Bollywood enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Meena Kumari will need to wait a little longer to see the much-touted biopic based on her dramatic life. Initially expected to kick off in October, the directorial debut of celebrated couturier Manish Malhotra has now been pushed to early 2025, according to sources close to the project. The film will feature Kriti Sanon stepping into the shoes of the iconic actress, making this her first biopic in her decade-long career.
The delay of this highly awaited project isn’t entirely surprising. It had originally been slated to start production in October 2023, but was postponed by a year. Now, the latest update reveals yet another push, bringing the filming start date to early 2025. While no official reasons have been disclosed, insiders hint that the script is undergoing rigorous revisions. “The material will be vetted by multiple script doctors before it goes into filming,” said a source. “Manish Malhotra wants the script to be perfect, down to the last detail.”
This meticulous attention to detail, while causing delays, is expected to benefit the period drama in the long run. The additional time allows for more extensive pre-production work, especially in a project that aims to recreate the golden era of Hindi cinema. Costuming, one of the integral aspects of the film, requires considerable effort and time. “The recreation of costumes for one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors will take time. It’s not just a film; it’s a tribute to her entire era,” the source added.
The film, which currently remains untitled, promises to capture the many facets of Meena Kumari’s life and legacy. Dubbed as the ‘Tragedy Queen’ for her roles in deeply emotional films, Meena Kumari was a seminal figure in Indian cinema, contributing to several unforgettable films such as “Baiju Bawra” (1952), “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1962), and “Pakeezah” (1972). Her career was tragically cut short by her death in 1972, but her impact on the industry remains undiminished.
The project’s repeated delays have not deterred the enthusiasm surrounding it. On the contrary, industry insiders and fans alike believe that the postponed timeline might work in favor of the film, providing the team with ample time to ensure that the narrative is both historically accurate and emotionally compelling. “We’re talking about a legend here, someone who encapsulated the essence of Hindi cinema for decades.
. Manish Malhotra understands the weight of this responsibility. It’s a reasonable trade-off—time for quality,” noted a veteran film critic.
Kriti Sanon, who has seen a meteoric rise in her career, is also feeling the pressure and excitement that come with portraying such an iconic figure. This role, she acknowledges, is significantly different from anything she has undertaken so far. “Preparing for this role requires a deep dive into Meena Kumari’s life. I have to embody not just her look, but her emotional spectrum, her struggles, and her triumphs. It’s the kind of challenge every actor dreams of,” Sanon mentioned in a recent interview. “The delay gives us more time to get it right, and I’m all for that.”
The technical crew is similarly positive about the additional time granted by the postponement. From set designers tasked with recreating the bygone era to music directors aiming to evoke the melancholic yet soulful songs that characterized much of Kumari’s films, everyone seems to agree that the film’s complexity demands time. “This film is a labor of love. The more time we have, the better we can do justice to Meena Kumari’s extraordinary life,” said a team member.
Manish Malhotra, who has spent decades in the film industry as a fashion designer, is making his directorial debut with this project. He is well aware that transitioning from designing clothes to directing a film is no small feat. “It’s a steep learning curve, but one I’m excited about. Every delay is a learning opportunity, and I’m committed to making this film as perfect as it can be,” Malhotra stated. His venture into direction is being closely watched, not just for the narrative it promises, but also for how a veteran designer translates his vision onto the big screen.
As the buzz continues to build for the Meena Kumari biopic, the extended wait is shaping up to be a period of crucial preparation and refinement. The film’s new timeline aims to ensure that it becomes not just a cinematic experience, but also a heartfelt homage to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actresses. While fans must wait a bit longer, the promise of a meticulously crafted film offers ample reason for patience.
