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Disagreements between actors and directors happen but they usually tend to get sorted out before the release of the film. But looks tough on this one. Apparently, due to deteriorating relations, Akshay Kumar (plays ATS Chief Veer Sooryavanshi), and Rohit Shetty have had a major fallout while shooting for Sooryavanshi and stopped communicating with each other completely. Besides Akshay Kumar, the cop action-drama also stars Katrina Kaif, Gulshan Grover, Neena Gupta, Sikandar Kher and Niharica Raizada among others.
Says a trade source, “There are icy vibes between the lead actor and the director as they don't talk to each other on the sets of Sooryavanshi. Apparently, Akshay and Rohit have major problems with each other and to such a degree that they have stopped talking to each other. There were massive creative differences on the script and the way the movie was being shot which apparently led to a showdown between both one day. Since that day they don't talk to each other but communicate on the sets through the assistant directors who explain the shots to Akshay before filming. Rohit has a movie to complete with a release date (March 27, 2020) looming over him so maybe he pushes things around a bit to get things done his way. While those who have worked with Rohit realise that this is his style of working, to others like Akshay, who is working with him for the first time, it may look as if Rohit is doing whatever he wants and throwing his weight around so things have been spinning a bit out of control. One has heard that these days he comes on the sets after Akshay arrives. Everybody knows how punctual the superstar is and never makes anybody wait. The director ideally is one of the first to arrive to give instructions to his team on a movie set.”
The source adds that while creative differences have opened up between Rohit and Akshay, the main reason for their cold war goes way back – when the filmmaker had preponed the release date of Sooryavanshi to March 27, 2020, something which Akshay had apparently not been consulted over. “Akshay is a cool, hassle-free guy and a thorough professional. He never interferes in any decision that his director or producer makes but he was upset when Rohit decided to prepone Sooryavanshi without even informing him. Apparently, the filmmaker had made this decision talking to Salman Khan directly. A hurt Akshay kept quiet but when script issues spiralled out of control, he could no longer keep quiet as his dates were being jostled around. He is very organised and his dates are chalked out months in advance. With re-shooting of Sooryavanshi happening, his dates were getting messed up with his other projects. Apparently, Akshay is also unhappy with the re-shoot of some major scenes in the movie.”
A major fallout because of the rumoured rift between the filmmaker and the superstar, the trade source says, is a change of the promotional strategy. “Rohit and Akshay will not promote the film together. At the most they may come together for the promo launch only. But interviews and promotions they won’t be doing together. Apparently, relations have soured so much between them that one day, Karan Johar had to be called on the sets to intervene and sort things out. He is playing the mediator to make sure that the project gets completed on time.”
During the shoot of Dilwale, similar rumours of a rift between Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty had surfaced, leading to speculations that the two wouldn’t work together again. Recently, there was talk that Hrithik Roshan had left Farah Khan and Rohit’s next movie and the two filmmakers had approached Akshay for it. The trade source sums it up, “As of now, the way things are between them, it’s almost impossible that they will work together again.”
Also Read: Sooryavanshi: Katrina Kaif and Rohit Shetty look as happy as daises in this candid BTS picture
Bollywood Hungama was the first to write about Akshay Kumar being in talks with producer Vashu Bhagnani, to discuss a project with him. The producer, who has given many blockbusters over more than two decades in the Bollywood film industry, had even offered Akshay a whopping remuneration of over 100 crore to act in his movie. Now we have it from confirmed sources that Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil Advani have joined hands to come together in a movie directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Akshay and Nikkhil come together after three years. Their last movie was Airlift (2016), directed by Raja Krishna Menon. A trade source says, “This movie will be a mix of all Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil’s style of filmmaking – action, emotion and entertainment. Akshay’s next with Vashu and Nikkhil will also be hard-core, action drama which is said to be inspired from a real-life incident. Akshay is on a roll with his last releases including Mission Mangal and the latest blockbuster Housefull 4 so charging a whopping amount is fair considering his market value and box-office appeal. This film has him essaying a role which his fans love him the most - the protagonist on a mission. A large amount of the movie may be shot in London and it’s a big budget extravaganza shot in international locales.”
