As the Indian cinema landscape blooms with an array of upcoming releases, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, Ajay Devgn, is prepping for what could be touted as his ‘Year of Sequels’. The powerhouse performer is currently immersed in the making of ‘Singham Again’ and ‘Raid 2’, with plans to embark on ‘De De Pyaar De 2’ come June. This latest installment reunites him with the dynamic Tabu and the vivacious Rakul Preet Singh, following their previous joint venture that left cash registers ringing at the box office four years prior.
‘De De Pyaar De’, which initially hit screens in 2019, narrated the tale of a 50-year-old divorced businessman who shakes up his family life by introducing his 26-year-old love interest. With Tabu portraying his ex-wife, the film struck a chord with audiences, blending humor with the complexities of relationships. The upcoming sequel will pivot around the encounters of Devgn’s character with his girlfriend’s family, ensuring another round of drama and comedy. Steering the project is Anshul Sharma, taking his first directorial plunge, akin to Akiv Ali’s debut with the original film.
In a twist of headlines, insider whispers suggest Suhana Khan is set to star in her second film project, which draws inspiration from ‘Leon: The Professional’, the acclaimed 1994 English-language French film. Helmed by Sujoy Ghosh, the project will reportedly see a tailor-made adaptation that aligns with Indian sensibilities. Bollywood titan Shah Rukh Khan is speculated to undertake a role parallel to that of Jean Reno’s from the original, with Suhana Khan slipping into the shoes once worn by Natalie Portman. The adaptation is undergoing preparations, with a production schedule marked for May.
Shifting focus to the digital domain, Tahir Raj Bhasin shares his exuberance for the renewal of his web series, ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’. Bhasin, celebrating a 12-year stint in the film industry filled with critical acclaim and commercial success, embraces the layered persona he portrays—a hero with shades of grey when the situation demands.
On the frontier of innovation, YRF Studios, led by Aditya Chopra, unveiled its own casting app. Designed as a modern-day portal for aspiring talents, the app aims to democratize the casting process, allowing actors from around the globe to directly approach the prestigious studio. Shanoo Sharma, the studio’s casting director, envisions this step as a leap towards uncovering hidden talents worldwide, enabling dreams to attain cinematic fruition.
In a unique intersection of entertainment and health advocacy, Janhvi Kapoor launches a commendable initiative. Aligning with International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, Kapoor aims to raise awareness about human papillomavirus and its potential consequences, such as cervical cancer, through her debut stand-up special ‘Leap, Laugh & Learn’. Kapoor’s endeavor utilizes humor as a conduit for change, calling for enhanced knowledge and proactive measures against the virus.
In television circles, Nikki Sharma’s recent foray into a challenging sequence for ‘Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya ShivShakti’, involving a plunge into wet cement, highlights the strenuous physical demands of an actor’s craft. Sharma’s resilience through this taxing two-day shoot stands testament to her commitment to her art.
Meanwhile, Srishti Jain introduces a fresh zest of mystery and complexity with her portrayal of Monisha in ‘Kumkum Bhagya’. This role marks Jain’s first exploration of villainy on screen, promising an engagement that will captivate the audience and exhibit the versatile depths of her acting capabilities.
Ajay Devgn’s 2024 slate is indeed a testament to Bollywood’s sequel trend, where familiarity breeds vivid reinterpretations and extended cinematic universes. For movie-goers, this promises nostalgic reconnections and new adventures with much-loved characters, ensuring that the coming year will be replete with awaited on-screen reunions and innovative twists on classic narratives.
