Hyderabad: On the occasion of Pan-India superstar Prabhas‘s 46th birthday (October 23), the official title of his highly anticipated new film has been announced. Directed by ‘Sita Ramam’ fame Hanu Raghavapudi, the film is titled ‘Fauzi’. This announcement also puts an end to speculation about the film’s lead actress. Newcomer Imanvi will be making her film debut opposite Prabhas in this period-action drama.
Who is Imanvi (Iman Esmail)?
Imanvi, whose full name is Iman Esmail, is a dancer, choreographer, and social media influencer. She is primarily starting her career in Telugu cinema. Imanvi gained widespread recognition after her “Tum-Tum” dance reel went viral on social media, turning her into an overnight sensation.
Her talent and screen presence caught the attention of ‘Sita Ramam’ director Hanu Raghavapudi, who signed her for this major film.
Caught in Controversy
Soon after Imanvi’s name was associated with ‘Fauzi’, a significant controversy erupted. Some users on social media claimed that Imanvi was of Pakistani origin and that her father was an officer in the Pakistani army. These claims led to calls for boycotting the film.
Imanvi Issued a Clarification
However, Imanvi strongly refuted all these allegations. She released an official statement clarifying that she is a “proud Indian-American.”
Imanvi stated that she was born in Los Angeles, California, and that her parents are U.S. citizens. She clarified that no member of her family has ever been associated with the Pakistani army and that all such rumors were “fabricated with the sole purpose of spreading hate.”
Other Details About ‘Fauzi’
The film is being produced under the prestigious banner ‘Mythri Movie Makers’ and is directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. It is a period action drama set against the backdrop of British-India in the 1940s. Prabhas plays a soldier. The film’s tagline reads, “The bravest tale of a soldier from the hidden chapters of our history.”
Besides Prabhas and Imanvi, veteran actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, and Jaya Prada will also be seen in important roles. The film’s music is being composed by Vishal Chandrasekhar, who also delivered the acclaimed soundtrack for ‘Sita Ramam’.
The film is currently in production and is reportedly being planned for an August 2026 release, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend.
Also Read | Prabhas Turns 46: ‘Fauji’ First Look Unveiled as Birthday Gift to Fans
