In a surprising turn of events within the Indian film industry, acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious venture, ‘Baiju Bawra,’ finds itself in a precarious position. Despite the buzz surrounding the cinematic reunion of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the project is reportedly facing financial roadblocks, as Bhansali struggles to secure sufficient studio backing for the period musical drama, said to come with a price tag of Rs 350 crore.
The project, which had been introduced with considerable excitement, has now been put on the back burner. Bhansali, known for his grandiose and visually stunning films, had initially broached the subject of ‘Baiju Bawra’ with Ranveer Singh prior to the setbacks caused by the global pandemic. As the film industry gradually recovered, and plans for filming with Alia Bhatt as the leading lady were being drawn up for later this year, the production has suddenly hit an impasse.
Insiders reveal that the financial commitment required for ‘Baiju Bawra’s’ elaborate sets, opulent costumes, and extensive production demands could not be met by Jayantilal Gada, Bhansali’s collaborator on the successful 2022 film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’ Gada’s commitment to another high-profile project helmed by celebrated director S Shankar, which also stars Ranveer Singh, has precluded his involvement in Bhansali’s dream project.
The search for financial backing did not end there—several major studios including Jio Studios, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, and Ronnie Screwvala’s production house, declined to invest in the project. In a bid to move forward, Applause Entertainment reportedly advised a reduction of the budget to Rs 275 crore, suggesting downsizing as a viable path. However, Bhansali, known for his uncompromising artistic integrity, appears reluctant to diminish his vision for ‘Baiju Bawra.’
With the film’s future hanging in the balance, Bhansali has not been idle. It has come to light that he is pursuing other creative avenues, potentially even revisiting the previously shelved ‘Inshallah.’ The industry and fans alike wait with bated breath, hoping for clarity on what cinematic direction the esteemed director will take next.
In other news from the entertainment world, Bhumi Pednekar’s eagerly awaited film ‘Bhakshak’ is set for a direct-to-digital release on Netflix on February 9. Directed by Pulkit, known for the acclaimed web series ‘Bose: Dead or Alive’ starring Rajkummar Rao, ‘Bhakshak’ features Pednekar in a gripping role as an investigative journalist. The film draws inspiration from chilling real-life events in Muzaffarpur and aims to spotlight societal injustices.
In the interim, Abhishek Kapoor has successfully concluded the filming of an action-packed adventure with Ajay Devgn and newcomers Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani. Kapoor has already penned the script for his next cinematic offering, intriguingly titled ‘Sharaabi.’ This title bears a striking resemblance to a classic film starring Amitabh Bachchan, leaving audiences curious about any potential connections.
Celebrated percussionist Sivamani recently became the rave of weary travelers as he transformed a frustrating wait due to flight delays into a concert of sorts. Eschewing the usual route of venting online, Sivamani brought out his drumsticks and delivered an impromptu performance of ‘Humma humma’ from the film ‘Roja,’ earning applause from those present.
The granddaughter of legendary actress Nutan, Pranutan Bahl, is set to penetrate Hollywood after her Bollywood debut with ‘Notebook.’ Securing the lead role in Rahsaan Noor’s ‘Coco & Nut,’ Bahl is on the cusp of an international breakthrough, portraying a woman whose life is a jigsaw of marriage, dreams, and a past love.
The United Kingdom is lauding Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana. The star, who is also a UNICEF ambassador for human rights, has become the subject of a case study by London’s behavioral insights company Canvas8. Khurrana’s choice of offbeat roles and his rise to prominence underscore the evolving influence of Indian cinema on the global stage.
Lastly, anticipation runs high as S Shankar completes the editing of ‘Indian 2,’ starring Kamal Haasan. The sequel to one of Haasan’s seminal films is in its final stages, with a focus on VFX and potential plans for a trilogy. While there is enthusiasm for a release date, possibly timed with Tamil New Year, it seems the decision will hinge on the readiness of the VFX team, reflecting a cautious, quality-first approach.
What these narratives illustrate is the enduring vibrancy and diversity of Indian cinema, navigating through financial intricacies, international expeditions, and recognition beyond borders, all while continuing to innovate and inspire.
