The Indian film industry shows an unceasing penchant for historical epics as word spreads that Shahid Kapoor may soon portray one of India’s most venerated figures, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actor, having previously donned royal garb in the famed Padmaavat (2018), is reportedly in discussions with Wakaoo Films for this ambitious project. Like the tendrils of history reaching into the present, the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj could once again be brought to life on the silver screen, capturing the essence of a storied past through Shahid Kapoor’s artistic prowess.
This potential casting aligns Kapoor with the likes of celebrated ‘OMG 2’ director Amit Rai, who is considered an ideal fit to direct this period action drama. While an agreement in principle exists, Kapoor and the producers are awaiting the confirmation and support from a film studio before any formal announcement can grace the public domain. But anticipation bubbles just beneath the surface, with fans eager for Kapoor’s second foray into historical drama.
Moving from the realms of history to the soaring skies then brings us to director Siddharth Anand, who has expressed his disillusionment with the lackluster performance of his aerial action thriller, ‘Fighter.’ Despite a star-studded cast featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, and crossing the substantial R100 crore mark at the domestic box office, the film’s reception was tepid. Anand postulates that the disconnect might stem from the fact that air travel is an experience alien to the vast majority of the Indian populace. His comment, however, reveals a potential disconnect of its own, hinting at an elitist perspective that hasn’t been well-received.
Amid the buzz of movie releases and potential film announcements, personal lives of celebrities also catch the eye. The rumour mill has churned out speculations about Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma expecting their second child. Former South African cricketer AB De Villiers inadvertently confirmed the rumors during a YouTube Live, later retracting his statement by deleting the post, which then, in a turn of social media fate, led to a flurry of memes.
Celebrating the spirit of cinema and recognizing remarkable talent, Manoj Bajpayee recently paid homage to the journey and accomplishments of Kartik Aaryan. Upon winning the Best Actor Award for ‘Joram,’ Bajpayee invited Aaryan to the stage, dedicating the accolade to him and lauding his dedication, representing the aspirations of countless individuals seeking stardom based on raw talent and perseverance. It was a heartwarming gesture that underscored the inclusive ethos of the film fraternity.
The narratives within the cinematic world often stem from literature, as is the case with ’12th Fail,’ brought to life by director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, which stars Vikrant Massey and celebrates a century of screenings, is an adaptation of Anurag Pathak’s biographical account of police officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Initially unaware of the book’s potential, Chopra was urged by both Sachin Tendulkar and Rajkumar Hirani to consider it for the silver screen. Hirani’s commitment to other projects led Chopra to take on the directorial mantle himself, signifying the unpredictable and collaborative nature of storytelling.
Finally, the transformative power of performance is etched in the ambitions of Ayesha Kanga, who after a year since the release of the web series ‘Class,’ sets her hopes on a blossoming career in film. Her portrayal of the fiercely independent Yashika has not only garnered critical acclaim but propelled her to pursue acting as a career. With aspirations grounded in the same determination that her character embodies, Kanga, an alumna of the National School of Design, looks to carve her niche in the Hindi film industry, illustrating the way artistic expression defines and elevates one’s purpose and ambition.
