Bollywood fans, get ready to experience magic of these five unseen on-screen duos

Mumbai: Bollywood in 2025 is all set to serve a fresh dose of chemistry with some exciting first-time on-screen collaborations. From unconventional casting choices to surprising pairings that promise to break the mold, filmmakers are clearly ready to shake things up.

Whether it’s seasoned performers sharing the screen for the first time or rising stars teaming up in unexpected genres, these new duos are already creating a buzz.

Here’s a look at five fresh actor pairings that are all set to bring their unique spark to the big screen in the months ahead:

1. Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma: Filmmaker Anurag Basu’s upcoming anthology, ‘Metro…In Dino’, will feature at least three debutant collaborations between actors, including Aditya Roy Kapur-Sara Ali Khan, and Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh. However, one pairing that has all eyes set on them is that of Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma because of their sheer craft and magic on screen. Sen Sharma, while talking about working with Tripathi for the first time, said. “I really enjoyed working with him. There was a lot of trust that had formed between us. And I think both of us could perhaps relate to the characters and the situation.”
2. R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh: After sharing screenspace alongside Nayanthara in ‘Test’, R Madhavan is set to feature in another Netflix original film - ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’. In the upcoming romantic drama, which is slated for its OTT premiere on July 11, Madhavan will be seen opposite Fatima. The film is a love story between an aged Sankrit teacher (Madhavan) and a younger French instructor (Shaikh).
3. Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone: Ever since Atlee confirmed Deepika Padukone joining his upcoming next, tentatively titled ‘AA22xA6’, fans have been eager to witness the magic that she will create opposite Telugu superstar Allu Arjun on the big screen. Touted to be a science fiction film directed by Atlee, it will feature Padukone and Bunny as fierce warriors. Recently, Atlee revealed that the film will be backed by Sun Pictures, while adding that neither its budget nor its release date has been decided so far.
4. Dhanush and Kriti Sanon: Aanand L Rai’s ‘Tere Ishq Mein’ is a highly anticipated film which is scheduled for a theatrical release later this year, in November. Starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon in the leading roles, this romantic drama will present a fresh pair that fans are eager to watch. The film also marks the third collaboration between Dhanush and Rai after ‘Raanjhana’ (2013) and ‘Atrangi Re’ (2021), and is joined by AR Rahman as its composer. ‘Tere Ishq Mein’ will release in Hindi and Tamil languages, and will mark Sanon’s Tamil debut.
5. Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor: Another unique pairing that movie buffs are eagerly waiting for is that of Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor. Directed by Santosh Singh, ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ is an upcoming romantic story that will mark the acting debut of Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter, Shanaya. Reportedly, it features the ‘12th Fail’ (2023) actor as a visually impaired musician and Kapoor as a theater artist. Early this month, the film’s teaser was dropped, showcasing the sizzling chemistry between its leading pair. It’s scheduled for its theatrical release on July 11.