Mahesh Bhatt Presents ‘Naam – To Live Is War’: Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma to Star in Action-Thriller

A brand new dark action-thriller is gearing up to make waves in Bollywood. Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is returning to the spotlight as the presenter and creative mentor for the…

June 17, 2026
5 min read

A brand new dark action-thriller is gearing up to make waves in Bollywood. Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is returning to the spotlight as the presenter and creative mentor for the upcoming movie, Naam – To Live Is War. The film promises a gripping blend of high-octane action, intense character conflicts, and emotional drama, officially introducing Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma as its leading men.

With a fresh lead pairing and an entirely original storyline, this announcement has successfully sparked immense curiosity among movie lovers and industry insiders alike.

A Fresh Face-Off: Veer Pahariya vs. Varun Sharma

The casting of the film has undoubtedly been one of its biggest talking points. Veer Pahariya will headline the film as the protagonist, stepping into a rugged and intense action-driven avatar. According to the makers, Veer Pahariya will portray an “angry young man” with complex grey shades. The role is expected to explore the darker aspects of human morality, giving audiences a chance to see the young actor in a powerful, emotionally charged performance.

Pitted against him is Varun Sharma, taking on a role that marks a massive departure from his familiar on-screen image. Best known for his impeccable comic timing and light-hearted portrayals in blockbuster comedies, Varun Sharma will be stepping into the shoes of a fierce, menacing antagonist. This shocking transformation is generating major hype, as audiences are eager to see the actor shed his comedic persona for a ruthless villainous turn. The face-off between Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma is being touted as the driving force of the film’s narrative.

Not a Remake: An Original Story Under Bhatt’s Vision

The project initially generated significant buzz due to its title, which clearly draws inspiration from Mahesh Bhatt’s iconic 1986 blockbuster Naam, starring Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav. However, the production team was quick to clarify that Naam – To Live Is War is not a remake of the classic film.

Instead, it features a completely original script written by Sidhaant Sachdev, Suhrita Das, and Shweta Bothra. The screenplay was developed under the direct creative supervision of Mahesh Bhatt. While the core plot details remain tightly under wraps, it has been confirmed that the movie will feature an underlying love story alongside its dark, action-heavy themes. The female lead for the film has not yet been announced, keeping the anticipation alive.

Behind the Scenes: The Cast and Crew

Naam – To Live Is War is directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, who previously worked as an assistant director on successful Bhatt-camp projects like Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, and Hamari Adhuri Kahani. The movie is backed by first-time producers Riddhi Chawda and Utsav Upadhyay under their banner Utsav Entertainment and Productions, with Alphaneon Studioz joining as the official studio partner.

Key Film Details at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Film TitleNaam – To Live Is War
Presenter / MentorMahesh Bhatt
DirectorSidhaant Sachdev
ProtagonistVeer Pahariya
AntagonistVarun Sharma
WritersSidhaant Sachdev, Suhrita Das, Shweta Bothra
ProducersRiddhi Chawda, Utsav Upadhyay
Production BannersUtsav Entertainment and Productions, Alphaneon Studioz
GenreDark Action-Thriller

Mahesh Bhatt’s Vision for the Youth

Speaking about the upcoming project, Mahesh Bhatt shared his enthusiasm for the young talents driving the film. Addressing the fresh pairing of Veer Pahariya and Varun Sharma, Bhatt stated, “They are far more cinematically literate than we were. They have the thirst and urgency to create a place for themselves under the sun. If their collective drive can be used and funnelled down, then they will have a unique film in their hands.”

Bhatt also praised the courage of the new producers, noting that the film business demands resilience. “This field is about attitude more than aptitude. What will make their narrative different is their courage to be themselves. They should have audacity and follow their heart,” he remarked.

Offering advice to director Sidhaant Sachdev, Bhatt emphasized the importance of staying fiercely committed to the vision while working smartly within the sanctioned budget.

Veer Pahariya

As pre-production ramps up and shooting schedules are finalized, fans are eager to see how this ambitious action-thriller translates to the big screen. With Veer Pahariya ready to prove his mettle as an action star and Varun Sharma ready to shock audiences with his dark side, Naam – To Live Is War is definitely a film to watch out for.

Read More: ‘Aryabhatt Ka Zero’ Poster Out Now: Release Date Finalized for the Inspiring New Drama

FAQs

Who are the lead actors in Naam – To Live Is War?

The dark action-thriller stars Veer Pahariya as the protagonist and Varun Sharma as the primary antagonist. The female lead is yet to be announced.

Is this movie a remake of Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 film Naam?

No, the makers have confirmed that the film is an entirely original story. While the title is inspired by the 1986 classic, the plot and characters are completely fresh.

What role does Varun Sharma play in the film?

Moving away from his widely loved comic roles, Varun Sharma will be portraying a fierce and menacing villain in the movie.

Who is directing Naam – To Live Is War?

The film is being directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Suhrita Das and Shweta Bothra.

What is Mahesh Bhatt’s role in the movie?

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has boarded the project as the official presenter and creative supervisor, offering his guidance and mentorship to the cast and crew.

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