According to the source, “Akshay and Vashu have been in talks for quite some time to do a movie together while Nikkhil was looking for a good script for Akshay, post Airlift. Nikkhil, Akshay and Vashu coming together in one movie means the merging of three super brands - Nikkhil is also on a career high with his movies like Satyameva Jayate and Batla House doing excellent business at the box-office and his next Marjaavaan (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria and directed by Milap Zaveri) is carrying very good reports. Nikkhil is also doing a movie with Arjun Kapoor and Rakulpreet Singh. He is also helming a web series called Bombay Dairies. Vashu Bhagnani brings with him the experience, knowledge and expertise of a producer who has been in the film industry for over 24 years. He is also producing the remake of Coolie No.1 which is carrying a good buzz in film trade so a combination of the three would mean sure-shot box-office success. Akshay is said to have given his nod to the movie after getting more than Rs. 100 crore for it, thus making him the highest paid star in Bollywood. They are also in talks with a few of Bollywood's top actresses to play the female lead opposite Akshay.”
Also Read: “Had butterflies in my stomach”: Nupur Sanon on shooting her debut music video with Akshay Kumar
Bollywood Hungama was the first to write about Akshay Kumar being in talks with producer Vashu Bhagnani, to discuss a project with him. The producer, who has given many blockbusters over more than two decades in the Bollywood film industry, had even offered Akshay a whopping remuneration of over 100 crore to act in his movie. Now we have it from confirmed sources that Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil Advani have joined hands to come together in a movie directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Akshay and Nikkhil come together after three years. Their last movie was Airlift (2016), directed by Raja Krishna Menon. A trade source says, “This movie will be a mix of all Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil’s style of filmmaking – action, emotion and entertainment. Akshay’s next with Vashu and Nikkhil will also be hard-core, action drama which is said to be inspired from a real-life incident. Akshay is on a roll with his last releases including Mission Mangal and the latest blockbuster Housefull 4 so charging a whopping amount is fair considering his market value and box-office appeal. This film has him essaying a role which his fans love him the most - the protagonist on a mission. A large amount of the movie may be shot in London and it’s a big budget extravaganza shot in international locales.”
According to the source, “Akshay and Vashu have been in talks for quite some time to do a movie together while Nikkhil was looking for a good script for Akshay, post Airlift. Nikkhil, Akshay and Vashu coming together in one movie means the merging of three super brands - Nikkhil is also on a career high with his movies like Satyameva Jayate and Batla House doing excellent business at the box-office and his next Marjaavaan (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria and directed by Milap Zaveri) is carrying very good reports. Nikkhil is also doing a movie with Arjun Kapoor and Rakulpreet Singh. He is also helming a web series called Bombay Dairies. Vashu Bhagnani brings with him the experience, knowledge and expertise of a producer who has been in the film industry for over 24 years. He is also producing the remake of Coolie No.1 which is carrying a good buzz in film trade so a combination of the three would mean sure-shot box-office success. Akshay is said to have given his nod to the movie after getting more than Rs. 100 crore for it, thus making him the highest paid star in Bollywood. They are also in talks with a few of Bollywood's top actresses to play the female lead opposite Akshay.”
Also Read: “Had butterflies in my stomach”: Nupur Sanon on shooting her debut music video with Akshay Kumar
Alia Bhatt is on a high. She has signed some good films which include Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, Mahesh Bhatt’s Sadak 2 and her debut in Telugu film industry with SS Rajamouli's RRR. In interviews earlier this year, the actress had informed that eventually Hollywood would be her next destination soon but we have come to know that the actress is already in the posh locale of Beverly Hills at Los Angeles scouting for an international celebrity manager. Alia is entering Hollywood at a relatively younger age than Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Recently, Huma Qureshi too made a Hollywood foray with Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead.
A trade source says, “Alia’s entry into Hollywood seems sooner than later. It’s all very hush-hush at the moment, though she has been spotted at Beverly Hill restaurants in Los Angeles on social media posts. While it seems that the actress is holidaying in LA with her best friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, apparently, Alia is there in search of an international celebrity agent. Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu had signed Simone Sheffield, while Priyanka Chopra has Anjula Acharia. From Aishwarya, Bipasha, Priyanka and Deepika Padukone – all have had celebrity managers or agents in Hollywood, who are based in Los Angeles, as one needs people there to keep the stars updated on international castings and auditions. Alia is also an accomplished singer like Priyanka so that is an added bonus if she is required to cut a single or an album.”
