In an unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated Bollywood romantic thriller “Sanki,” starring Ahan Shetty and Pooja Hegde, is facing troubling delays. The film, initially announced in March by Sagid Nadiadwala, was expected to hit the screens on Valentine’s weekend in 2025. Directed by the duo Adnan Shaikh and Yasir Jah, the movie’s production was supposed to begin last month. However, unforeseen postponements are now casting doubts on this schedule.
Speculations abound regarding the reasons behind the delay. Sources close to the production reveal that Sajid Nadiadwala himself might be reconsidering the project’s future. The most significant concern appears to be the escalating costs associated with the lead actor Ahan Shetty’s entourage. This entourage, consisting of a driver, spotboy, stylist, hair and make-up artist, trainer, and chef, places a hefty financial burden on the production house.
While Sajid has successfully negotiated deals for the digital rights of his films, he feels that the expenses incurred by Ahan’s extensive staff are unreasonable, especially since Ahan’s debut film “Tadap” (2021), also produced by Nadiadwala, did not perform well at the box office. This financial strain has led Sajid to call a halt on the production, triggering concern within the industry.
Efforts are being made to resolve the situation. Suniel Shetty, Ahan’s father and a close friend of Sajid, has stepped in to mediate the conflict. Insiders suggest that while a resolution may eventually be reached, it will likely involve significant budget cuts and a reduction in the special treatment Ahan receives on set.
In other Bollywood news, the career trajectory of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s rising star Vikrant Massey is seeing substantial momentum. The success of “12th Fail” (2023) has opened up new opportunities for the actor, who is now set to star in a psychological thriller directed by Rahul Dholakia and produced by Madhu Mantena. This yet-to-be-titled project is scheduled to begin production early next year. Details about the storyline and Massey’s character are being kept under wraps, only adding to the anticipation.
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Massey is also set to complete work on a web series produced by Rajkumar Hirani, which focuses on cyber security, and “Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan,” the directorial debut of writer Niranjan Iyengar, where Massey portrays a blind musician. Fans eager to see more of Massey won’t have to wait long, as his upcoming film “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba” is set for release on August 9.
Meanwhile, actor Naveen Polishetty provided an update on his health following a bike accident in the United States more than four months ago. The mishap left him with multiple fractures in his right hand and injuries to his leg. Polishetty shared in a heartfelt note that the recovery process has been slow and challenging, particularly because it has hindered his ability to work and stay connected with his audience through his art. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic and dedicated to making a robust comeback. He assured his fans that he is working closely with healthcare professionals to achieve full recovery and return with renewed vigor.
On a more somber note, Rashmika Mandanna is grieving the loss of her pet dog, Maxi. The actress, who often shares joyful moments with her pets on social media, broke the news with a touching tribute to her “little goodest boiii.” The heartfelt message and accompanying photograph of Maxi created an outpouring of support from fans, highlighting the deep bond between Rashmika and her four-legged companions.
In a different vein, actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are celebrating a new chapter in their lives as they prepare to welcome their first child. The couple recently conducted a photoshoot to commemorate this special period, with Richa expressing her joy and gratitude to Ali. Sharing the photos on social media, she penned a touching message about their journey together, describing the profound love and light they hope to bring into the world with their child.
In an effort to maintain privacy, Richa disabled the comments section of her post, emphasizing the personal nature of this announcement. She expressed her hope that their child will embody compassion, empathy, healing, and love.
As the Bollywood industry faces both its challenges and triumphs, the enduring spirit of its filmmakers, actors, and audiences continues to shine through these emotional and professional journeys.
