Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe has arrived in UAE cinemas with a simple proposition: put two ordinary, poorly prepared friends in an extraordinary situation and let the comedy follow.
The Hindi action-comedy, which opened theatrically on September 18, stars Kemmu alongside Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava and newcomer Vanshika Dhir. Kemmu has written and directed the film, following his 2024 directorial debut Madgaon Express. The film is currently listed by VOX Cinemas UAE, including venues in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
At the centre of Vibe are Hardik Sharma, played by Kemmu, and Bhagirath “Bugs” Bhargav, played by Shrivastava. The two friends are drawn into an intelligence operation that takes their otherwise ordinary lives into unfamiliar territory.
Preity Zinta plays Madam H, the figure who brings the unlikely pair into the mission. The cast also includes Dhir, Yashpal Sharma and Dinesh Lal Yadav. The film is backed by Amazon MGM Studios and produced by Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under Drongo Films.
Kemmu’s comedy-first approach
Rather than presenting Vibe as an attempt to redefine the spy or action-comedy genre, Kemmu has described a more personal starting point.
In an interview with Gulf News, he said the film grew partly from his affection for movies such as Dumb and Dumber, Superbad, This Is the End and 21 Jump Street. His stated objective was to explore a similar irreverent tone through an Indian story that could also connect with audiences beyond India.
That approach separates Vibe from the more serious espionage films that have become familiar in Indian cinema. Its central characters aren’t presented as polished agents. Instead, the humour comes from watching people with limited preparation attempt to deal with circumstances far beyond their normal lives.
Kemmu has also said he did not set out to claim that the film was unlike anything audiences had seen before. His emphasis was on how he wanted to tell the story and on making the kind of film he himself would enjoy watching.
A different side of Preity Zinta
For UAE audiences, Vibe also marks the return of Preity Zinta to the big screen in a prominent role.
Zinta plays Madam H, a character positioned differently from many of the romantic roles associated with her earlier Hindi-film career. Kemmu has explained that he specifically wanted to cast her in a role involving action, saying he had not previously seen her perform that kind of material.
The film also gives Sparsh Shrivastava a central role opposite Kemmu. Shrivastava, known for projects including Jamtara and Laapataa Ladies, plays Bugs, whose technical abilities become useful when the pair are caught up in the larger operation.
Dhir makes her feature-film debut as part of the principal cast. Kemmu told Gulf News that he had specifically wanted a newcomer for the character and was impressed by Dhir’s performance from the first day of filming.
Vibe is playing in UAE cinemas
The film has a direct theatrical presence in the UAE. VOX Cinemas currently lists Vibe at locations including BurJuman, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Shindagha and Wafi Mall, with showtimes varying by venue and day. The UAE listing identifies the film as Hindi and provides Arabic and English subtitles.
For UAE viewers, that makes the film a theatrical Hindi release rather than a title awaiting its streaming debut. The movie’s release date in India and its wider theatrical rollout was announced by Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year.
The film received an ‘A’ certificate from India’s Central Board of Film Certification before its Indian release, with reports saying the certification process required one profanity to be muted and an anti-drug disclaimer to be added. UAE cinema listings use a separate local classification.
What Kemmu wants audiences to take from it
For Kemmu, the appeal of Vibe appears to be less about making a statement about the future of Bollywood and more about restoring the uncomplicated pleasure of going to a cinema for a laugh.
Speaking to Gulf News, he recalled the communal experience of watching films in single-screen theatres, where audiences ate, laughed, whistled and reacted together. That theatrical experience was part of what he wanted to recreate through his new film.
The timing also places Vibe in a busy Hindi-film market. The movie opened on the same day as Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. Kemmu acknowledged the competitive element while also arguing that audiences can choose films according to what they want to watch.
Early reviews have generally focused on the film’s comedy, performances and unusual approach to the spy genre, while some critics have raised concerns about its pacing and second half. Those reactions underline what Vibe is attempting: a spy story where the comedy and chemistry between its central characters are as important as the mission itself.
For UAE moviegoers looking for a Hindi comedy with action, friendship and an intentionally unconventional pair of heroes, Vibe is currently on the big screen.
What is Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe about?
Vibe follows two ordinary friends, Hardik and Bugs, who become caught up in a high-stakes intelligence operation despite having no conventional preparation for it.
Who stars in Vibe?
The film stars Kunal Kemmu, Preity Zinta, Sparsh Shrivastava and Vanshika Dhir, among others.
When was Vibe released?
Vibe was released theatrically on September 18, 2026.
Is Vibe playing in UAE cinemas?
Yes. VOX Cinemas UAE currently lists Vibe at several UAE locations, including cinemas in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
Who directed Vibe?
Kunal Kemmu wrote and directed the film. It is his second directorial feature after Madgaon Express.
What genre is Vibe?
It is a Hindi action-comedy built around two unlikely friends who become involved in an intelligence mission.
What role does Preity Zinta play in Vibe?
Zinta plays Madam H, the character who brings Hardik and Bugs into the mission.
