Mumbai

Actor-turned-filmmaker Shaalien Malhotra has announced that his upcoming romantic comedy series “Seven and a Half Dates” will premiere on May 24, marking what the makers describe as India’s first musical web series.

Co-directed by Malhotra and actor Suyyash Rai, the eight-episode show will stream on the YouTube channel of Novice Records.

The series features actors Karan Wahi and Surbhi Jyoti in the lead roles and includes eight original songs woven into the narrative.

“Seven and a Half Dates” also marks Malhotra’s debut as both writer and director.

The story revolves around two completely different individuals who are accidentally matched together. What begins as an uncomfortable first date gradually develops into a deeper emotional connection, before misunderstandings, fear and timing begin to complicate their relationship.

Speaking about the project, Malhotra said that after spending many years as an actor, he wanted to explore storytelling from a different perspective.

“I’m a hopeless romantic at heart and wanted to create a story that feels honest and relatable,” he said.

The filmmaker added that working with Wahi, whom he has known for nearly two decades, along with Jyoti, made the journey especially memorable.

“More than friends, they truly brought these characters alive and took them beyond my imagination. This series is for everyone who has loved, is in love, or still believes in love,” he said.

Rai said the show emerged from a mutual desire to blend music and emotions with storytelling.

“Direction was never part of the plan initially, but storytelling became my passion because I wanted to express emotions through visuals and music in my own way,” he said.

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The series is presented by Novice Records and produced by Luck Films.