Kunal Kemmu has added a particularly personal achievement to his growing journey as a filmmaker. The actor-director recently opened up about directing veteran actress Sharmila Tagore in his upcoming action-comedy Vibe, revealing that working with his mother-in-law was a moment he will always cherish. Speaking at the film's trailer launch, Kunal described getting Sharmila on board for a special cameo as something of a gamble, but the result became one of the proudest moments of his filmmaking career.
Kunal revealed that approaching Sharmila Tagore for the role was initially "a shot in the dark". He explained that he simply asked whether she would consider playing a cameo in the film and then shared the movie's synopsis with her. Her response, however, turned the situation into a wonderfully memorable family moment. According to Kunal, Sharmila told him that the synopsis was essentially a trick question because she had already decided that she was going to do the film. Her willingness to come aboard added an extra layer of excitement to the project.
For Kunal, the experience became much more significant once the cameras started rolling. The filmmaker admitted that being able to call "action" and "cut" on a legend like Sharmila Tagore felt like a major box to tick in his career. Having begun his directorial journey with Madgaon Express in 2024, Kunal is clearly enjoying the opportunity to grow behind the camera, and directing an actor of Sharmila's stature has now become one of the highlights of that journey.
Vibe marks Kunal Kemmu's second feature as a director and takes him into a very different space from his debut. The upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film combines action, comedy and music, with Kunal and Sparsh Shrivastava playing two inseparable friends whose ordinary lives are suddenly turned upside down. When the pair find themselves caught up in a dangerous mission, their friendship and survival instincts are put to the ultimate test. The trailer promises a lively mix of humour, action and unpredictable situations.
The ensemble cast gives Vibe another major attraction. Alongside Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava, the film stars Preity G Zinta and newcomer Vanshika Dhir, while Yashpal Sharma and Dinesh Lal Yadav appear in pivotal roles. Sharmila Tagore's cameo adds further star power to an already diverse cast. The recently released trailer offers audiences a glimpse of the chaotic adventure awaiting the characters, while also suggesting that the friendship between the two leads will remain at the emotional centre of the story.
Produced by Kunal Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under the Drongo Films banner, Vibe is scheduled to hit theatres on September 18, 2026. With Kunal once again taking on the dual responsibility of actor and director, expectations are building around his follow-up to Madgaon Express. But beyond the action and comedy, the film already has a memorable behind-the-scenes story thanks to Sharmila Tagore's cameo. For Kunal, getting to direct his legendary mother-in-law is more than just another credit — it is a milestone that makes his filmmaking journey all the more special.