In the midst of a dynamic evolution, Aamir Khan and his production team are gearing up to unveil a series of intriguing films, with whispers of Aamir possibly taking the lead role in one of them. The ace actor and filmmaker has been meticulously working to transform Aamir Khan Productions into a full-fledged studio, a monumental task that has been underway for some time now.
A few months back, Aamir made a strategic move by bringing Aparna Purohit, the former Head of Originals for India and Southeast Asia at Amazon Prime Video, on board to steer his production house into its next phase. This decision came at a crucial juncture, especially after the critical acclaim garnered by Kiran Rao’s film “Laapataa Ladies.” The film seemingly set the tone for future projects under the banner.
Currently, Aamir’s production team is immersed in the final stages of post-production on several promising projects. These include “Pritam Pyaare” which stars his son Junaid, “Lahore 1947” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and featuring Sunny Deol, Vir Das’s “Happy Patel,” and RS Prasanna’s “Sitaare Zameen Par.” Each project is expected to bring something unique to the table, expanding the studio’s portfolio and experimenting with diverse narratives and genres.
One highly anticipated film in their lineup is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and may have Aamir Khan himself in the lead. Described as a slice-of-life drama imbued with humor and a potent social message, the film has already generated considerable buzz. However, Aamir remains cautious and will only confirm his involvement as an actor after he locks the edit for “Sitaare Zameen Par.”
“Sitaare Zameen Par,” adapted from the 2019 Spanish film “Campeones,” is under the direction of RS Prasanna and scheduled for a Christmas release this year. True to his reputation as a perfectionist, Aamir is committed to dedicating ample time and effort to each project he undertakes, maintaining a steady release schedule of one film every 18 months.
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar’s much-touted “Skyforce” faced a significant setback a few weeks ago. The film was on track for an October 2 release, but hit a roadblock when Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravaani exited the project due to creative differences with producer Dinesh Vijan concerning the background score. Despite the amicable split, the project has found a new collaborator in GV Prakash Kumar, who has previously worked with Akshay and is also the nephew of Oscar-winning maestro AR Rahman. Kumar’s involvement is expected to bring fresh energy and ensure that the project meets its deadline.
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In other news, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly dealing with another health issue. After suffering from heatstroke and dehydration during an Indian Premier League match in Ahmedabad, SRK is now flying to the US for an unspecified eye treatment. Although details about his condition are sparse, it has been confirmed that a recent visit to a Mumbai hospital could not resolve his medical needs, prompting his trip abroad. His upcoming project, “King,” in which he is set to star alongside his daughter Suhana Khan, is scheduled to commence later this year.
Ektaa R Kapoor, inspired by the success of her film “Crew,” which featured Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, is on a quest to replicate this triumph. She is collaborating with producer Dil Raju for a new film directed by Amit Rai of “OMG 2” fame. Amit is currently fine-tuning a script centered around three female protagonists, indicating a focus on strong, multifaceted female characters. In addition to this project, Amit is also developing a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, starring Shahid Kapoor. With the first draft of this historical drama completed, it’s yet to be determined which of these ambitious films will go into production first.
The production of “Ramayana,” helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, has also been in the spotlight. Following a legal dispute with producer Madhu Mantena, the team is making rigorous efforts to get back on schedule. Tiwari has crafted 12 sets to resume shooting his mythological epic. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, and now, Kunal Kapoor has joined the ensemble cast. Kunal, who gained prominence with his role in “The Empire” (2021), is preparing for this substantial role, though details about his character remain under wraps. The ambitious project has earmarked a rigorous year-long filming schedule and aims to complete both parts by December 2025.
Aamir Khan’s relentless drive to elevate his production house into a studio exemplifies his dedication to reshaping the Indian film industry. With a mix of seasoned and emerging talents, along with a focus on diverse storytelling, Aamir Khan Productions is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.
