Next, Please explores Love & Uncertainty in Modern Dating

In a world where dating is an endless loop of hope, excitement, and inevitable disappointment, Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts & Chaitanya Tamhane proudly present Next, Please, a unique take on modern relationships through the lens of virtual reality. Starring Jim Sarbh as an eccentric bar owner and Shreya Dhanwanthary as Arpita, the film transports audiences into a world where technology shapes romance, blurring the boundaries between authenticity and illusion.

Next, Please follows Arpita, a hardened cynic, as she takes a chance on love through a VR-powered dating experience. Choosing a speakeasy bar from prohibition-era Mumbai, she embarks on a conversation with Vinay, a man who shares her skepticism about romance; But when Arpita breaks the cardinal rule of the experience and removes her VR headset, she is confronted with an unsettling reality—one that challenges the connection she thought was real.

With its immersive cinematography and stunning production design, Next, Please offers a visually arresting portrayal of a world where technology heightens, yet complicates, human relationships. The film’s VR-based setting is intricately crafted, with each date location exuding a distinct mood—from the nostalgic charm of a 1950s dive bar to the uncertainty of an encounter where appearances can be deceiving.

The film also features the first original song by Madan Mohan to release on screens in over two decades. ‘Kadamon Mein Tere Ae Sanam,’ vocalised by Mohammed Rafi, was originally composed in 1960 for a shelved film.

Speaking about his role, Jim Sarbh shared, “The idea of love through VR is not just fascinating, it’s a bit unsettling too. It speaks to how technology has started to shape our most intimate connections, often blurring the line between what’s real and what’s not. What drew me in was the concept of a VR dating bar—it’s like old-school romance in a new, unpredictable form. It’s raw, messy, and real in ways we don’t often expect from technology. I’m excited for the audience to experience this fresh take on love.”

Rishav Kapoor, the director of the movie elaborated on the themes of the film, saying, “Modern love has been corrupted by modern conveniences. I’ve always been fascinated by authenticity—how love challenges us to be our truest selves. With social media and virtual reality in the mix, it’s harder than ever to be real. ‘Next, Please’ explore the blurred lines between reality and virtual reality, as two people who pride themselves on being 'real' struggle to find love in a world where they connect  in a world where authenticity is elusive.”

Chaitanya Tamhane, writer and producer of ‘Next, Please’, commented “In an era where virtual experiences blur the lines of human connection, ‘Next, Please’ explores the evolution of modern romance. Is technology bringing us closer, or are we losing ourselves in digital illusions? This story challenges us to rethink love, intimacy, and what it truly means to be present in reality.”

Speaking about her the movie Actress Shreya Dhanwanthary “Dating anyway right now is kinda hard. And the way it is going and the way technology is speeding up, it is so surreal to see the way that we as a race are finding ourselves quite ill equipped to match with the strides that technology is making.”

As Next, Please continues to captivate audiences, it raises profound questions about vulnerability, connection, and the authenticity of relationships in an increasingly digital world. With its sharp writing, engaging performances, and evocative direction, the film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever experienced the highs and lows of dating.