Starring Mrunal Thakur in the titular role alongside Huma Qureshi, Vikram Singh Chauhan, and Vijay Raaz, the courtroom mystery is set to premiere directly on ZEE5 on Friday, October 2, 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti). Ahead of its digital arrival, the film cleared the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an 'A' (Adults Only) certificate and an official runtime of 117 minutes (1 hour, 57 minutes), marking only the second adult-certified film in Mrunal Thakur’s career after her debut in Love Sonia (2018).
The Core Plot: When Rejection Turns Fatal
Directed by Navjot Gulati (Ginny Weds Sunny, Jai Mummy Di) with co-director Vipasha Arvind, Pooja Meri Jaan explores the dark psychology of toxic entitlement and stalking:
The Setup: The plot centers on Pooja (Mrunal Thakur), a young woman who becomes the target of an obsessive, relentless suitor named Aniket (Vikram Singh Chauhan). When she firmly rejects his advances, the dynamic spirals into tragedy leading to his death.
The Backlash & Accusation: Instead of empathy, Pooja finds herself villainized by society and law enforcement, accused of driving him to his demise.
The Legal Stand: Huma Qureshi plays Sana, a defense attorney and mutual friend who is caught between personal grief over Aniket’s passing and the ethical responsibility of defending Pooja from a media witch-hunt and courtroom conviction.
The Societal Examination: The narrative investigates how patriarchal conditioning often leaves men incapable of accepting romantic rejection, transforming unreciprocated desire into dangerous entitlement.
Inside the Four-Year Delay: The Maddock Dispute
Completed in July 2022, the film’s four-year shelf life became the subject of public debate earlier this year:
The Streaming Deadlock: Originally conceived for a direct-to-digital premiere, shifting OTT licensing valuations in late 2022 left the project without an immediate release partner.
Director’s Public Outburst: In early 2026, director Navjot Gulati publicly expressed frustration over the hold-up, stating that producers were holding out for higher valuation multiples rather than releasing the film or taking it to theatres.
Resolution with ZEE5: In July 2026, ZEE5 acquired exclusive streaming rights, officially slotting it as a marquee holiday release for October 2.
Mrunal Thakur's Packed 2026 Slate
The premiere of Pooja Meri Jaan caps an exceptionally active year for Mrunal Thakur, who has balanced big-ticket commercial romances and high-concept thrillers:
Reunited with Maddock Films after the success of Luka Chuppi and their upcoming theatrical partnerships.
Extends her 2026 resume alongside Do Deewane Seher Mein, the actioner Dacoit, and David Dhawan's Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.
Shows a distinct departure from her softer romantic turns in Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna, leaning into a raw, intense performance that earned the project an adult rating.
Trade & Streaming Verdict:
Direct-to-digital thrillers centered on social discourse—much like Maddock Films’ A Thursday—have traditionally generated high engagement on Indian OTT platforms. By coupling an atmospheric psychological mystery with sharp questions on male ego and public complicity, Pooja Meri Jaan looks positioned to turn its four-year production delay into a focused, conversation-driving Gandhi Jayanti streaming event.
