‘Pune Highway’ Explores Friendship, Murder, Say Actors

MUMBAI (ANI)– As the release of Pune Highway draws near, the cast is actively promoting the film, which they describe as a heartfelt story of friendship and transformation.

Directed by Rahul da Cunha and Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Pune Highway stars Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Manjari Fadnnis, and Ketaki Narayan in key roles.

“Pune Highway is a film about friendship—dosti yaari,” said Amit Sadh. “It’s about a group of friends who grew up together and shared everything. But years later, an unexpected murder changes the dynamics of their bond and alters their lives.”

Originally staged as a one-room play performed across nine countries, the story has now been reimagined for the big screen. Jim Sarbh appreciated the filmmakers’ approach to adapting the play. “I really liked how they expanded the story for cinema. Often, adaptations stay too close to the stage version, but this team embraced the visual possibilities of film without being limited by the original format,” he shared.

Manjari Fadnnis, who plays Natasha, described her character as “a pampered, lovable brat” among the group. “She’s deeply attached to all of them and would go to any lengths to protect them,” she said.

Filmmaker Bugs Bhargava reminisced about the long journey from stage to screen. “Rahul wrote the play 20 years ago, and it was a huge success—we toured nine countries. I used to tell him back then, ‘This should be a film.’ I was directing ad films then, and he didn’t take me seriously. But 20 years later, here we are,” he said.

Actor Ketaki Narayan also shared her thoughts on joining the cast. “I was nervous at first—so many amazing people were involved. I gave my best during the audition, and thankfully, I was selected,” she said.

Pune Highway was previously screened at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.