Bollywood’s dynamic star Ranveer Singh is proactively seeking collaborations with some of the illustrious directors from the South Indian film industry, following the stellar box office performance of Atlee’s “Jawan” starring Shah Rukh Khan and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” with Ranbir Kapoor last year. Singh, who is known for his versatile acting prowess and electrifying screen presence, had earlier signed on to work on the Hindi adaptation of S Shankar’s 2005 thriller “Anniyan”. Unfortunately, a legal tussle over the rights of the movie has put a stall on the production, spearheaded by Jayantilal Gada.
Despite this hiccup, Singh hasn’t lost momentum. He is reportedly in conversations with Atlee to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. Adding more to the buzz, AR Murugadoss, the acclaimed director of mega-hits like “Ghajini” and “Holiday”, is believed to have pitched an action thriller to the actor. In his ambitious quest, Singh is also said to have met with Nelson Dilipkumar, the director of Rajinikanth’s upcoming movie “Jailer”, signalling his intent to forge connections with eminent storytellers from the South.
This energetic push towards collaborative ventures with south directors comes at a time when Singh’s schedule has opened up following the shelving of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s high-cost venture “Baiju Bawra”. Ranveer Singh’s agenda also includes a meeting with “Hanu-Man” director Prasanth Varma, who has announced “Jai Hanuman” as his next directorial venture.
In a parallel narrative, stirring the patriotic spirit, Vikramaditya Motwane is gearing up to direct a story based on the Indian Navy’s Operation Trident, which was a pivotal part of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The venture named “Trident” being produced by Nikhil Dwivedi is considering a partnership with IMAX to capture the grandeur and intensity of the historic saga. Reports suggest that two superstars have agreed to play the roles of Commander Babrubhan Yadav and Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda, the noted personalities behind the operation. However, an official announcement regarding the casting will only be made post-finalization of the paperwork.
Tapping into the world of ancient epics, acclaimed actor Suriya is set to work with director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on a two-part film that glorifies Karna, the legendary hero of the Mahabharata. There’s also a buzz in the industry that Janhvi Kapoor may be joining the project as the leading lady. Mehra has commenced the pre-production for this epic narrative set to begin shooting later in the year. In the interim, Kapoor is slated to complete her role in Junior NTR’s two-part Telugu debut “Devara”, whereas Suriya will wrap up his project with “Soorarai Pottru” director, Sundha Kongara.
Coming to the silver screen with a divine angle, Sunny Deol is preparing to portray Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan trilogy. More than thirty years after his shelved movie “Bajrang”, Deol is all set to play the powerful deity, an embodiment of strength and perseverance. Meanwhile, he is set to share screen space with Ranbir Kapoor, who is playing Lord Ram in the trilogy—a casting choice that has generated much interest among the fans, especially after Ranbir’s recent collaboration with Sunny’s brother Bobby Deol.
Demonstrating the off-screen camaraderie prevalent in Bollywood, Kartik Aaryan has recently made headlines for going beyond the call of duty to assist his bodyguard, who suffered injuries from a road accident. Aaryan not only ensured the best possible treatment for his security personnel at a prominent hospital in Mumbai but also regularly visited to offer emotional support. The bodyguard, expressing gratitude, acknowledged Aaryan’s role as a strong pillar of support during his recovery.
In a tragic turn of events, a stage collapse at a jagrata held at the Kalkaji temple in Delhi resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to approximately 15 others. B Praak, performing at the venue at the time, took to social media to express his anguish over the incident. He advocated for increased vigilance in the future to safeguard attendees, especially children and the elderly, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. Police have launched an investigation following the registration of an FIR against the organisers.
On a lighter note, Rashmika Mandanna has wrapped up her part of the shooting for the film “Chhaava”, where she plays Yesubai opposite Vicky Kaushal’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Sharing a warm note on social media about her co-star, Mandanna’s affectionate message was reciprocated by Kaushal, who commended her positivity and inspiring presence on set.
These developments mark the vibrant confluence of storytelling traditions, talent exchange, and artistic collaboration between the northern and southern hemispheres of Indian cinema—potentially paving the way for richer, pan-Indian cinematic experiences in the years to come.
