Saale Aashiq
| Saale Aashiq | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Siddharth–Garima |
| Written by | Siddharth–Garima |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Nuthan Nagraj |
| Edited by | Devendra Murdeshwar |
Production company | Sony Pictures Films India |
| Distributed by | Sony MAX |
Release date |
|
Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Saale Aashiq is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language television film written and directed by the duo Siddharth–Garima.[1][2] Starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and Mithila Palkar, with Chunky Pandey and Darshan Jariwala in supporting roles, the film follows an inter-caste couple who confront violent social opposition rooted in honour-based practices.[3] It premiered directly on Sony MAX on 1 February 2025 after promotional material rolled out in January.[4]
Premise
Set in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, the film follows Shatru and Gudia, two young people from different castes who fall in love despite the weight of entrenched traditions and political pressures. Their relationship quickly attracts disapproval from both families and the wider community. As intimidation escalates into death threats, the couple must decide whether to risk everything for their right to choose each other, or give in to the demands of family honour.
Cast and characters
- Tahir Raj Bhasin as Shatru (Shatru Rewal)
- Mithila Palkar as Gudia (Gudia Kiwal)
- Chunky Pandey as Jagdish Bhajmodia
- Tanvi Azmi as Saroja Kiwal
- Darshan Jariwala as Raghubir Kiwal
- Vrajesh Hirjee as Subhash Kamat
- Neelima Azeem as Gendhi Rewal
- Rajesh Jais as Charanjit Rewal
- Zahid Khan as Gattu
- Vyom Sharma as Jigra
Production
The film is written and directed by the duo Siddharth Singh and Garima Wahal, with Sony Pictures Films India credited as production company. In interviews ahead of release, the filmmakers said the project had a decade-long development cycle centred on the subject of inter-caste romance and honour killings.[5]
Release
Although originally conceived for a theatrical rollout, the film did not secure a cinema or digital release.[6] It premiered directly on television through Sony MAX on 1 February 2025. Promotional posters and teasers were unveiled in January.[7]
Controversy
Saale Aashiq attracted attention even before its release. Siddharth–Garima disclosed that multiple streaming platforms declined to acquire the film, considering its subject matter "too controversial."[8] They further mentioned that some digital services were "more scared than the censor board" in taking on the story. With neither a theatrical run nor a streaming deal forthcoming, the makers opted for a satellite-first release strategy, which was seen as an unconventional step for a contemporary Hindi feature.[9]
References
- ^ AR, Reshmi (2025-02-27). "We avoid ego clashes and credit disputes: Sid-Garima". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ Parashar, Shivam (2021-02-10). "Kabir Singh, Ram Leela writers Siddharth and Garima to debut as directors with Saale Aashiq". India Today. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "In Saale Aashiq an inter-caste couple goes after the families". Mid-day. 2025-01-22. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Tahir Raj Bhasin & Mithila Palkar's Saale Aashiq Skips OTT, Pioneers a Bold Satellite-First Release". News18. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Tahir Raj Bhasin, Mithila Palkar's 'Saale Aashiq' Makers Claim OTT Platforms Felt Film Was 'Too Controversial' To Release: They're More Scared Than Censor Board". The Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Saale Aashiq:निर्देशक जोड़ी का खुलासा ओटीटी प्लेटफार्म ही नहीं सेंसर भी डर रहा है..जानिये क्यों ऐसा कहा". Prabhat Khabar (in Hindi). 2025-02-01. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "'Saale Aashiq' trailer: Tahir Raj Bhasin and Mithila Palkar to play lovers in new Sony MAX show". Telegraph India.
- ^ "Director duo Siddharth-Garima on the difficult path they have had to tread with the release of their 'controversial' film Saale Aashiq". t2online.in. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
- ^ "Tahir Raj Bhasin, Mithila Palkar's 'Saale Aashiq' Makers Claim OTT Platforms Felt Film Was 'Too Controversial' To Release: They're More Scared Than Censor Board". The Hollywood Reporter India. Retrieved 2025-08-27.