Mrunal Thakur, Huma Qureshi starrer delayed, director reveals release was his father’s last wish

Navjot Gulati expresses anguish over unreleased film, urges producers to act as delays stretch nearly four years after shoot wrapped.

Published: Wednesday,Feb 18, 2026 13:50 PM GMT+05:30

Anam Kazi

Mrunal Thakur Huma Qureshi starrer delayed, director reveals release was his father’s last wish — Image Credits: Instagram

Nearly four years after shooting wrapped, Pooja Meri Jaan is still awaiting release. The film, featuring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, was completed in August 2022. Since then, there has been no official update on its premiere.

Director Navjot Gulati has now spoken publicly, urging Maddock Films to release the project. The banner is headed by producer Dinesh Vijan. Gulati said the film was initially commissioned for OTT and was meant to stream on JioCinema. However, after the platform’s merger with Disney+ Hotstar, the makers were reportedly told it could be sold elsewhere. According to him, delays began after that development.

In an interaction with Variety India, Gulati shared a personal reason behind his public appeal. His father, who passed away in 2024, had repeatedly asked about the film’s release in his final months. The director described it as his father’s last wish, one that remains incomplete.

Expressing frustration, Gulati claimed that co producer Amar Kaushik has not responded to his calls or messages since October 2025. “I’m tired of calling and texting and yet not hearing back," he said. “The only reason I’m speaking publicly is because there’s no accountability. The film is still topical and relevant. But if I don’t push now, I fear it may never be released because they simply don’t care."

He also referred to Shoebite, a long delayed project by Shoojit Sircar, saying he does not want his film to meet a similar fate.

Gulati alleged that negotiations over pricing have dragged on for nine months, even though an interested platform is in talks. “They will never sell it unless they get the price they want," he said. He further questioned why a theatrical release is not being considered, citing Vadh 2 as an example of a project that moved beyond OTT plans.

He also claimed that Rumi Ki Sharafat, starring Radhika Madan, and Sarvgunn Sampanna, featuring Vaani Kapoor, are awaiting release. For now, Pooja Meri Jaan remains complete, but unseen.