According to the source, “It will be a couple of weeks before SLB’s Gangubai Kathiawadi goes on floor and as Alia had time on her hand, she flew down with Vivek Kamath of Matrix, to look for an international agent in Hollywood. Matrix handles Alia’s work in India and is one of India's leading celebrity management firms and apparently, Vivek is in LA negotiating with the agents on Alia’s behalf.”
The source adds that like Priyanka and Deepika, Alia too will find a balance between Hollywood and Bollywood movies. “Alia is very young and it is the right age to explore the international movie scene now. Indian actors are getting a variety of roles today. She is also extremely talented who has an exciting bouquet of Indian films so she is sure to flourish in both the film industries. Alia shot for another schedule of Sadak 2 before she left for LA. She will return to shoot for Bhansali’s movie now mid-November once the sets are up in Film City in Mumbai.”
Also Read: Brahmastra: Shah Rukh Khan to have a cameo in Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor starrer
We had reported that Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who recently announced Baiju Bawra, had offered the title role to his favourite Ranveer Singh. Now, in a latest development, we have heard that after the talks with Ranveer and the filmmaker fell through, Bhansali had approached his Guzaarish actor, Hrithik Roshan, to play the classical singer Baiju Bawra. After giving some deliberation to the thought (and SLB’s narration), Hrithik has agreed to do the film. The duo will reunite after nine years as Guzaarish released in 2010.
Says a trade source, “Few know that Hrithik and the filmmaker have been holding meetings for the last few days. SLB loved the actor's performances in Super 30 and War and reached out to him post his last release. Hrithik loves Bhansali's work and is keen to work in a period drama again. Till now Hrithik had given his nod only to his father Rakesh Roshan’s superhero action drama, Krrish 4, but he loved Bhansali’s script. In a hush-hush development that happened on Saturday night (November 2) at the filmmaker’s home, Hrithik agreed to do Baiju Bawra. The formal signing will take place within the next few days along with a proper announcement.”
The source adds that apparently, talks with Ranveer and the acclaimed filmmaker fell through when date issues arose and that Ranveer was also doing another period drama. “Ranveer will be busy shooting for another period drama, Takht, directed by Karan Johar, which itself requires a lot of prep and is based during the Mughal era. Baiju Bawra is a pure musical and a dramatized version of the story of the uniquely talented classical singer Baiju Bawra who defeated the legendary musician Tansen, at a musical duel, held in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. While the filmmaker had offered the lead and title role of the young Baiju Bawra to Ranveer Singh, apparently things didn’t work out as Ranveer didn’t have dates next year. Baiju is a passionate, emotional, deeply vengeful and yet intensely romantic character and Ranveer needs a lot of prep before every role. The filmmaker also requires a lot of time from his actors before and during the shoot and Ranveer’s date diary is choc-a-bloc as of now with Takht and YRF’s Jayeshbhai Jordaar. There’s speculation too that Ranveer may make a surprise appearance in Rohit Shetty’s next part of the Golmaal franchise which rolls next year.”
Baiju Bawra will start later next year after SLB’s next Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt, is complete and Krrish 4 too. The source adds that as the movie is about a young and extremely talented dhrupad singer-composer by the same name, Hrithik too would need to prep a lot for the role. “He would require a certain amount of training and knowledge as a singer and musician as Baiju was called bawra because of his deep love for classical music. Baiju Bawra, challenged composer, musician and Hindustani classical vocalist Tansen, to a singing duel, to avenge the death of his musician father, at the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. When Tansen's sentries tries to stop Baiju's father from singing, and he dies in the struggle, he makes the young Baiju promise to take revenge against Tansen. Apparently, Priyanka Chopra has been approached to play Baiju’s romantic interest. She holds an edge as she’s an internationally acclaimed singer in her own right.”
