When does heartbreak end and responsibility begin? Pooja Meri Jaan asks this uncomfortable question and builds a bold, thought-provoking Hindi courtroom drama around it. Directed by Navjot Gulati and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, the film stars Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, with Vijay Raaz and Vikram Singh Chauhan in key roles. It released on 2 October 2026 on ZEE5. This review covers the story, performances, technical aspects, strengths and weaknesses, and our final verdict.
Pooja Meri Jaan is a timely, conversation-starting drama that treats rejection as a personal choice and not an insult. Set in Delhi, it follows Pooja, who is arrested and blamed after a friend’s tragic death and a accusatory voice note. The film moves between past and present in a brisk 117 minutes, keeping you guessing about what really happened. Mrunal Thakur leads with a restrained, powerful performance, backed by Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz and Vikram Singh Chauhan. If you enjoy courtroom dramas like Pink that leave you with plenty to debate, this one is worth your time.
Pooja Meri Jaan Cast and Crew
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Pooja Meri Jaan |
| Director | Navjot Gulati |
| Co-director | Vipasha Arvind |
| Writers | Kanishka, Navjot Gulati |
| Additional screenplay and dialogues | Niren Bhatt |
| Producers | Dinesh Vijan, Amar Kaushik |
| Production house | Maddock Films |
| Music | Vishal Mishra |
| Editor | Sanyukta Kaza |
| Cinematographer | Not confirmed in available sources |
| Lead cast | Mrunal Thakur (Pooja), Huma Qureshi (Sana), Vijay Raaz (Jatin), Vikram Singh Chauhan (Aniket) |
| Genre | Thriller, Drama |
| Language | Hindi |
| Runtime | 1 hr 57 mins |
| Certificate | A |
| Release date | 2 October 2026 |
| Platform | ZEE5 |
Plot Summary
Pooja Dogra (Mrunal Thakur) lives in Delhi and privately turns down the romantic advances of her close friend Aniket (Vikram Singh Chauhan), who had proposed to her publicly. After an argument, she asks him to leave her alone and walks away. When Aniket later dies by suicide and leaves behind a voice note blaming her, Pooja is arrested and accused of pushing him to it.
Her friend Sana (Huma Qureshi), a corporate lawyer, takes up her case. She fights not only the law but also public prejudice and a narrative that has already declared Pooja guilty. Opposing her is Jatin (Vijay Raaz), who firmly believes Pooja’s actions contributed to Aniket’s death. As the story moves between past and present, new layers of the relationship emerge, and the audience is left asking whether Pooja is a victim of circumstance or is being held responsible for someone else’s decision.
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Performances
Mrunal Thakur as Pooja: Mrunal is the heart and anchor of the film. She plays Pooja with restraint and conviction, capturing fear, confusion, anger and vulnerability while keeping the character intriguingly ambiguous. It is a mature, compelling performance that makes you root for Pooja while still questioning her.
Huma Qureshi as Sana: Huma brings dependable strength and warmth to Sana. She carries the courtroom scenes with poise and gives the film a steady moral compass as a lawyer fighting against public judgment.
Vijay Raaz as Jatin: Vijay Raaz is a delight as the opposing counsel. His commanding screen presence and firm conviction give the courtroom confrontations their edge and make Jatin a worthy adversary.
Vikram Singh Chauhan as Aniket: Vikram brings sincerity to Aniket and handles a difficult, emotionally charged role with care. His earnest portrayal gives the film’s central tragedy real emotional weight.
Also Read: Meesaya Murukku 2 (2026) Movie Review: Hiphop Adhi Delivers a Powerful Gaana Tribute
Technical Analysis
Direction
Navjot Gulati tackles rejection, obsession and social judgment from a fresh, less conventional angle. The film is brisk, the shifts between past and present flow well, and the writing is bold enough to raise an important point: accountability should be decided by right and wrong, not by gender.
Cinematography
The Delhi setting gives the story a grounded, real-world backdrop that suits its social themes. (Cinematographer credit could not be confirmed from available sources, so none is named here.)
Music/Score
Music is credited to Vishal Mishra. The score supports the tense, emotional tone of the story without overpowering the drama.
Editing
At 117 minutes, the film is tightly paced. Sanyukta Kaza’s editing keeps the back-and-forth between past and present clear and engaging, so the mystery stays alive throughout.
Also Read: Meesaya Murukku 2 (2026) Movie Review: Hiphop Adhi Delivers a Powerful Gaana Tribute
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- A bold, relevant premise that sparks real conversation about rejection, consent and responsibility
- Mrunal Thakur’s restrained, powerful lead performance
- Strong support from Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz and Vikram Singh Chauhan
- Brisk 117-minute runtime with effective past-present storytelling
- Raises an important point about accountability beyond gender
Weaknesses
- The courtroom battle could have used more escalation and sharper cross-examinations
- Aniket’s obsession could have been explored in greater psychological depth
- Sana’s quick shift from corporate lawyer to criminal case feels a little convenient
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars
Pooja Meri Jaan may not deliver a Pink-style courtroom punch, but it gives you plenty to debate. Led by a superb Mrunal Thakur and supported by a talented ensemble, it is a relevant, thought-provoking drama that tackles a topic few films dare to touch. It is worth watching for its courage, its performances and the conversations it will start long after the credits roll.
What is the age rating of Pooja Meri Jaan?
The film has an A (adults only) certificate.
Is Pooja Meri Jaan suitable for children and family viewing?
No. It deals with mature themes such as obsession, suicide and public shaming, and carries an A certificate, so it is best suited to adult audiences.
Is Pooja Meri Jaan based on a true story?
No source we found describes it as based on a true story. It is presented as a fictional drama exploring real social issues.
