Table of Contents
Introduction
Rahu Ketu is a 2026 Hindi-language fantasy comedy written and directed by Vipul Vig, best known for scripting the Fukrey franchise. The film reunites Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma and pairs them with Shalini Pandey, backed by Zee Studios and BLive Productions. It released in Indian cinemas on 16 January 2026.
The movie arrived in a busy mid-January window alongside other comedy and action titles, and early box office numbers show a modest opening, with day‑one India net collections hovering around ₹1 crore.
Critically, Rahu Ketu has drawn mixed-to-negative reviews, with most critics praising the core idea and the Pulkit–Varun chemistry but questioning the writing, length and tonal balance.
At the same time, there is strong audience curiosity around OTT availability, especially given Zee Studios' history of sending titles to ZEE5. As of 18 January 2026, however, no major platform has officially announced a digital premiere for the film.
Key Details About Rahu Ketu (2026)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Rahu Ketu |
| Year | 2026 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Fantasy comedy / Mythological social drama |
| Director & Writer | Vipul Vig |
| Producers | Umesh Kumar Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Suraj Singh, Varsha Kukreja |
| Banner | Zee Studios & BLive Productions |
| Theatrical Release (India) | 16 January 2026 |
| Runtime | About 137–139 minutes (BBFC lists 136m 51s) |
| Varun Sharma | Rahu |
| Pulkit Samrat | Ketu |
| Shalini Pandey | Meenu Taxi |
| Piyush Mishra | Foofaji / Narrator |
| Chunky Panday | Mordechai |
| Supporting Cast | Manu Rishi Chadda, Amit Sial, Sumit Gulati |
Story, Genre and Mythological Twist (Spoiler‑Lite)
At its core, Rahu Ketu movie 2026 is built on a high-concept idea:
A reclusive writer Churu Lal Sharma owns a magical notebook. Whatever he writes in it comes to life. His creations, Rahu and Ketu, are unlucky, bumbling "agents of karma" who are supposed to fight corruption in Himachal Pradesh – but mostly spread chaos instead.
Things go off the rails when Meenu Taxi, an ambitious young woman involved with a drug mafia, steals the notebook. Rahu and Ketu are forced out of their fictional comfort zone into the "real world", where they must:
- retrieve the notebook
- confront a narcotics network
- and figure out who they really are now that they know they are written characters.
The film mixes:
- Mythology & astrology: names and references drawn from the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, and ideas of "bad luck", dasha and disha.
- Buddy comedy: the Pulkit–Varun dynamic is framed as the main emotional hook.
- Social drama: a corruption-and-drugs backdrop in Himachal Pradesh.
The tone aims for "cosmic caper" rather than religious sermon: the marketing and interviews repeatedly position it as a playful, irreverent story that uses myth as a storytelling device, not as a devotional film.
How Critics Are Reacting So Far
Looking across early reviews, we can already see a clear pattern emerging for Rahu Ketu (2026).
Where Critics Broadly Agree
From India Today and Hindustan Times to Moneycontrol and several online portals, most reviewers converge on these points:
- Concept is clever on paper. A magical notebook, mythological "agents of karma", and a corruption clean-up drive in Himachal give the film a strong base.
- Execution feels noisy and overstuffed. Reviews repeatedly mention that too many tracks run together—drug mafia, social commentary, romance, buddy comedy—without a tight spine.
- Length is a problem. At around 2 hours 20 minutes, the film is widely described as overlong, especially in the second half.
- Pulkit–Varun chemistry works in parts. Most critics say the familiar banter gives intermittent laughs, even when the situations around them don't fully land.
Range of Ratings
Different outlets have pegged the film at various points, but the band is narrow:
- Times of India: 3/5 – calls it "refreshingly different" and praises the bromance and attempt to do something offbeat within the comedy space.
- India Today: 2/5 – labels it a "mythological misfire" that forgets its own story.
- Hindustan Times: 2/5 – says there is "too much noise, too few laughs", and a stretched second half.
