid' (2009)
