Avanika Films Announces ‘Prem Keetanu’, Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, Releasing Worldwide on October 2, 2026

POSTED BY:- Poonam S. Juthani
DT:-12/08/2026
9867490397

Mumbai, August 2026 — Producer Gaurav Verma has officially announced the launch of his new production banner Avanika Films, unveiling its first project Prem Keetanu in collaboration with Furs Films. The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Apoorv Singh Karki (Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai, Aspirants), is set for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

A Fresh Story for a New Generation

Prem Keetanu is a youthful, slice-of-life drama that captures the struggles, heartbreaks, and friendships of college life. The film tells the story of boys who, as the tagline suggests, “didn’t get marks, didn’t get hope, didn’t get love — what they got were friends and a lot of heartbreaks.”

The narrative explores the ambitions, relationships, and emotional journeys of today’s youth, presenting them in a humorous yet relatable manner. By blending comedy with heartfelt moments, the film aims to resonate not only with younger audiences but also with older generations who will find echoes of their own college days in its storytelling.

Cast and Performances

The film features an ensemble cast that brings together fresh talent and seasoned performers:

• Veer Pahariya
• Aafiya Syed
• Aparshakti Khurana
• Rakesh Bedi
• Nikhil Vijay

This diverse lineup ensures a balance of youthful energy and experienced artistry, promising performances that will connect across demographics.

Avanika Films: A New Creative Vision

Prem Keetanu marks the first offering from Avanika Films, a banner established by Gaurav Verma to champion stories with emotional truth and strong theatrical appeal. Verma’s vision is to create films that combine freshness with entertainment, offering audiences narratives that are both engaging and impactful.

Speaking about the launch, Verma highlighted his intent to build a studio that nurtures diverse storytelling: “Avanika Films is about giving a platform to stories that carry emotional honesty while also appealing to the big screen. With Prem Keetanu, we are setting the creative direction for a studio that wants to balance freshness and entertainment in every project.”

Gaurav Verma’s Track Record

Before founding Avanika Films, Verma worked as an independent producer for Red Chillies Entertainment, where he delivered critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as:

• Darlings
• Bhakshak
• Jawan
• Badla

These projects not only earned widespread appreciation from critics and audiences but also reinforced Verma’s reputation as a producer with a keen eye for content-driven cinema. His transition to Avanika Films represents a natural progression toward building a creative hub for theatrical storytelling.

Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki

The film is helmed by Apoorv Singh Karki, known for his ability to craft layered, relatable narratives. His previous works, including Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai and Aspirants, have been praised for their authenticity and emotional depth. With Prem Keetanu, Karki brings his signature style of blending realism with entertainment, ensuring that the film appeals to both mainstream and discerning audiences.

Connecting Generations

While Prem Keetanu is firmly rooted in the experiences of today’s youth, it also seeks to bridge generational gaps. The film aims to remind older audiences of their own college days, friendships, and heartbreaks, creating a nostalgic connection. At the same time, it reflects the aspirations and challenges of the current generation, making it a story that unites different age groups through shared emotions.

Release Date and Global Reach

Prem Keetanu will release worldwide on October 2, 2026, coinciding with a major holiday weekend in India. The global release strategy underscores Avanika Films’ ambition to position its projects on an international stage, ensuring that stories rooted in Indian experiences reach audiences across the world.

Conclusion

With Prem Keetanu, Avanika Films embarks on its journey as a new-age studio committed to delivering emotionally honest and theatrically engaging films. Backed by Gaurav Verma’s proven track record and Apoorv Singh Karki’s directorial vision, the film promises to be a refreshing addition to Hindi cinema.

By capturing the humor, heartbreak, and resilience of college life, Prem Keetanu is set to resonate with audiences young and old, offering a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and deeply relatable.