Junaid Khan, the son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, is steadily carving his path in the film industry. After a praised debut on Netflix and a theatrical release that didn't meet expectations, all eyes are now on his next major project. The romantic drama Mere Raho, which pairs him with acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi, has undergone a significant schedule change, with its makers now targeting a prime mid-year release window.
New Release Window for Mere Raho
Initially planned as a big year-end attraction for December 2025, the production timeline for Mere Raho has been revised. According to industry reports, the film's release has been pushed forward. The producers have now locked July 2026 as the new release date. This strategic move indicates a desire for a solo, clash-free opening, allowing the film to capture the full attention of the audience during the summer period. The shift suggests that the backing studio, Aamir Khan Productions, and director Sunil Pandey have strong confidence in the film's content and its potential to generate positive word-of-mouth.
Why This Film is a Crucial Project
Mere Raho holds substantial importance for both its lead actors. For Junaid Khan, it represents a critical follow-up after his first theatrical film, Loveyappa, received a lukewarm response at the box office. Industry insiders continue to view him as a long-term prospect, and a successful run for Mere Raho could solidify his position in Bollywood.
For Sai Pallavi, the film marks her highly anticipated Hindi cinema debut. Known for her powerful performances in South Indian films, Pallavi has been selective about her Bollywood entry. Her choice of Mere Raho as her first Hindi project underscores the script's strength. Interestingly, 2025 has been a quiet year for the actress, with her last release being the commercially successful Telugu film Thandel, which co-starred Naga Chaitanya and earned over Rs 100 crore worldwide.
What's Next for the Stars?
Beyond Mere Raho, Sai Pallavi's calendar is packed with prestigious projects. She is set to play a monumental role in Nitesh Tiwari's epic adaptation of Ramayan, starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. Produced by Namit Malhotra, this mega-budget film is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, where Pallavi will portray Goddess Sita. This role is expected to catapult her to nationwide fame, introducing her talent to a pan-Indian audience.
Junaid Khan's journey began with a confident entry via the Netflix period drama Maharaj, produced by Aditya Chopra, which showcased his restrained acting skills. While Loveyappa may not have set the box office on fire, the industry's faith in him remains, backed by a pipeline of stronger projects. Mere Raho stands as the immediate litmus test for his big-screen appeal and his ability to headline a major romantic drama.
The decision to position Mere Raho in July 2026 reflects a calculated gamble by the producers. By avoiding crowded holiday weekends, they are betting on the film's intrinsic quality and the fresh on-screen pairing of Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi to draw audiences to theatres. The countdown to this significant release has now officially begun.
