Mumbai: Yami Gautam is set to headline the upcoming fantasy family entertainer Nayyi Navelli, which will arrive in theatres on October 16, 2026, during the Dussehra festive period. The film combines fantasy, humour, family drama and supernatural elements, with Yami playing a newly married woman whose arrival transforms a troubled household in Meerut.
The makers have unveiled the first look of the film, offering a glimpse of Yami in a striking bridal avatar. The poster hints that her seemingly perfect character may have a mysterious supernatural side.
Yami Gautam plays a mysterious bride
Nayyi Navelli is set in Meerut and revolves around a chaotic family whose life changes after the arrival of a picture-perfect bride.
Initially, her presence appears to bring peace and happiness to the household. However, the situation takes an unexpected turn when her brother-in-law begins to suspect that she may actually be a daayan, or witch.
This unusual premise forms the central mystery of the film, which is expected to blend comedy and fantasy with family dynamics.
The first-look poster plays on this contrast. Yami is shown in a traditional bridal appearance, while elements of the image suggest a darker and more fantastical side to her character.
Film promises fantasy, humour and family drama
The makers have positioned Nayyi Navelli as a fantasy family entertainer rather than a conventional horror film.
The story is expected to move between humour, adventure and supernatural situations while remaining rooted in the dynamics of a family household.
The combination is intended to make the film accessible to family audiences during the festive season.
Producer Aanand L Rai described the story as one that brings together family, fantasy, humour and adventure in an unpredictable manner. He also said Yami was an instinctive choice for the character because of the warmth and mischief she brings to the role.
Directed by Balaji Mohan
Nayyi Navelli is directed by Balaji Mohan, known for films including Maari and Maari 2.
The screenplay has been written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma.
The film is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma under Colour Yellow, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. It marks a new collaboration between the production companies.
Music for the film has been composed by G V Prakash Kumar, adding another prominent name from the Indian film industry to the project.
First look hints at a supernatural secret
The motion poster has generated curiosity because of the contrast between Yami’s traditional bridal appearance and the supernatural elements surrounding her.
In the poster, she appears as a bride while seemingly playfully dealing with a demon-like figure. A giant wheel and mysterious creatures in the background further establish the fantasy setting.
The promotional material deliberately leaves the question of whether Yami’s character is actually a witch unanswered.
That mystery could become one of the film’s central attractions when the trailer and further promotional material are released.
Dussehra release gives film a festive window
The decision to release Nayyi Navelli on October 16 places it directly in the Dussehra holiday period.
Festive weekends are traditionally considered important for Hindi films because families often have more opportunities to visit theatres together.
The film’s family-friendly fantasy premise could therefore complement its release timing.
The production team has also described the movie as particularly suited to the Dussehra period, with Amazon MGM Studios calling it a film designed to offer a festive theatrical experience.
Yami Gautam returns with another unusual role
The film gives Yami another opportunity to experiment with a different character.
The actor has previously moved between comedy, drama, thriller and socially relevant cinema. Her upcoming role in Nayyi Navelli takes her into the fantasy-comedy space, with the possibility of a supernatural twist.
It also marks her second horror-comedy outing after Bhoot Police, according to reports on the new project.
The combination of a family setting and supernatural mystery could give Yami a different performance opportunity from some of her recent roles.
What is the story of Nayyi Navelli?
The film begins with a seemingly perfect bride entering a troubled Meerut household.
Her arrival changes the family atmosphere, bringing harmony where there was previously chaos.
But the happiness does not last without suspicion. Her brother-in-law starts questioning whether the transformation is really as innocent as it appears.
He suspects that the new bride could be a daayan using supernatural powers to influence the family.
The film’s central mystery will revolve around whether his suspicions are justified or whether there is another explanation for the strange events.
A family entertainer with a supernatural twist
Unlike a straightforward horror film, Nayyi Navelli appears to use supernatural elements as part of a broader family story.
The makers are combining the familiar setting of an extended family with fantasy and comedy, potentially creating situations where suspicion and misunderstandings drive the humour.
The film’s positioning as a family entertainer also suggests that the supernatural elements are intended to be accessible rather than excessively dark.
October box office could be competitive
The October 16 release date puts Nayyi Navelli in a busy festive theatrical period.
Other major films are also expected around the Dussehra window, meaning Yami’s film could face competition for screens and audience attention.
The film’s performance will depend on how strongly its fantasy-comedy concept connects with audiences once the trailer and full promotional campaign begin.
For now, the unusual premise gives it a distinct identity among upcoming Hindi releases.
Producers confident about the project
The production team has expressed confidence in the film’s combination of genres and its ensemble cast.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Nikhil Madhok said the team felt Nayyi Navelli was particularly suited to a Dussehra release after seeing the film come together. He praised Yami’s performance and the ensemble cast.
Aanand L Rai similarly highlighted the film’s unpredictable storytelling and the way it brings fantasy and humour into a family setting.
Conclusion
Yami Gautam’s Nayyi Navelli is set to hit theatres on October 16, 2026, making it one of the films targeting the Dussehra festive audience. Directed by Balaji Mohan and produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, the film blends fantasy, humour, family drama and supernatural elements.
Yami plays a seemingly perfect bride whose arrival brings harmony to a chaotic Meerut household, only for her brother-in-law to suspect that she could be a daayan. The first look has already created curiosity around the mystery surrounding her character.
With its unusual premise and festive release, Nayyi Navelli will be looking to attract families and fantasy-comedy fans to theatres this Dussehra.