Tansen was known as one of the Navratnas or Nine Jewels of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. Baiju won the competition against Tansen and impressed Akbar too. After his father’s death, Baiju met his teacher Swami Haridas, and trained in a gurukula. He later became one of the court musicians of Maan Singh Tomar of Gwalior after he left the court of the Raja of Chanderi. Then he became of the musicians of Raja Mansingh Tomar’s court. Legends say that Baiju Bawra could melt stone, light oil lamps by singing Raag Deepak, create rain by singing the raags Megh, Megh Malhar, or Gaud Malhar and bloom flowers by singing raga Bahar.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Will Hrithik Roshan opt out of Farah Khan and Rohit Shetty’s SEVEN?
This news is hot as it's a very recent development! This movie has been considered to be one of the most controversial movies of recent times. While it seemed to be smooth sailing for Rohit Shetty and Farah Khan’s next movie, starring Hrithik Roshan, it seems that it has run into a roadblock. Buzz is that the star hasn’t liked the first draft of the movie and asked for a fresh version, after which he will decide.
A trade source says, “An announcement on the movie (tentatively titled Seven) was to appear this week with Hrithik Roshan as the lead. Apparently, the team along with Farah and her writers went to give a narration to Hrithik last week but he didn’t like it. He told the team to re-write some parts again and return with a fresh narrative. Earlier, it had been reported that Rohit and Farah were keen to make the remake of the 1982 Satte Pe Satta, directed by Romu N Sippy but the deal with Rajesh Vasani (who owned the remake rights), fell through. There were two hitches which came with that – Rohit, Farah and the team could not use the title Satte Pe Satta and the character of Babu, which has been created by original writers of Satte Pe Satta, Satish Bhatnagar, Kader Khan and Jyoti Swaroop.”
Apparently, the lack of a double role was something that created an issue with Hrithik Roshan. “In Satte Pe Satta, the double role of Amitabh Bachchan as Ravi Anand (played by Bachchan), the good elder brother was balanced by the darker and pivotal character of Babu (again played by Bachchan), and who was also the antagonist. That would be an exciting character for anybody, including an actor like Hrithik to play and with that missing, something was lacking in the script. The makers were in talks with an international entertainment company for the official remake rights of the Hollywood musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). The first draft didn’t have anything to do with Romu N Sippy’s Satte Pe Satta, as was the original plan. So now, Hrithik has told Farah and the team to re-write certain portions to make his character more exciting. Once they come back for another draft, will he decide whether he wants to do it or not.”
Earlier Vasani had told Bollywood Hungama, “Anyone can always make the original movie Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, But, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers doesn’t have the second character of Babu (Amitabh Bachchan) as there was no double role in that film, so they can't make it a double role in Rohit and Farah's movie. No one can use the title Satte Pe Satta as it is registered with the producer's association under my name."
Satte Pe Satta revolves around seven unkempt and uncouth brothers (orphans), living on a farmhouse, led by their oldest brother Ravi Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who are taught manners and etiquette by a nurse Indu (Hema Malini). But everything becomes chaotic when Ravi’s lookalike and impersonator, Babu, turns up. He kidnaps Ravi as part of a plan by somebody (with evil intentions), who has hired him. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, Satte Pe Satta (1982) featured Sachin, Shakti Kapoor, Paintal, Sudhir, Inderjeet and Vikram Sahu as the rest of the six Anand brothers and Amjad Khan, Ranjeeta Kaur, Sarika, Kanwaljit Singh, Prema Narayan, Mac Mohan and Kalpana Iyer in other roles.
Also Read: Exclusive - Rakesh Roshan will direct Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4 and NOT Sanjay Gupta!
This news is hot as it's a very recent development! This movie has been considered to be one of the most controversial movies of recent times. While it seemed to be smooth sailing for Rohit Shetty and Farah Khan’s next movie, starring Hrithik Roshan, it seems that it has run into a roadblock. Buzz is that the star hasn’t liked the first draft of the movie and asked for a fresh version, after which he will decide.
