Kunal Kemmu is back with another comedy with his own sharp and self-aware humour. The teaser for his next film “Vibe” (2026) is out and from the glimpses we can see that it will be a kind of spy movie, with Bollywood references and funny jokes and all kinds of silliness. The comedy will be released in theatres on September 18, 2026 with Kunal Kemmu, Sparsh Shrivastava and Preity Zinta.
The film is from the makers of Madgaon Express, the comedy that won so much recognition for such chaotic situations, memorable characters and witty writing. With Kunal Kemmu as writer, director and producer again in charge and writing, expectations are high. The Vibe teaser suggests that the filmmaker is going with the same irreverent comic sensibility but putting his characters in a totally different world.
The teaser opens with the familiar language of a serious patriotic spy thriller. “When the nation is under threat, heroes stand up from within,” the Indian delegates are told in the midst of what is said to be an incisive attack. But the seriousness quickly fades when the film shows up that its supposed heroes aren’t the ones in the shadows.
The teaser provides a hilarious scenario: Some heroes are born, some are trained, and some are just kidnapped. That premise is the central source of the comic conflict of 'Vibe' where two ordinary and apparently ill-equipped men suddenly become involved in a mission that is meant to protect the nation’s security.
Kunal Kemmu plays Hardik and Sparsh Shrivastava his best friend. They don’t seem like highly skilled intelligence officers, the two appear to be totally unprepared for the responsibility that comes to their hands. Their dynamic seems to be the backbone of the comedy as the characters try to navigate an environment clearly at odds with their own skills.
One of the best parts of the teaser is its playful take on Bollywood’s larger-than-life spy universe. When Preity Zinta tells the men that the country needs them, Hardik replies by saying the authorities should send agents like Pathaan and Tiger instead. The joke works because the characters themselves seem fully aware of how ridiculous their situation is.
The teaser takes another hilarious swipe at Bollywood action heroes when Preity tells Hardik to become tougher and essentially act like a soldier. His response, “Bobby Deol hoon kya?” instantly makes this moment another pop-culture reference. This line is meant to be a cheeky reference to Bobby Deol's iconic association with the action film "Soldier", adding another layer of meta humour to the teaser.
These references have already got the attention of viewers online. Kunal Kemmu’s comic timing and writing and directing skills have been praised, too. And a lot of people have observed that the actor-filmmaker seems to be repeating the style that made Madgaon Express so fun to watch. He’s also called a “meta king” for the way he incorporates Bollywood tropes and references into his storytelling.
The casting also adds to the intrigue of Vibe. Sparsh Shrivastava, who appeared in Laapataa Ladies and became famous from it, will be playing in the film with Kemmu to the other half of the unlikely duo with him. Preity Zinta also makes a major contribution to the film as Preity Zinta. Her part will make it very interesting to see her return to Hindi films as she has recently appeared in Batwara 1947.
The supporting cast features Vashika Dhir, Dinesh Lal Yadav, Yashpal Sharma and Salem Guermat, among others. The teaser doesn’t divulge all of the details of the story but its central premises are crystal clear. A confused slacker and his by-the-book best friend must be on the verge of being responsible for protecting the country when they encounter a terrorist conspiracy.
That setup gives "Vibe" plenty of situational comedy. Rather than presenting polished spies who effortlessly save the day, the film appears to put ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances and allow the humour to emerge from their inability to handle them.
"Vibe" could be another significant step for Kunal Kemmu behind the camera. After the success of Madgaon Express, expectations are high for his second directorial effort and it is natural that there will be high expectations for him in his second attempt. The teaser also indicates that he is again relying on character-based comedy, hilarious punch lines and references to Bollywood audience.
"Vibe" might be a refreshing take on the action comedy genre with spy-thriller tropes, patriotic drama and deliberately chaotic humour. The teaser has already stirred up some interest among the viewers who liked Kemmu’s last directorial effort.
"Vibe" will be released on September 18, 2026. If the full movie retains the energy and comic timing in the teaser, Kunal Kemmu’s latest project may well be one of the most entertaining Bollywood comedies of the year.
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