In a startling turn of events, it appears that the previously fruitful alliance between Karnesh Ssharma’s Clean Slate Filmz and the streaming behemoth Netflix has hit a rough patch. The production company, co-founded by Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and her brother Karnesh, has been known for its critically-acclaimed projects such as ‘Bulbul’, ‘Qala’, ‘Mai: A Mother’s Rage’, and ‘Kohrra’, all of which found a home on Netflix. Yet, two eagerly awaited titles, the biographical sports drama ‘Chakda Xpress’, based on the life of Indian women’s cricket stalwart Jhulan Goswami, and the thriller ‘Afghani Snow’, featuring Triptii Dimri and Vijay Varma, seem conspicuously absent from the platform’s 2024 roster.
Speculation is rife within industry circles that creative differences and budgetary frictions have caused a rift between Karnesh, the production house’s sole helmsman, and the streaming giant. It has reached an impasse where the Netflix link for ‘Chakda Xpress’ seems to have been disabled and the production of ‘Afghani Snow’ has come to an unanticipated standstill. Word on the street suggests that Karnesh may need to buy back these projects from Netflix to seek alternative avenues for their release.
While one chapter seems to be facing a potential close, another continues to build on its success. Ajay Devgn’s latest theatrical release ‘Shaitaan’, directed by Vikas Bahl, has received a rapturous response from theater-goers. Riding the wave of this success and looking ahead to his upcoming Eid release ‘Maidaan’, Devgn is already charting his next cinematic venture, ‘Maa’. This emotional thriller will see his wife, Kajol, taking the helm as the lead. The project is infused with talent as Saiwyn Quadras drafts the story and screenplay while Aamil Keeyan Khan crafts the dialogues. Vishal Furia, who directed ‘Chhorii’, directs this film, which has commenced its first shooting schedule in the city. With plans to then move production to Kolkata for a significant period, the aim is to complete filming by May, setting ‘Maa’ up as Kajol’s second release of the year, following ‘Sarzameen’, a Karan Johar production.
Another sensation of the silver screen, Kareena Kapoor Khan, is on the cusp of introducing her next movie ‘Crew’ after the successful debut of her OTT film ‘Jaane Jaan’. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, ‘Crew’ pairs her with the likes of Tabu and Kriti Sanon in a crime comedy that promises to satiate the cinematic tastes of her dedicated fanbase. Kapoor Khan has expressed her enthusiasm for the role and the film’s vibrant spirit, aspiring to be the fitting successor to ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and ‘Jaane Jaan’.
Lastly, another partnership is taking shape in the form of Shoojit Sircar’s untitled next, wherein the director collaborates with Abhishek Bachchan. Marking three years since his acclaimed ‘Sardar Udham’, Sircar’s focus pivots to an introspective slice-of-life narrative, which he assures will invite audiences on a remarkable journey, one that is bound to evoke smiles and warm hearts. Set for a 2024 release, this project is already generating a buzz with its promise of bringing everyday extraordinariness to the screen.
In all, while industry partnerships may fluctuate and evolve, the relentless pulse of Bollywood’s creativity shows no sign of slowing down. Anticipation continues to build for these varied narratives, from sports dramas to spine-chilling thrillers, and life-affirming stories, all queued to redefine entertainment benchmarks in the coming years.
