Writer Nikhil Mehrotra, whose pen has produced winners like Dangal, Chhichhore and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, is all set to turn director with Taiyaari. Described as “a courtroom drama on modern parenting”, Taiyaari is being produced by Mud and Joy Films and One Media Entertainment.

Co-produced by Jayanto Gupta and Kavya Gupta, Taiyaari explores the tender, unspoken layers of family, love and emotional readiness, with the promise of a sensitive and deeply resonant portrayal of human relationships from its makers. The film will be frontlined by Rajshri Deshpande, seen in acclaimed projects like Sacred Games and Trial By Fire. “The script moved me with its honesty. It is a beautiful story about relationships that find power in silence, in love that doesn’t need to be spoken aloud. It is rare to come across such writing, and I am looking forward to bringing that emotion to life,” says Rajshri.

Director Nikhil Mehrotra says that Taiyaari is “not a loud story, but a deeply felt one”. He adds: “With Taiyyari, I wanted to explore the emotional rhythm of family life, its silences, conflicts, and moments of grace. Working with Mud and Joy Films has been about protecting that emotional truth.”

Ruchira Janwalikar, founder, Mud and Joy Films, says: “Taiyyari is about the invisible preparations we all make, for love, for loss, for change. It is a deeply human story about resilience and care, and how ordinary moments often carry extraordinary emotion.” Speaking about his foray into film production, Jayanta Gupta says: “Taiyyari reflects the kind of storytelling that stays with you — honest, emotional, and deeply human. For my first project, I wanted to be part of something that truly connects with people.” Monang Sudha Barot, founder of One Media Entertainment, adds: “This film resonated with me because it captures the messy, imperfect, yet deeply human side of parenting. Beneath the courtroom comedy is an emotional journey about love, ego, ambition, and what children truly need.”

Currently under production, the film also features Chandan Roy Sanyal. Casting for other key characters will be announced soon, with Taiyyari also set to explore a run across international film festivals.