A trade source says, “An announcement on the movie (tentatively titled Seven) was to appear this week with Hrithik Roshan as the lead. Apparently, the team along with Farah and her writers went to give a narration to Hrithik last week but he didn’t like it. He told the team to re-write some parts again and return with a fresh narrative. Earlier, it had been reported that Rohit and Farah were keen to make the remake of the 1982 Satte Pe Satta, directed by Romu N Sippy but the deal with Rajesh Vasani (who owned the remake rights), fell through. There were two hitches which came with that – Rohit, Farah and the team could not use the title Satte Pe Satta and the character of Babu, which has been created by original writers of Satte Pe Satta, Satish Bhatnagar, Kader Khan and Jyoti Swaroop.”
Apparently, the lack of a double role was something that created an issue with Hrithik Roshan. “In Satte Pe Satta, the double role of Amitabh Bachchan as Ravi Anand (played by Bachchan), the good elder brother was balanced by the darker and pivotal character of Babu (again played by Bachchan), and who was also the antagonist. That would be an exciting character for anybody, including an actor like Hrithik to play and with that missing, something was lacking in the script. The makers were in talks with an international entertainment company for the official remake rights of the Hollywood musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). The first draft didn’t have anything to do with Romu N Sippy’s Satte Pe Satta, as was the original plan. So now, Hrithik has told Farah and the team to re-write certain portions to make his character more exciting. Once they come back for another draft, will he decide whether he wants to do it or not.”
Earlier Vasani had told Bollywood Hungama, “Anyone can always make the original movie Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, But, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers doesn’t have the second character of Babu (Amitabh Bachchan) as there was no double role in that film, so they can't make it a double role in Rohit and Farah's movie. No one can use the title Satte Pe Satta as it is registered with the producer's association under my name."
Satte Pe Satta revolves around seven unkempt and uncouth brothers (orphans), living on a farmhouse, led by their oldest brother Ravi Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who are taught manners and etiquette by a nurse Indu (Hema Malini). But everything becomes chaotic when Ravi’s lookalike and impersonator, Babu, turns up. He kidnaps Ravi as part of a plan by somebody (with evil intentions), who has hired him. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, Satte Pe Satta (1982) featured Sachin, Shakti Kapoor, Paintal, Sudhir, Inderjeet and Vikram Sahu as the rest of the six Anand brothers and Amjad Khan, Ranjeeta Kaur, Sarika, Kanwaljit Singh, Prema Narayan, Mac Mohan and Kalpana Iyer in other roles.
Also Read: Exclusive - Rakesh Roshan will direct Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4 and NOT Sanjay Gupta!
Ever since Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali met last week, to discuss three projects – Baiju Bawra, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Immortals of Melhua, the film industry has been agog with rumours about which the star will take up. While many assumed Devgn had given his nod to playing the title role in Baiju Bawra, apparently that was not the case. We had earlier reported that he had okayed Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi opposite Alia Bhatt. Now, we have come to know that Bhansali has offered the role of Baiju Bawra to his favourite Ranveer Singh and Tansen’s role to Ajay Devgn which he reportedly turned down. SLB will direct Baiju Bawra after he completes the Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubhai Kathiawadi.
Says a source, “While Gangubai Kathiawadi is more of a dark emotional, action drama of the world of brothels, crime, dons and rich men who visit the world of brothels, Baiju Bawra is a pure musical and a dramatized version of the story of the uniquely talented singer Baiju Bawra. It’s to Bhansali’s credit that he is choosing to direct two projects in stark contrast to the other. And the filmmaker has offered the lead and title role of the young Baiju Bawra to Ranveer Singh. Who else can play the passionate, emotional, deeply vengeful and yet intensely romantic Baiju, than Ranveer? SLB and Ranveer have definitely met and the filmmaker has offered the young actor the role of Baiju Bawra. The movie won’t start before next year and by then Ranveer would have completed his other films.”
The source adds, “Baiju Bawra is about a young and extremely talented dhrupad singer-composer by the same name, who challenged composer, musician and Hindustani classical vocalist Tansen, to a singing duel, to avenge the death of his musician father, at the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. When Tansen's sentries tries to stop Baiju's father from singing, and he dies in the struggle, he makes the young Baiju promise to take revenge against Tansen. If Ranveer gives his nod to the movie, it will be again another challenging role for him as he will need some training and knowledge as a singer and musician. It will be interesting to see who plays his romantic interest – will it be Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra? Priyanka holds an edge as she’s an internationally acclaimed singer in her own right.”
