The entertainment industry is abuzz with news of director Aditya Dhar’s latest project following the decision to shelve ‘The Immortal Ashwatthama.’ The acclaimed filmmaker is forging ahead with a new action-thriller, rooted in the dramatic real-world events of terrorist activities in Pakistan.
The discussion is rife with the potential casting of Bollywood’s dynamic powerhouse, Ranveer Singh, for this adrenaline-charged movie. Reports reveal that Singh, recognized for his chameleonic acting prowess, has expressed serious interest in the plot that revolves around Indian intelligence agencies’ covert operations. The star apparently is so captivated by the concept that he signaled his agreement immediately after hearing the pitch and has instructed his representatives to make this venture a top priority.
As the film industry and fans await with bated breath, insiders suggest that we are on the cusp of a formal announcement once contractual formalities are ironed out. Aditya Dhar, known for his meticulous creation of cinematic experiences, is eager to commence production by June, adding an exciting countdown for enthusiasts of the genre.
In other news, Vikas Bahl’s horror flick ‘Shaitaan’ appears to have navigated the scrutiny of the Central Board of Film Certification more deftly than its Gujarati predecessor ‘Vash.’ The movie, boasting a star cast including Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyothika, received the green light with a U/A certificate following the inclusion of merely four changes. This contrasts with the eight modifications the Gujarati counterpart had to endure to secure an A certification. As ‘Shaitaan’ gears up for release this Friday, audiences will witness how the adaptation weighs against ‘Vash’ in terms of violence and horror elements.
Meanwhile, after a speculated fallout between Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya, sources indicate that Shahid Kapoor could be the new face to fill the void left by Khan in Barjatya’s upcoming feature. Kapoor, who previously worked with Barjatya in the beloved classic ‘Vivah,’ seems intrigued by the proposed material but hasn’t offered a definitive commitment yet. However, should the collaboration transpire, it is poised to be a momentous reunion of the actor and filmmaker.
Adding to the lineup of heavyweight news, Junior NTR, celebrated for his role in ‘RRR,’ looks set to join the ranks of YRF’s Spy Universe. With the likes of Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Shah Rukh Khan portraying larger-than-life agents, the inclusion of Junior NTR is expected to add a new dimension to the universe, potentially extending into stand-alone films and crossover appearances. His character’s depth is being minutely crafted to ensure he stands out in the highly anticipated sequel of ‘War,’ set for release over Independence Day weekend in 2025.
On the casting front, there has been speculation regarding the female lead of ‘Don 3,’ with Kiara Advani eventually being locked opposite Ranveer Singh after deliberation and negotiation. Sources close to the project disclosed that Farhan Akhtar had a duo of choices at hand, with the talented Kriti Sanon also in the equation. However, Ranveer’s comfortable rapport with Advani seems to have tipped the scales in her favor, cementing her role as the new femme fatale of the franchise.
Highlighting a broader issue of representation in cinema, producer Anand Pandit championed an increase in women’s voices within industry writing rooms on the eve of International Women’s Day. Pandit underscored the significant impact a diverse creative team can have on storytelling, advocating for an investment in women writers and projects that challenge traditional male-centric narratives.
Back to the upcoming action thriller, as anticipation builds, it is evident that the stakes are set high for this untitled project. With Singh potentially at the helm, and director Dhar’s vision of painting a raw, intricate picture of espionage, audiences can expect a thriller that’s gripped in authenticity and pulsating with the thrill of the chase.
