In an exciting first-time pairing, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Divya Khossla are set to share the screen in the upcoming dark comedy thriller Ek Chatur Naar, directed by Umesh Shukla. Best known for helming the satirical hit Oh My God, Shukla brings his signature narrative style to this cerebral revenge drama, which is currently in its final leg of production.
The film features Neil as a morally corrupt, grey-shaded character, echoing the intense and brooding personas he portrayed in Johnny Gaddar and Bypass Road. Divya, stepping far outside her comfort zone of romantic dramas like Yaariyaan 2, takes on what she describes as one of the most challenging roles of her career, “I have tried to do an extremely difficult role—something the audience has not seen me do before,” Divya said. She was last seen in Savi, a performance that also hinted at her expanding artistic range.
While Neil remained tight-lipped about the storyline, a source close to the project revealed that Ek Chatur Naar is a revenge saga at its core. “It is a revenge drama, with Divya’s character seeking vengeance against Neil’s character. But it’s not all dark—it carries Umesh Shukla’s typical flavour, a mix of satire and emotional depth,” the source added.
Behind the scenes, Neil Nitin Mukesh is also navigating the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. In an earlier interview with The Times of India, Neil, who recently ventured into film production, opened up about the challenges of staying relevant in today’s social media-driven era. “We’ve come into an age where social media has just taken over,” Neil admitted. “I’ve been told by producers and filmmakers to up my social media game because channels are requesting actors with high numbers. When I ask them about alternatives, I’m told names of people who aren’t even actors. Are you ready to take that risk?”
His candid remarks underscore a growing concern among seasoned actors: that years of dedication to craft are increasingly being overshadowed by digital popularity. “You’re demoralizing an actor who’s worked hard for so many years,” he said.
As anticipation builds for Ek Chatur Naar, the film promises a gripping blend of psychological intensity, dark humour, and biting social commentary—hallmarks of a classic Umesh Shukla creation. With its intriguing plot, fresh casting, and nuanced performances, the film is expected to make a strong impact upon release.
By Sulagna Kar