There are various versions of why bawra was added to Baiju’s name. One theory goes that he was called bawra (crazy) because he was madly in love with a court dancer in Chanderi. Another story goes that when his adopted son Gopal left Baiju taking his family with him, Baiju became mad searching for his granddaughter. The third story explains that he was called bawra because of his deep love for classical music.
Tansen was known as one of the Navratnas or Nine Jewels of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. Baiju won the competition against Tansen and impressed Akbar too. After his father’s death, Baiju met his teacher Swami Haridas, and trained in a gurukula. He later became one of the court musicians of Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior after he left the court of the Raja of Chanderi. Then he became of the musicians of Raja Mansingh Tomar’s court. Legends say that Baiju Bawra could melt stone, light oil lamps by singing Raag Deepak, create rain by singing the raags Megh, Megh Malhar, or Gaud Malhar and bloom flowers by singing raga Bahar.
Also Read: BREAKING: Sanjay Leela Bhansali announces Baiju Bawra as his next after Gangubai Kathiawadi!
The fact that Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be coming together after 20 years in the biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi, has given rise to great excitement. Alia Bhatt plays the madam of a Kamathipura brothel in Mumbai during the 1960s and apparently, Ajay Devgn will play one of her gangster lovers who shaped her destiny to her meteoric rise as one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Kamathipura. The story is said to be loosely adapted from one of the chapters of Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens Of Mumbai. Gangubai was the only brothel madam at that time who owned a black Bentley. SLB's movie is expected to go on floors this year.
Says a trade source, “Last week, Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali met at Anand Pandit’s Diwali party and chatted for hours. They caught up on a lot of stuff and that’s when SLB also invited him over to his office. Ajay dropped in a couple of days after that and they had meeting for more than a couple of hours. Bhansali offered him two scripts – a biopic and the other fictional, a love story, which is said to be Baiju Bawra. In Baiju Bawra the actor was offered the role of Tansen. Ajay liked his role in Gangubai as it’s an intense character – a mobster with a golden heart who teaches Gangubai the tricks of the trade and falls in love with her.”
According to the source, “Ajay didn’t sign right then as he wants to do the signing and make the announcement at an auspicious date, which will be this week. The star showed the famous filmmaker some scenes his next project, a historical action drama, Tanhaji and Bhansali who himself excels in such period dramas was quite impressed. Apart from both these movies, the filmmaker also offered him another action drama based on a warrior film, which will be directed by SLB, at a later date. Ajay’s role in Gangubai is an extremely powerful and passionate one and will be remembered in cinema for the depth and romance in it.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai will feature completely different music, says Sanjay Leela Bhansali
There is tremendous speculation in the film industry that Amar Kaushik’s Bala, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and produced by Dinesh Vijan, may get preponed, as Abhishek Pathak’s movie, Ujda Chaman (both based on the concept of a young, prematurely balding bachelor), has moved ahead to November 1. But there is a glitch - there is a court hearing (Abhishek had filed a petition citing copyright infringement) on the issue on November 4 and till the matter is resolved, it seems unlikely that Bala can release before that.
Earlier, when the makers of Ujda Chaman had decided to release on November 8, Bala had shifted to November 7. Abhishek’s movie is an official remake of the Kannada movie Ondu Motteya Kathe, starring Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo and Saurabh Shukla and is produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek.
Says a trade source, “Abhishek Pathak had filed a petition citing copyright infringement with the Supreme Court to stall the release of Ayushmann Khurrana's Bala, as it was releasing just a day (November 7) before his movie. The petition stated that there were similarities between the storylines of Bala and Ujda Chaman. There will be a court hearing on the issue on November 4 so one doesn’t know how Bala can come on November 1. There was also a screening of Bala on October, 19, where Abhishek saw the movie. No mobile phones or equipment were allowed to be carried for the screening. The concept may be same and though Bala is a bigger film, nobody wants similar concept-based movies to come out before them. Nobody is wrong here.”
