Sources familiar with the latest Bollywood developments have revealed a fascinating twist in Vishal Bhardwaj’s cinematic ventures. After a period of anticipation and speculation about his next project, it has come to light that Bhardwaj is reimagining his previously conceived script, Sapna Didi, with a complete overhaul in narrative perspective. This new version of the tale will place actor Kartik Aaryan at the helm, delving into the world of crime from the eyes of a male gangster.
Initially conceptualized as a film that would star the powerhouse duo of the late Irrfan Khan and Deepika Padukone, the project was based on a chapter from S Hussain Zaidi’s revered book, “Mafia Queens of Mumbai.” The original adaptation was intended to spotlight the character of Ashraf Khan, also known as Sapna Didi, showcasing her resolve to dismantle the operations of notorious underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim with the support of her associate, Hussain Ustara. As the universe would have it, life’s unpredictability brought the project to a standstill when Irrfan, slated to portray Hussain Ustara, received a cancer diagnosis.
The current iteration is set to offer a fresh take, focusing primarily on the male protagonist’s understanding and involvement in the narrative. According to a source close to the project, “Vishal and Kartik are aligning their creative forces to work on the story of Sapna Didi. What’s significant about this venture is that the story will shift its center from Sapna Didi to Hussain Ustara, providing a flip to the perspective audiences were originally expecting.”
The film’s script reportedly now stands complete, after going through what one can only imagine as meticulous reworking to fit the new vision. Production house Sajid Nadiadwala is backing this ambitious iteration, which is poised to embark on its filming journey sometime between September and October, contingent upon the finalization of the cast, particularly the pivotal female lead role.
Kartik Aaryan’s association with this project adds a tantalizing dimension to his already rising trajectory in the Indian film industry. Known for his charm and versatility across genres, his foray into a story with such grit and depth is an endeavor that fans and cinema enthusiasts alike are keen to witness.
Visceral tales of the underworld have frequently captured the imaginations of filmmakers and audiences worldwide, and Bhardwaj’s craftsmanship in storytelling promises an engagement with this genre that is nothing short of compelling. His reputation for weaving intricate narratives that blur the lines between black and white, adorned with hauntingly beautiful music often composed by himself makes the announcement of this collaboration with Kartik Aaryan all the more exciting.
As for the narrative shift, it’s an interesting deviation, given that stories of female gangsters have a rarity that often comes with a guaranteed intrigue. However, situating the narrative within the experiences of Hussain Ustara could provide a reflective mirror to the existing lore of underworld cinema. It invites a reconsideration of familiar tropes, and champions the opportunity to delve deeper into the psychology of characters who navigate this dangerous and morally ambiguous world.
The entertainment industry and its followers wait with bated breath for more details to emerge. The very announcement promises shifts in the cinematic landscape and propels Vishal Bhardwaj’s project to a spotlight fraught with expectation and curiosity. What shapes the final product will take and whom it will introduce or reintroduce to the silver screen remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the story of Sapna Didi and Hussain Ustara, as reframed by Bhardwaj and Aaryan, seeks to captivate and perhaps, redefine the contours of the thriller genre in Bollywood.
