In an ambitious endeavour that spans across continents, the team behind the highly anticipated film, Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter, has been tirelessly working to bring their vision to life. Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, along with co-stars Kunal Kapoor and Nikita Dutta, have recently wrapped up an extensive filming schedule in Budapest, Hungary. This European leg follows an equally intensive schedule in Mumbai earlier this year.
The espionage thriller, helmed by director Robbie Grewal and produced by Siddharth Anand, is reportedly centered on a high-stakes robbery that pits the characters of Khan and Ahlawat against each other. March was a bustling month for the movie’s production team, as mid-day had earlier reported an exhaustive shooting schedule taking place across various locations in Mumbai. Now, the crew’s focus shifted to the charming and scenic locales of Budapest.
Both the climax and the majority of the action-packed sequences were filmed in Mumbai. The Budapest schedule, however, introduced a different flavour to the production. Sources close to the film disclose that the final leg started on May 18, featuring a 10-day stint where musical numbers and adrenaline-filled chase scenes were shot. “The scenes involving Saif Ali Khan and Nikita Dutta were set against the picturesque backdrop of Budapest,” the source revealed. “Robbie Grewal has envisioned the film as a sleek heist thriller, and the exotic locations add authenticity and glamour to the narrative.”
Saif Ali Khan, who plays the leading man in the film, has undergone a significant physical transformation to fit the suave, debonair persona required for his role. Sporting a ponytail and a chiselled, six-pack physique, Khan has been religiously working out for the past year to achieve this look. According to sources, he is extremely dedicated to his fitness regimen, which has seen him in top shape for his action sequences.
Director Robbie Grewal, known for his meticulous planning and creative vision, is eager to wrap up the project. “With the international schedule now complete as of May 28, a minor patchwork shoot in Mumbai is all that remains,” confirms the insider.
. These final shots will involve a few days of filming within the city, including some cityscapes and car shots that are essential for the film’s continuity.
The pre-production, production, and post-production efforts for Jewel Thief reflect a careful balance of intense planning and meticulous execution. The project’s storyline has been the result of collaborative writing efforts by Anand, Grewal, and Sambit Mishra. Notably, this thriller marks Siddharth Anand’s reunion with Saif Ali Khan after a 17-year hiatus since their last project, Ta Ra Rum Pum in 2007.
Aside from the main cast, Kunal Kapoor and Nikita Dutta also bring their own flair and experience to the film. Kapoor, known for his versatile acting repertoire, has been a significant addition to the ensemble cast. Meanwhile, Nikita Dutta, with her growing popularity and undeniable screen presence, adds a fresh charm to the movie.
As Grewal dives into the post-production phase, his goal is to wrap it up by October. “The amount of footage and the complexity of the scenes require intense editing, CGI, and sound design work,” says an inside source. Grewal, ever the perfectionist, plans to leave no stone unturned to ensure everything aligns perfectly with his vision. According to industry insiders, the film is expected to deliver a combination of edge-of-the-seat action and breathtaking visual appeal.
With the film industry and the audience eagerly awaiting the release, Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter promises to be an exhilarating ride through the world of high-stakes heists, complex characters, and lavish backdrops. Fans of Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat are particularly excited, anticipating a cinematic experience that melds brilliant performances with a gripping storyline.
As post-production efforts are in full swing, all eyes now turn to the final product. The highly anticipated thriller seems set to redefine the standards for heist films in Bollywood, capturing the essence of high-octane drama and the allure of international locales. The countdown to release day has begun, and the film community waits with bated breath to see the next chapter in Saif Ali Khan and Robbie Grewal’s collaborative journey.
