Kunal Deshmukh is an Indian film director who made his debut with 'Jannat' in 2008, starring actor Emraan Hashmi. After finishing his schooling at Arya Vidya Mandir, Bandra, Mumbai and junior college at Jai Hind, Church Gate, he took up an advertising course at H.R. College. He later went to the US for a short diploma course on filmmaking. He met Mohit Suri through a common friend Sahil in Goa, who suggested that he join him in his next film, 'Zeher'.

Kunal started his career as an assistant director in 'Zeher' (2005), 'Kalyug' and 'Woh Lamhe' (2006), under director Mohit Suri and the Vishesh Films banner of Mahesh Bhatt, thereafter in October 2006, he quit work for a while, to work on a script, which the banner produced and 'Jannat' was released in 2008.