Suman Maitra’s upcoming film explores love, memory and missed timing through a reunion in the hills

Suman Maitra’s upcoming film Zariyaa 2 returns to the emotional world of its predecessor, tracing a story of love that lingers beyond separation. Set seven years after their relationship ended, the film follows former partners Rishav and Shreyasini as they unexpectedly reunite in Darjeeling, spending two days navigating memories, unresolved emotions, and the quiet weight of what was left unsaid.

Against the misty backdrop of the hills, the narrative unfolds through conversations, shared silences, and fleeting moments of intimacy. Rather than relying on dramatic conflict, the film adopts a restrained, introspective tone, focusing on how time reshapes relationships and alters perspective. The setting plays a crucial role, with the mountains becoming an extension of the characters’ emotional landscape, at once distant, still, and deeply evocative.

Director Suman Maitra describes the film as an evolution of the original’s central theme. “Zariyaa was always rooted in love, and with Zariyaa 2, we’ve tried to deepen that journey. This film is not just a continuation—it’s an exploration of how love evolves, how it is remembered, and how it is celebrated in everyday life. It looks at relationships through a more mature lens, where emotions are layered with time, distance, and perspective,” he says.

He adds that the choice of Darjeeling was integral to the storytelling. “The mist, the stillness, the chill in the air—all of it becomes part of the emotional landscape. The environment mirrors the characters’ inner worlds, where there is warmth, nostalgia, and also a quiet sense of longing.”

A key thread in the story is the sense of impermanence, Shreyasini’s impending return abroad frames the reunion within a limited window of time. As the two revisit their past, the narrative builds not toward reconciliation but toward acceptance, underscoring the idea that not all relationships find closure in conventional ways.

Reflecting on the making of the film, Maitra highlights the collaborative effort behind it. “At its heart, the story is about its characters, their connection, their silences, and the way they come together after years apart. The performances, the collaboration, and the teamwork behind the film have been incredibly special, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who brought this story to life.”

With its emphasis on nostalgia, emotional restraint, and fleeting connection, the film aligns with a growing wave of contemporary romantic narratives that move away from idealised endings. Instead, it offers a quieter meditation on love—one that acknowledges both its joy and its incompleteness.

Ultimately, the story presents a familiar yet resonant idea: that some relationships may remain unfinished, but their impact endures—shaping who we are, long after the moment has passed.