- Moneycontrol: 2/5 – describes it as an assault on the senses that never finds clear direction.
- Other critics (Rediff, Filmfare, Firstpost, Scroll, Hollywood Reporter India) mostly sit between 1 and 2.5 stars, echoing the same mix of praise for ambition and criticism of execution.
What This Means for Indian Viewers
From this pattern, we can say:
- If you enjoy loud, chaotic comedies and are a fan of the Fukrey duo, you may still find moments to enjoy.
- If you are looking for tight writing, focused mythology or strong satire, current reviews suggest the film may not fully satisfy.
Box Office Report: Where the Film Stands After Opening
We are only two days past release, so the numbers are early—but they already give a sense of trajectory.
Opening Day
Trade estimates and box office trackers broadly place day‑one India net for Rahu Ketu at around ₹0.9–1.0 crore, with some sources going up to ₹1.25 crore worldwide gross.
Against a reported budget of ₹20–25 crore, that is considered a soft start, especially for a film fronted by a popular comedy pairing and backed by a major studio.
Day‑Two Trend
Day‑two estimates suggest a 60% jump on Saturday, with collections around ₹1.6 crore, taking the two‑day India net to roughly ₹2.6 crore.
This indicates:
- Word of mouth is not disastrous—there is some family and youth footfall coming in.
- But the film still needs very strong Sunday and weekday holds to look healthy.
Competition and Positioning
At the box office, Rahu Ketu is sharing space with:
- Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, another quirky comedy backed by Aamir Khan.
- Holdover hit Dhurandhar, which, surprisingly, is still outperforming both new comedies in many centres.
In this context, Rahu Ketu is positioned as:
- A mid-budget, content-driven title
- Relying heavily on weekend family audiences and the goodwill of the Fukrey brand
For now, trade analysts describe the opening as below expectations, but not a washout.
CBFC Cuts, Certification and Runtime
Before release, Rahu Ketu went through scrutiny at both CBFC in India and the BBFC in the UK.
- The CBFC reportedly asked the makers to:
- mute a scream that was originally lifted from Kantara
- replace a middle‑finger gesture with a pinky‑finger shot for appropriateness in a comedy aimed at family audiences.
- The BBFC classified the film for cinema with warnings for drug misuse, moderate violence, injury detail, threat and language, and a runtime of around 136m 51s.
In India, the film carries a U/A certificate and is being marketed as a family-leaning fantasy comedy, though the drug‑trade subplot suggests parental discretion for younger children.
Production & Marketing Timeline – From Announcement to Release
From the available records, the journey of Rahu Ketu movie 2026 looks like this:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 April 2025 | Zee Studios announces the film and kicks off principal photography. |
| 18 July 2025 | Pulkit Samrat reveals that shooting has wrapped, sharing BTS stills. |
| 17 November 2025 | Multiple outlets publish the release-date announcement: Rahu Ketu to hit cinemas on 16 January 2026, with a motion poster and the catchy "Papi" hook introducing the tone. |
| 20 November 2025 | Official teaser drops, positioned as a "cosmic comedy chaos" piece. |
| 22 November 2025 | PeepingMoon calls it "Comedy meets cosmic mayhem," emphasising its folklore and social satire mix. |
| 22 December 2025 | Song "Kismat Ki Chaabi" is launched in Bhopal by Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, tied to the state's Nasha Mukti Abhiyan. |
| 6 January 2026 | Mint and OTTPlay run explainers on the film's genre, cast and January 16 theatrical release. |
| 14 January 2026 | Pulkit Samrat posts a BTS video showing his bo‑staff training, boosting action‑comedy credentials. |
| 16 January 2026 | Film premieres in cinemas across India; NDTV lists it among the week's major theatrical releases. |
The promotional pitch has consistently stressed "myth meets modernity" and the idea that this is not just slapstick but a layered story with social commentary. Piyush Mishra has even urged audiences not to watch it "only for comedy," calling it a "mythological thriller" with romance, mystery and stunt work.
