Haryanvi cinema has been steadily building its identity, and Licence arrives as one of the most anticipated releases of 2026 in the North Indian regional circuit. Starring the powerhouse Masoom Sharma alongside Rakhi Lohchab and a stellar supporting cast, this crime drama promises emotional depth, rooted storytelling, and high-octane entertainment. Released on 24 April 2026, the film has already ignited strong buzz across single-screen theatres in Haryana and surrounding regions. If you are wondering whether Licence lives up to the hype — the short answer is a resounding yes.
Licence is a compelling, emotionally charged Haryanvi crime drama anchored by an outstanding lead performance from Masoom Sharma. With strong dramatic twists, rooted storytelling, and an impactful final act, this is a must-watch for fans of regional cinema. A confident, crowd-pleasing film that delivers exactly what its audience wants.
Genre: Crime Drama
Age Rating: U/A
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
Release Date: 24 April 2026
Director: Ranjeet Chauhan
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Masoom Sharma |
| Lead Actress | Rakhi Lohchab |
| Supporting Actor | Yashpal Sharma |
| Special Appearance | Sapna Choudhary |
| Supporting Artist | KD Desi Rock |
| Music Director | Masoom Sharma |
| Producer | Shakuntalam Film Production |
Plot Summary
Licence follows Satta (also known as Anoop), a humble fruit vendor caught in the web of bureaucratic apathy and social discrimination. Denied a gun licence simply because of his low social standing, he devises a bold plan — staging a fake attack with the help of close friends to justify his need for protection. What begins as a calculated scheme gradually unravels into a deeply personal investigation, exposing a darker, emotionally layered motive rooted in his past. The story builds steadily through emotional highs, dramatic confrontations, and unexpected revelations that keep audiences invested throughout.
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Performances
Masoom Sharma delivers what is arguably one of the finest performances in recent Haryanvi cinema. He brings natural charisma and raw emotional range to every scene — from quiet, vulnerable moments to intense dramatic peaks. His dual role as the film’s lead actor and music composer adds another layer of personal investment to the project.
Rakhi Lohchab holds her own admirably, going well beyond a decorative role to provide meaningful emotional grounding to the narrative. Her character functions as a genuine anchor to the story’s emotional core.
The supporting cast is exceptional. Yashpal Sharma steals several scenes and delivers a performance that will linger in memory long after the credits roll. Sapna Choudhary and KD Desi Rock round out the ensemble with energy and authenticity, elevating the film’s entertainment quotient considerably.
Technical Craft
Direction: Ranjeet Chauhan shows a clear understanding of his audience. His direction is purposeful, grounded, and accessible — prioritising strong local flavour and emotional authenticity over flashy experimentation. The first half is particularly well-paced and engaging.
Music & Background Score: Composed by Masoom Sharma himself, the music carries the signature Haryanvi pulse that audiences love. While not every song is a guaranteed chartbuster, the background score does excellent work — particularly during the film’s suspense-driven and emotional sequences, where it amplifies the impact significantly in a theatrical setting.
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Cinematography: Visually appealing and well-composed, the cinematography gives the film a sense of scale that punches above its regional budget. The frames are clean, the lighting is effective, and the production design feels authentically rooted without looking low-budget.
Editing: Competent overall, though some trims in the second half and pre-climax sections would have tightened the experience further.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Masoom Sharma’s commanding and emotionally nuanced lead performance
- Strong first half with a compelling setup and gripping interval block
- Excellent supporting work, especially from Yashpal Sharma
- Rooted Haryanvi identity with strong local connect
- Emotionally satisfying final act and impactful climax
- Effective background score enhancing the theatrical experience
Weaknesses
- Second half pacing dips slightly in places
- Some scenes in the middle portions could have been trimmed
- Certain plot twists follow predictable patterns
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — 5 / 5
Licence is a triumphant showcase of what Haryanvi cinema can achieve when talent, story, and emotional authenticity align. Masoom Sharma delivers a career-best performance, Director Ranjeet Chauhan crafts a film that speaks directly to its audience, and the ensemble cast ensures there is never a dull moment. The minor pacing hiccups in the second half are easily forgiven when the film’s emotional payoff lands so strongly. This is a film that deserves to be seen on the big screen — and one that will be talked about for a long time in the regional circuit.
Watch if you: Love rooted Haryanvi cinema, enjoy crime dramas with emotional depth, or are a fan of Masoom Sharma.
What is the age rating of Licence?
Licence carries a U/A certification, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance recommended for younger children.
Can we watch Licence with kids?
Yes, Licence is largely family-friendly.
Is Licence based on a true story?
No, Licence is not based on a true story.
