Akash Kaushik is stepping into a new phase of his career with Udta Teer, his directorial debut, and the filmmaker has found an experienced creative partner in Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor. At the sidelines of the film’s trailer launch, Akash opened up about his experience working with Guneet, shared his thoughts on what kind of Indian film could connect with the Academy, and even teased fans about a possible update on Faltu 2.
Speaking about collaborating with Guneet, Akash had nothing but praise for the producer. He said, “She is amazing—and I’m not saying this just because she’s like a sister to me. I genuinely believe she is the most humble producer imaginable, despite having won an Oscar.” He further explained that Guneet gives filmmakers considerable creative freedom while still offering her perspective. “She gives directors so much freedom to express themselves. Of course, she shares her own perspective, but ultimately, she says, ‘You are the director; it’s your vision.’ Working with her was a dream; she is great,” he added.
Akash was also asked about the kind of film India should send as its official entry to the Oscars and what, in his view, could potentially connect with the Academy. The writer-director said he believes the selection process is based on established criteria and that deciding which film “deserves” to be sent can be subjective. Sharing his perspective, he said, “I think the government makes the right choice based on its criteria. Determining which film ‘deserves’ it is, of course, a very subjective matter. However, I believe the films our government selects are good ones.”
According to Akash, there is no single formula or genre that should determine India's Oscar entry. “I don't think there is a specific type of movie that is the only one that should be sent,” he said. Instead, he believes the focus should be on storytelling that feels distinctive while connecting with audiences at home. “In my opinion, the film that should be sent [as an entry] is one that tells a story in a unique way and resonates with our 1.5 billion Indians,” Akash added.
The filmmaker also found himself answering a question fans of his earlier work will be interested in. Akash had previously collaborated with Jackky Bhagnani on FALTU, and when asked about the much-discussed possibility of Faltu 2, he revealed an amusing coincidence. “You know, funnily enough, I actually received a call from Jackky Bhagnani just five minutes ago to congratulate me. So, perhaps when I speak to him next, I’ll ask what the plan is for Faltu 2,” he said, leaving fans with a playful hint rather than a confirmed update.
Meanwhile, Udta Teer is gearing up for its theatrical release on October 9, 2026. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, the espionage satire follows Bilal Ahmed, a Pakistani spy who suffers amnesia after an unexpected explosion and wakes up believing he is an Indian counter-terrorism officer. Written and directed by Akash Kaushik, the film is produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, with Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta and Achin Jain among the producers. The music is composed by Sachin-Jigar, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.