Cinema VinesFilmmaker Kamal Chandra, a native of Agra and a graduate of the Bhartendu Natya Academy (BNA), is preparing to shoot his next feature, Aryabhatt Ka Zero, in his hometown. The director, who first made his mark with the debut film Ab Dilli Door Nahin in the national capital, has spent the past few years filming in a variety of Hindi‑belt locations, including Lucknow, Dehradun and Panna.
During a recent visit to Agra for a preliminary recce, Chandra told HT City that the city’s appeal extends far beyond the Taj Mahal. “I want to show a different side of the city that has not been explored yet,” he said, adding that the love story he has been developing for years will be rooted in Uttar Pradesh. The director plans to begin principal photography this winter after finalising the script.
Chandra’s previous releases have featured a mix of talent and settings. His 2025 film Hamare Baarah was shot in Lucknow, while his earlier work with Annu Kapoor also took place there. He has worked with director Sudhir Mishra on Daas Dev (2018) and helped bring to life Ratan Sinha’s debut Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017). He credits the BNA, where he graduated in 2004, as a formative influence on his filmmaking style.
In Aryabhatt Ka Zero, actor Neeraj Sood portrays the titular character, with Himansh Kohli playing his son. The story follows a neighbourhood boy’s journey from “zero to hero,” with a “very special twist” that the director says will resonate emotionally with audiences. Chandra, who previously titled the film Boondi Raita, believes that the film’s rooted narrative and high emotional quotient give it a strong chance to connect with viewers in an era where content is king.
Chandra acknowledges the challenges faced by independent filmmakers without major studio backing. “We are trying our best to drive the audience as we have full faith in the content,” he said, noting that Kohli is stepping away from his “chocolate‑boy” image for this role. The director hopes that audiences will give his new project a chance, believing that compelling stories are the true heroes of cinema.