OTT Release Status: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
If you are waiting to watch Rahu Ketu (2026) at home, the key point to understand as of 18 January 2026 is this:
No major OTT platform has officially announced a streaming or digital‑premiere date yet.
Here's what you should note:
- All credible Indian entertainment and trade portals currently describe Rahu Ketu as a theatrical release only, with the focus firmly on cinemas from 16 January 2026.
- International availability trackers like JustWatch list the movie as "in theatres now" and explicitly state that they could not yet find any streaming offer, even in markets like the US where digital windows sometimes open earlier.
Because Zee Studios is the producer and distributor, it is logical to expect that ZEE5 will eventually be the digital home in India. However:
- There is no official ZEE5 announcement, banner or pre‑launch listing for Rahu Ketu at the time of writing.
- Any specific OTT date you see in random social media posts or unverified blogs should be treated as speculation, not confirmation.
If you follow film news through YouTube channels or portals – including regional and digital brands such as Bappam Tv – the safest practice is to cross‑check inside the OTT app (ZEE5, Netflix, Prime Video, JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar) before assuming that a "world digital premiere" date is final.
Platform Strategy & Pan‑India Impact (Industry View)
From an industry perspective, we can see why Zee Studios chose this path for Rahu Ketu movie 2026.
Theatrical-First in a Crowded January
We are in a January frame loaded with:
- legacy franchises,
- star‑driven actioners, and
- multiple comedies battling for urban multiplex audiences.
By going theatrical-first on 16 January:
- the studio signals confidence in the big-screen appeal of Pulkit–Varun's pairing, especially in north and central India;
- it also leaves room for downstream monetisation via satellite and OTT, which is crucial for mid‑budget titles.
Why This Matters for Pan‑India Reach
We've seen in recent years that:
- Mythology‑driven content can travel across regions if the humour and emotion feel universal.
- At the same time, overtly local, noisy comedies sometimes struggle beyond the Hindi belt.
Rahu Ketu tries to sit in the middle: a Himachal-based story with pan‑Indian mythological symbols and a studio that has reach across languages via dubbing and satellite. If the film builds even a modest cult following over time, dubbed versions and OTT discovery could extend its life far beyond the initial box office run.
For coverage-driven outlets and channels (including digital brands like Bappam Tv that specialise in summarising movie and OTT updates for a Hindi-speaking audience), this staggered life cycle—from cinemas to TV and OTT—will keep the title relevant for months, even if its theatrical numbers remain modest.
How Rahu Ketu Fits Into India's Mythological-Comedy Wave
I see Rahu Ketu as part of a broader trend where Hindi cinema is trying to talk about faith, fate and morality without making "religious films" in the traditional sense.
Over the past decade, we've had titles like OMG, PK, Tanu Weds Manu Returns (with astrological elements), and several smaller OTT movies that treat astrology, rituals and deities as narrative tools rather than sermon points. Rahu Ketu pushes that even further by:
- turning Rahu and Ketu into fallible, comic protagonists,
- embedding them in a drug-and-corruption plot, and
- using humour to question what "divine justice" even means in a messy democracy.
In theory, that is a bold, contemporary direction. Where I think the film—judging by critical consensus—stumbles is in discipline:
- the script does not fully commit to either sharp satire or pure slapstick;
- tonal switches from myth to masala to morality feel abrupt;
- and at 2+ hours, the film apparently exhausts its own central joke.
Still, as an experiment inside mainstream Bollywood comedy, it tells us that studios are willing to risk high-concept, mythology-infused narratives, even when the result is uneven.
What You Should Keep in Mind Before Watching
If you are considering a cinema visit or planning to wait for OTT, here are some practical points:
- Set expectations right.
Go in for:- a loud, colourful, chaotic fantasy comedy,
- focused more on gags and situations than on a tight, logical plot.
- Age & family viewing.
