In the shifting landscape of modern Indian cinema, few transitions have been as compelling to watch as Kunal Kemmu’s pivot from a beloved character actor to a formidable force behind the camera. Following the runaway success of his directorial debut, Madgaon Express, Kemmu is doubling down on his newfound momentum. His upcoming project, VIBE, isn’t just another feather in his cap; it’s a high-stakes evolution that marks his debut as a producer and features one of the most anticipated casting choices of the year: the legendary Sharmila Tagore.
The project, which is already generating buzz for its eclectic ensemble, represents a personal milestone for Kemmu. However, as any filmmaker who has navigated the complexities of casting family members will attest, the process is fraught with a unique kind of professional tension—one that Kemmu admits was initially overwhelming.
The Intimidation Factor: Approaching a Legend
There is a profound difference between directing a contemporary and directing a titan of Indian cinema—especially when that titan happens to be your mother-in-law. When asked about the process of bringing Sharmila Tagore back to the Hindi big screen, Kemmu is candid about the nerves that preceded the pitch.
“I was intimidated to ask her,” Kemmu admitted in a recent conversation with Mid-Day. It is a refreshing admission of vulnerability from a man who is usually characterized by his calm, collected demeanor on set. For Kemmu, the challenge wasn’t just about professional logistics; it was about ensuring he could present a vision worthy of Tagore’s storied career. He spent time carefully crafting how he wanted to showcase her on screen, wanting to ensure the role felt cinematic and significant.
Once the initial nerves subsided and the veteran actor gave her seal of approval, the intimidation transformed into a profound sense of gratitude and genuine excitement. For audiences, the prospect of seeing Tagore—who has been selective with her projects—back in a Hindi film is a major draw. Her last outing in Bollywood was 2010’s Break Ke Baad, and her recent critical success in the 2025 Bengali drama Puratawn has only heightened the anticipation for her return to the national stage.
Maintaining the Delicate Balance of Director and Actor
One of the most grueling aspects of modern filmmaking is the “multitasking” director—someone who writes, produces, directs, and stars in their own project. VIBE puts Kemmu in exactly that position. Yet, he is surprisingly disciplined about compartmentalizing these roles.
When asked if his directorial experience has bled into his performance, or vice versa, Kemmu insists on maintaining a firewall between the two. “I don’t mix acting and direction simultaneously,” he explains. He holds firm to the belief that filmmaking is, at its core, a director’s medium. He refuses the common vanity of lingering by the monitors to critique his own takes. Instead, he trusts the process, relying on the collaborative feedback loop of the set to determine when a shot is “in the bag.”
This methodology suggests a director who understands the economy of a set. By trusting the objective eye of the production over his own subjective ego, Kemmu ensures that his performance remains tethered to the broader narrative needs of the film rather than his own performance preferences.
A New Philosophy on Critical Self-Assessment
Kemmu has historically been his own harshest critic, a trait that often accompanies long-term tenure in the film industry. However, with VIBE, he seems to have reached a turning point. He describes a shift toward trusting his instincts, leaning into the vision of the “writer in him” to guide the actor.
“I was always critical of my performances,” he reflects. “But in this film, I am staying true to the writer in me.” This is a significant evolution for an artist who has spent decades honing his craft in front of the lens. Rather than seeking out roles that perfectly match his own “tonality and style”—a trap many actors fall into—Kemmu is embracing the risk of the unknown. He speaks with a sense of liberation: he has done the work, he has followed his gut, and if the final result misses the mark, he is prepared to treat it as a masterclass in learning.
The Vibe of ‘VIBE’: An Ambitious Ensemble
Beyond the family dynamic and the directorial philosophy, VIBE is shaping up to be an ambitious genre-blender. As an action-comedy, the film carries the DNA of the lighthearted yet punchy style Kemmu established with Madgaon Express.
The cast list is a testament to his reach, featuring a striking mix of talent including Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua), Yashpal Sharma, and Vanshika Dhir. This ensemble is designed to appeal to a broad demographic, blending veteran gravity with fresh, energetic talent.
As the September 18 release date approaches, the industry is watching closely. Can Kemmu prove that Madgaon Express wasn’t a one-hit wonder? Can he successfully navigate the creative demands of a massive ensemble while maintaining the delicate balance of acting and directing?
If the passion and introspection he has shown during the pre-production phase are any indication, VIBE is set to be more than just a box-office play. It is a bold, personal statement from a filmmaker who is clearly hitting his stride, proving that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to lean into the instincts you’ve spent a lifetime refining. For Kunal Kemmu, the “vibe” of this film seems to be one of confidence, collaboration, and a quiet, steady ambition that refuses to be ignored.
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