Assam Takes Centre Stage as Dev Menaria Debuts with Action Drama Bihu Attack

For every actor, the journey to the big screen is fuelled by a singular dream; a powerful debut that not only introduces him to audiences but also defines his cinematic identity. For actor and producer Dev Menaria, that defining moment has arrived with BIHU ATTACK, an ambitious action-drama rooted in national interest, patriotism, and the vibrant cultural fabric of Assam.

Traditionally, Hindi cinema introduced its leading men through romantic dramas. However, the landscape of Indian cinema has evolved significantly, with audiences increasingly gravitating towards intense, high-stakes narratives centred on war, combat, and real-world conflicts. BIHU ATTACK marks Dev Menaria’s entry into this new-age cinematic space; not as a romantic hero, but as a commanding Indian Army officer, portrayed with grit, discipline, and emotional depth.

Set against the backdrop of Assam’s iconic Bihu festival, BIHU ATTACK weaves a gripping story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. The film follows an Army officer who, after a covert cross-border mission goes tragically wrong, is court-martialled and labelled a traitor. Stripped of his uniform and honour, he retreats into the forests of Assam, living among locals and dedicating himself to humanitarian causes. When intelligence agencies uncover a deadly terror plot aimed at disrupting the Bihu celebrations and assassinating a central leader, fate forces the fallen officer to confront his past and rise once again in service of the nation.

Dev Menaria essays the central role, delivering a performance that blends physical intensity with emotional restraint. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Arbaaz Khan as a senior Intelligence Bureau officer, Rahul Dev as the menacing antagonist, and Daisy Shah in a pivotal role. Directed by Suzad Iqbal Khan, the film aims to strike a balance between large-scale action and a culturally rooted narrative, showcasing Assam not merely as a setting, but as a living, breathing character within the story.

While BIHU ATTACK marks Dev Menaria’s debut as a leading man in mainstream cinema, his journey to this moment has been shaped by years of learning, experimentation, and persistence. Hailing from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Dev’s early exposure to performance came through school-level cultural programmes and stage shows. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to theatre, where he honed his craft before transitioning to Mumbai, the heart of India’s entertainment industry.

Rather than rushing into stardom, Dev immersed himself in understanding the mechanics of filmmaking, spending time on television and film sets to learn direction, production, and execution. This hands-on experience culminated in the establishment of Menaria Shanti Films Pvt. Ltd. in 2017, laying the foundation for his evolution as both actor and producer. BIHU ATTACK stands as the most ambitious project under his banner so far - a film that reflects scale, responsibility, and cinematic intent.

Speaking about his debut and the responsibility of portraying an Army officer, Dev Menaria, actor and producer of BIHU ATTACK, says, “An actor always waits for a debut that truly represents who he is and what he stands for. For me, BIHU ATTACK is not just my first big film — it is a story of honour, sacrifice, and national duty. Playing an Army officer demanded immense discipline, emotional control, and respect for protocol. As a producer too, it was important for me to present military operations with authenticity and dignity. This film has shaped me as an artist and as a filmmaker.”

Beyond its action-packed narrative, BIHU ATTACK also celebrates Assam’s rich cultural heritage, with Bihu serving as both an emotional and visual anchor. The film features a soulful track, ‘Ishq Sufiyana’, sung by Javed Ali and Roshani Pathak, adding a lyrical contrast to the film’s intense storyline.

Scheduled for a January 16, 2026 release, BIHU ATTACK positions Dev Menaria as a promising new face in India’s action and patriotic cinema space. With a compelling story, a powerful star cast, and a debut rooted in national consciousness rather than convention, the film signals the arrival of an actor who has chosen substance, scale, and sincerity for his first step into the spotlight.