Production partnership
Ever since the trailer of Shehzada dropped online, everyone is talking about Kartik Aaryan turning producer with the film. Sharing that all films go through their share of hiccups, the actor admitted that the credit for his new role goes to the primary producers on the project. However, some are saying that it is all a part of the adjustment to keep the cost in check. While Kartik had reportedly hiked his remuneration after the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the budget of Shehzada soared in the wake of the pandemic-induced lockdowns. To ensure minimum risk of the investment and retain the viability of the project, the actor reduced his upfront fee, and adjusted a considerable chunk as profit sharing in case of the film’s success. Smart move. The upcoming film is director Rohit Dhawan’s adaptation of Allu Arjun’s Telugu hit, Ala Vaikuntha-puramaloo.
Arjun, Homi to reunite
Over eight years after Finding Fanny, Arjun Kapoor and Homi Adajania are set to team up again. The actor has liked the subject narrated by the director. However, it will take a while for the plans to materialise. Homi will first focus on making Murder Mubarak, based on Anuja Chauhan’s novel, Club You To Death. He is yet to find a replacement for Janhvi Kapoor, who opted out to feature in Jr NTR’s next big film.
Pan-India plans
Ranbir Kapoor’s violent avatar in Animal has piqued the audience’s curiosity. We hear Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s directorial venture is a father-son story, with Anil Kapoor playing Ranbir’s on-screen dad. The narrative, which showcases a never-seen-before dynamic of this relationship, revolves around the extremes that a son can go to, for his father. The makers believe that the upcoming film has the right mix of romance, drama and action, and hence, are planning it as a pan-India offering that will release in multiple languages. They hope to make the most of the fan-following that leading lady Rashmika Mandanna enjoys in the south.
Cop-ing up
After the debacle of Liger (2022), Vijay Deverakonda seems to be focusing on consolidating his position in the south. The actor, who will soon be seen in Khushi with Samantha, recently signed another film. He is teaming up with Gowtam Tinnanuri, who previously helmed the Telugu hit Jersey, and its Hindi adaptation with Shahid Kapoor. Tentatively titled VD12, the film will see Vijay as a cop. Interestingly, this is the first time he will don the khakee uniform on screen. The rest of the cast is being finalised, and the movie is slated to go on floors this summer.
Money matters
Talk in tinsel town is that Prabhas’s next with director Siddharth Anand is being made at a humongous cost. Sources claim that the director is taking home over R50 crore for the yet-untitled espionage thriller. Getting the south superstar on board is apparently costing the makers about thrice as much. It’s another thing that the filmmaker has yet to finalise the screenplay of the actioner. After the release of Pathaan, Siddharth will resume the shoot of Fighter with Hrithik Roshan next month. It is only after he wraps up the aerial action thriller that the director will begin work on the Prabhas-starrer.
Movie musings
Last seen in the Ajay Devgn-led web series, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, Esha Deol recently began shooting for her new film. Titled Main, and co-starring Amid Sadh, it is being directed by Sachin Saraf. Sharing pictures from the set, she wrote, “Main aa rahi hoon, phir ek baar. Naya kirdaar, nayi film, naya ehsaas. Shower me and my new film, Main with your blessings.” While her role is not known, Amit apparently plays a prisoner in the movie. The unit kicked off the shoot with a jail sequence. Incidentally, just last week, she had teased a new look on social media. “My side-parting days seem to make an entry again. Also, I’m highly considering this hairstyle for my upcoming project,” she had written in her previous post.
Sapthami joins Vivek’s next
Kantara actor Sapthami Gowda has joined the cast of Vivek Agnihotri’s next. She shared the news about her Hindi debut on social media, saying, “I’m glad and excited to be a part of this project. Thank you, Vivek Agnihotri sir, for this opportunity.” The filmmaker welcomed her on board, stating, “Your role in The Vaccine War will touch many hearts.” The Vaccine War, Vivek’s next after The Kashmir Files (2022), revolves around Indian scientists’ efforts to develop the most effective vaccine in the world.
Sunil Holkar bids adieu
Sunil Holkar, a popular name in television and Marathi cinema, passed away on Friday due to liver cirrhosis, at the age of 40. The actor, who was also a part of theatre, became a household name with his role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He is survived by his parents, wife and two children. The actor, who probably felt that his health was deteriorating, had asked his friend to share his last post on a messaging app. “Friends, this is my last message for everyone. This friend of yours has left for a heavenly abode. If I have ever said something wrong or made any mistakes, please forgive me. Goodbye, I had asked my friend to post this on my behalf,” his message read. Last seen in the award-winning Marathi film, Goshta Eka Paithanichi, he was a prominent name in Marathi cinema with movies like Mandali Tumchyasathi Kay Pan, Lau Ka Laath and Sagla Karun Bhagle.
