Ishqnama is a Punjabi period romance releasing in theatres on 24 July 2026 across India, Canada, and the UK. It stars Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy (Jai) Randhawa in their first on-screen pairing, and is directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira in his feature-directing debut.
The film dramatizes the real love story of Nirmal Singh “Nimma” Langah, a Sikh poet from Indian Punjab, and Nasima (Naseema) Begum, a Muslim woman from Pakistani Punjab, set along the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988. It is based on Langah’s autobiographical book, Hind Pak Bordernama.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie name | Ishqnama |
| Release date | 24 July 2026 |
| Release markets | India, Canada, UK (worldwide theatrical) |
| Language | Punjabi |
| Genre | Romantic period drama |
| Director | Arvvindr S. Khaira (feature directorial debut) |
| Lead cast | Shehnaaz Gill, Jayy Randhawa |
| Supporting cast | Saurabh Sachdeva, Mahabir Bhullar |
| Based on | Hind Pak Bordernama, an autobiographical book by Nirmal Singh Nimma Langah |
| Setting / time period | India-Pakistan Punjab border, 1981–1988 |
| Trailer status | Released |
| OTT release | Not yet announced |
Why This Story Matters (Editorial Note)
Dazzlerr’s entertainment desk tracks Punjabi and Bollywood releases daily, cross-referencing official press notes, ticketing platforms, and on-record cast statements before publishing. This article draws on trailer press materials, interviews given by Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy Randhawa around the trailer launch in Punjab, and listings from theatrical booking platforms, so readers get a release-ready, verified snapshot rather than recycled speculation. We’ll update this page if the makers announce an OTT date or additional cast details.
Is Ishqnama Based on a True Story?
Yes. Ishqnama is adapted from Hind Pak Bordernama, an autobiographical account written by Nirmal Singh “Nimma” Langah about his real relationship with Nasima Begum. According to Langah’s account, the two met in the early 1980s across the India-Pakistan border and, despite political tension and tight border security, are reported to have continued their relationship in secret for years. The film compresses this history into the period between 1981 and 1988, following Nimma, a young Sikh poet from Indian Punjab, and Naseema, a Muslim woman from Pakistani Punjab, as their bond survives the lingering wounds of Partition.
This real-world foundation is one of the main reasons the film has generated more than the usual pre-release buzz — it isn’t a fictional cross-border romance dressed up as “inspired by real events,” it’s a specific, named, documented relationship that the director has chosen to adapt fairly closely.
What Is the Plot of Ishqnama?
The film follows Nimma and Naseema as political tension between India and Pakistan repeatedly threatens to separate them. Rather than building the story around action or conflict set-pieces, the narrative centers on the emotional cost of the border itself — long separations, secret communication, and the personal sacrifices both families make. Themes of loyalty, identity, hope, and endurance run through the trailer, and the makers have described the project as a tribute to a real love that “rewrote history” for the people who lived it, rather than a conventional romantic drama.
Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shehnaaz Gill | Naseema (Nasima) | Female lead |
| Jayy Randhawa | Nimma | Male lead |
| Saurabh Sachdeva | Undisclosed | Supporting |
| Mahabir Bhullar | Undisclosed | Supporting |
Shehnaaz Gill as Naseema: Gill has called the role one of the most personally significant of her career, saying it pushed her outside her comfort zone and marked what she describes as a kind of artistic rebirth. Early trailer reactions have singled out her performance as emotionally grounded rather than theatrical.
View this post on Instagram
Jayy Randhawa as Nimma: This is Randhawa’s first pairing with Gill, and he has spoken about the personal significance of unveiling the trailer in Punjab, a state he credits with shaping his identity. Their on-screen chemistry has become one of the most-discussed elements of the promotional run — notably, Gill has also mentioned in interviews that the pair actually clashed frequently on set, which she says fed into the intensity of their scenes together.
View this post on Instagram
Supporting cast: Saurabh Sachdeva and Mahabir Bhullar round out the cast in key supporting roles; character details for both have not been officially disclosed yet.
Trailer Breakdown: What It Reveals
The official trailer opens on quiet, intimate moments between the two leads before gradually introducing the political conflict that will separate them. It leans on period-accurate visuals, restrained emotional performances, and a score that stays with the story’s mood rather than punctuating action beats. Instead of giving away the ending, the trailer is built to raise a single question: does this couple’s bond survive the border that stands between them?
Highlights audiences and early coverage have pointed to include:
- Cinematography built around authentic 1980s Punjab settings on both sides of the border
- A score that underlines emotion without overwhelming dialogue
- Visible chemistry between Gill and Randhawa, despite their reported on-set friction
- A restrained, drama-first tone rather than a typical commercial romance treatment
Release Date, Markets, and Where to Watch
Ishqnama releases in theatres on 24 July 2026 in India, Canada, and the UK. No OTT streaming date has been confirmed yet; based on typical release patterns for Punjabi theatrical films, a streaming release would likely follow several weeks after the theatrical run, but readers should treat that as a general pattern rather than a confirmed timeline until the makers announce one.
Should You Watch Ishqnama?
Ishqnama is worth prioritizing if you:
- Enjoy period romances grounded in real, documented events rather than invented ones
- Follow Shehnaaz Gill or are curious about Jayy Randhawa’s first lead pairing with her
- Prefer restrained, emotion-first storytelling over action-driven commercial cinema
- Want to explore Punjabi cinema beyond its mainstream comedy and action output
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ishqnama release?
Ishqnama releases in theatres on 24 July 2026, across India, Canada, and the UK.
Is Ishqnama a true story?
Yes. It is based on Hind Pak Bordernama, Nirmal Singh Nimma Langah’s autobiographical account of his real relationship with Nasima Begum, set along the India-Pakistan border between 1981 and 1988.
Who plays the lead roles in Ishqnama?
Shehnaaz Gill plays Naseema and Jayy Randhawa plays Nimma, in their first on-screen pairing together.
Who directed Ishqnama?
Arvvindr S. Khaira, a music-video director making his feature-film directorial debut.
What language is Ishqnama in?
Ishqnama is a Punjabi-language film, though the makers have said they hope to eventually bring the story to a wider, multi-language audience.
Is Ishqnama available on OTT?
Not yet. No streaming platform or date has been announced as of this writing; theatrical release comes first on 24 July 2026.
What book is Ishqnama based on?
The film is adapted from Hind Pak Bordernama, written by Nirmal Singh Nimma Langah about his real cross-border relationship with Nasima Begum.
Who else is in the Ishqnama cast?
Alongside leads Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy Randhawa, the film features Saurabh Sachdeva and Mahabir Bhullar in supporting roles.
Have thoughts on the Ishqnama trailer or the real story behind it? Stay with Dazzlerr for continuing coverage of upcoming Punjabi and Bollywood releases, cast interviews, and box-office updates as they’re confirmed.
