VIBE, the latest Hindi comedy from actor filmmaker Kunal Kemmu, was released in Indian theatres on September 18, 2026. Written and directed by Kemmu, the film combines comedy, espionage and action while bringing together Kunal Kemmu, Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir.
The film follows Hardik, played by Kunal Kemmu, and his close friend Bhagirath, also known as Bugs, played by Sparsh Shrivastava. The two are ordinary individuals whose lives take an unexpected turn when they become involved in a secret government mission. Preity Zinta plays Madam H, an intelligence officer who brings the unlikely pair into an operation involving a serious national security threat.
Hardik is introduced as an unconventional character who has recently returned from drug rehabilitation. Bugs, meanwhile, works in the technology sector and tries to help his friend rebuild his life. Hardik eventually joins Bugs at his workplace, where he meets Kareena, played by Vanshika Dhir. What initially appears to be a romantic storyline gradually develops into a much larger espionage adventure.
The transition from comedy and romance into the spy mission forms the central structure of the film. Hardik and Bugs are not trained intelligence officers, and their lack of experience becomes an important source of humour throughout the story. Their reactions to increasingly complicated situations provide much of the film’s comic energy.
Preity Zinta plays Madam H, a senior intelligence officer who recruits the two friends for the mission. Her role represents a significant change from the conventional characters audiences have previously associated with her. Kunal Kemmu has said that he wanted to present Zinta in an action-oriented role because he had not previously seen her perform this type of character.
Sparsh Shrivastava plays Bugs, the more cautious and disciplined member of the pair. His character provides a contrast to Hardik’s impulsive behaviour. Several reviews have highlighted the chemistry between Kemmu and Shrivastava, with their contrasting personalities becoming one of the film’s recurring sources of humour.
Kunal Kemmu is also responsible for the film’s writing and direction. VIBE is his second directorial feature following Madgaon Express. His approach to comedy is again central to the movie, with dialogue, physical humour, unexpected situations and pop culture references forming an important part of the storytelling.
Early reviews have differed in their assessment of how successfully the film maintains this comic energy throughout its runtime. Hindustan Times praised the first half for its dialogue and comic situations but noted that the second half becomes more complicated. India Today similarly described the film as chaotic and charming while arguing that the overloaded screenplay sometimes weakens the central story.
Other reviews have been more positive about the film’s entertainment value. The Times of India described the movie as a spy comedy in which the screenplay and entertainment elements help elevate a relatively simple premise. The review also highlighted the performances of Kunal Kemmu, Preity Zinta and Sparsh Shrivastava.
The comedy depends heavily on the relationship between Hardik and Bugs. Their friendship provides the film with a consistent source of humour, particularly when the two characters are placed in situations far beyond their experience. The contrast between their ordinary lives and the high stakes of an intelligence operation creates much of the film’s comic setup.
The film also uses a number of references to popular culture. Rediff noted that the movie includes references to films and actors as part of its comedic approach. These references are integrated into the dialogue and situations rather than being central to the main plot.
VIBE also includes supporting performances from actors such as Yashpal Sharma and Dinesh Lal Yadav. Their characters are associated with Madam H’s intelligence team and contribute to the lighter side of the spy narrative. Reviews have noted the supporting cast as part of the film’s ensemble approach.
The movie does not treat espionage entirely as a serious genre. Instead, it uses the conventions of spy thrillers as a framework for comedy. The central characters are inexperienced, the situations become increasingly unusual and the mission repeatedly places them in circumstances they are not prepared to handle.
This approach allows the film to move between different genres. It begins with elements of friendship and romance, shifts into comedy and eventually develops into an action driven spy adventure. The changing tone is one of the defining characteristics of VIBE.
The film’s first half has received particularly positive comments from several reviewers. Hindustan Times described the opening portion as highly entertaining and praised the dialogue, performances and comic situations. According to the review, the film begins with a strong comic rhythm before becoming more complicated later.
However, the second half has attracted more mixed responses. India Today noted that the screenplay repeatedly adds new jokes, twists and complications, which can make the story feel overloaded. Rediff also argued that the film does not consistently maintain the comic impact associated with Kemmu’s earlier directorial work.
Cinema Express offered another critical perspective, praising Kemmu’s comic timing while arguing that the writing does not always maintain the same level of effectiveness. The review suggested that Kemmu’s performance helps strengthen moments that are less successful on the page.
At the same time, Bollywood Hungama praised the film’s command of humour, one liners and performances. Its review highlighted Kemmu’s acting, Preity Zinta’s presence and Sparsh Shrivastava’s contribution to the comedy.
The differing reviews indicate that VIBE has generated a varied critical response. While there is considerable appreciation for the lead performances and comic chemistry, opinions differ over the screenplay, pacing and the way the story develops after the first half.
For Kunal Kemmu, the film represents another step in his development as a director. His first film, Madgaon Express, was also built around comedy and an ensemble of characters caught in increasingly complicated situations. VIBE continues his interest in comedy but adds an espionage setting and a larger action component.
The casting of Preity Zinta also gives the film an additional point of interest. Her role as Madam H places her in an action and intelligence setting, while Kemmu and Shrivastava handle much of the film’s comic material. Vanshika Dhir, making her debut, plays Kareena and forms part of the storyline that connects Hardik to the larger mission.
The film has an adult certificate and runs for approximately 145 minutes, according to published reviews. Its longer runtime allows the story to move through several stages, although some critics have argued that the screenplay could have benefited from greater focus.
VIBE is therefore positioned as a comedy first, with its spy elements providing the framework for the humour. The film does not attempt to present espionage with complete seriousness. Instead, it places two inexperienced friends inside an intelligence operation and uses their confusion and contrasting personalities to generate comic situations.
The early critical response suggests that audiences who enjoy Kunal Kemmu’s style of comedy may find several entertaining moments in the film. At the same time, viewers should be aware that the reviews have identified differences in quality between the first and second halves.
The performances remain one of the most frequently discussed aspects of the film. Kemmu’s comic timing, Shrivastava’s supporting performance and Zinta’s action oriented role have all received attention in early reviews. The film also introduces Vanshika Dhir to a wider audience through her role as Kareena.
Overall, VIBE presents Kunal Kemmu’s latest attempt to combine comedy with a spy adventure. Its central idea of two ordinary friends becoming involved in a national security mission provides opportunities for humour, action and unexpected developments.
The early reviews remain mixed on the film’s overall execution. Some critics have praised its comic performances, dialogue and entertaining opening, while others have pointed to an increasingly complicated screenplay and a less effective second half.
VIBE was released in theatres on September 18, 2026. The film stars Kunal Kemmu, Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava and Vanshika Dhir, with Kemmu serving as writer and director. Its reception will ultimately depend on how audiences respond to its blend of friendship comedy, espionage, action and deliberately unconventional humour.