The film is U/A, but it contains:- a drug-mafia backdrop,
- moderate violence and threat,
- and frequent noisy chaos.
- Religious sensitivity.
Even though the names come from Hindu astrology, the tone is irreverent, comic and metaphorical, not devotional. If you prefer strictly reverential portrayals, you may find the film's style a bit too casual. - Value for theatrical ticket.
With early reviews calling it mixed and the runtime on the longer side, you might want to:- choose discount days or
- wait for clearer word-of-mouth from friends whose taste matches yours.
- OTT patience may pay off.
Given Zee Studios' pattern, there is a high chance the movie will land on ZEE5 or a related platform later in 2026—even though no date is announced today. If you are price-sensitive, waiting for streaming could make more sense.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is Rahu Ketu movie 2026 about?
It is a fantasy-comedy where a writer's magical notebook brings two unlucky characters, Rahu and Ketu, to life. When a young woman tied to a drug mafia steals the notebook, the duo must retrieve it and confront corruption in Himachal Pradesh while discovering their true identity.
Is Rahu Ketu a sequel to Fukrey?
No. Rahu Ketu is an original story, not a sequel or spin‑off. It simply reunites the Fukrey actors Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma in new roles, under the direction of Fukrey writer Vipul Vig.
Who directed and produced the film?
The movie is written and directed by Vipul Vig and produced by Zee Studios and BLive Productions, with Umesh Kumar Bansal, Pragati Deshmukh, Suraj Singh and Varsha Kukreja serving as producers.
What is the runtime and certificate?
Rahu Ketu runs for roughly 2 hours 17–19 minutes and carries a U/A certificate in India, with overseas classification bodies mentioning drug misuse, moderate violence and threat as key advisories.
Is Rahu Ketu on any OTT platform right now?
As of 18 January 2026, there is no official OTT streaming release. Trade sites, NDTV's weekly release roundup and OTTPlay all list it as a theatrical release, and trackers like JustWatch show no streaming offers yet.
When is Rahu Ketu expected on OTT?
The producers have not announced a digital premiere date or platform. Because Zee Studios is behind the film, industry watchers expect an eventual debut on ZEE5 or partner services, but any specific date floating online today is speculative.
What is the box office collection so far?
Early estimates indicate: Day 1 India net: around ₹0.9–1.0 crore. Day 2: about ₹1.6 crore, taking the two‑day India net to roughly ₹2.6 crore. These are approximate figures and may be updated as official numbers arrive.
What are critics saying in one line?
Most critics say great idea, patchy execution—with the Pulkit–Varun pairing and occasional laughs working, but the writing, length and tonal shifts holding the film back.
Conclusion & What to Expect Next
Looking at the first 48 hours, we can say that Rahu Ketu movie 2026 has landed as a curious mid-tier experiment in Bollywood's comedy space:
- It offers a distinctive premise that mixes mythology, social commentary and buddy humour.
- It is held back by overwriting, loudness and length, according to most critics.
- At the box office, it has started below expectations, but not so low that a strong weekend and word-of-mouth bump are impossible.
In the coming weeks, we expect three things to decide the film's long-term impact:
- Weekend and Republic Day footfalls.
If family and youth audiences respond positively to the Pulkit–Varun chemistry, the film could stabilise at modest levels despite mixed reviews. - Satellite and OTT deals.
A timely arrival on a mass platform—most likely within the Zee ecosystem—could give Rahu Ketu a second life, especially in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 markets where comedy performs well on TV and streaming. - Conversation around mythological comedies.
Whether audiences embrace or reject this style will influence how many similar "cosmic caper" scripts get greenlit next.
News and entertainment outlets, from national portals to regional digital brands like Bappam Tv, will likely keep tracking its box office curve and eventual OTT landing. For now, Indian viewers essentially have a cinema-only option and a clear picture of what they are walking into: an ambitious, noisy, uneven but undeniably different entry in the 2026 Bollywood line‑up.