Abhishek Pathak says, “I have the official remake rights of the Kannada movie Ondu Motteya Kathe which we have remade to Ujda Chaman. I preponed our movie as I wanted to give us both a solo week. It’s a much fairer deal for them but tougher competition for us as we have three Diwali releases the week before us but this way, we can have our own share of revenues. Let both films earn. They have been shifting their dates and I don’t want to get into an ego battle because egos are not bigger than the film industry. Theirs is a bigger film but now that we have shifted, both movies will get a solo release. I don’t know or understand why they keep shifting their dates… Are they not confident about their product or were they shaken up after watching my trailer?”
The director says he tried to reach out to the Bala producers, including Dinesh Vijan. “Initially, I tried reaching out to their banner Maddock Films, when they were about to start the movie. I told them that the rights of movie Ondu Motteya Kathe were with me and sent them a legal notice also, to which they confirmed that the only similarities were with the bald character. But now, when I saw the Bala trailer, I saw there were lots of similarities. They had announced their release date as November 15, that’s why I moved to November 8 and then they changed theirs to November 7.”
Has Abhishek seen Bala on October 19? He says, “Yes, I have seen Bala but I am not allowed to talk about it as the matter is under sub-judice.”
A source close to Dinesh Vijan says that as of now they are not shifting the release date from November 7.
Also Read: Sunny Singh says he respects and looks up to Ayushmann Khurrana
Disagreements between actors and directors happen but they usually tend to get sorted out before the release of the film. But looks tough on this one. Apparently, due to deteriorating relations, Akshay Kumar (plays ATS Chief Veer Sooryavanshi), and Rohit Shetty have had a major fallout while shooting for Sooryavanshi and stopped communicating with each other completely. Besides Akshay Kumar, the cop action-drama also stars Katrina Kaif, Gulshan Grover, Neena Gupta, Sikandar Kher and Niharica Raizada among others.
Says a trade source, “There are icy vibes between the lead actor and the director as they don't talk to each other on the sets of Sooryavanshi. Apparently, Akshay and Rohit have major problems with each other and to such a degree that they have stopped talking to each other. There were massive creative differences on the script and the way the movie was being shot which apparently led to a showdown between both one day. Since that day they don't talk to each other but communicate on the sets through the assistant directors who explain the shots to Akshay before filming. Rohit has a movie to complete with a release date (March 27, 2020) looming over him so maybe he pushes things around a bit to get things done his way. While those who have worked with Rohit realise that this is his style of working, to others like Akshay, who is working with him for the first time, it may look as if Rohit is doing whatever he wants and throwing his weight around so things have been spinning a bit out of control. One has heard that these days he comes on the sets after Akshay arrives. Everybody knows how punctual the superstar is and never makes anybody wait. The director ideally is one of the first to arrive to give instructions to his team on a movie set.”
The source adds that while creative differences have opened up between Rohit and Akshay, the main reason for their cold war goes way back – when the filmmaker had preponed the release date of Sooryavanshi to March 27, 2020, something which Akshay had apparently not been consulted over. “Akshay is a cool, hassle-free guy and a thorough professional. He never interferes in any decision that his director or producer makes but he was upset when Rohit decided to prepone Sooryavanshi without even informing him. Apparently, the filmmaker had made this decision talking to Salman Khan directly. A hurt Akshay kept quiet but when script issues spiralled out of control, he could no longer keep quiet as his dates were being jostled around. He is very organised and his dates are chalked out months in advance. With re-shooting of Sooryavanshi happening, his dates were getting messed up with his other projects. Apparently, Akshay is also unhappy with the re-shoot of some major scenes in the movie.”
A major fallout because of the rumoured rift between the filmmaker and the superstar, the trade source says, is a change of the promotional strategy. “Rohit and Akshay will not promote the film together. At the most they may come together for the promo launch only. But interviews and promotions they won’t be doing together. Apparently, relations have soured so much between them that one day, Karan Johar had to be called on the sets to intervene and sort things out. He is playing the mediator to make sure that the project gets completed on time.”
During the shoot of Dilwale, similar rumours of a rift between Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty had surfaced, leading to speculations that the two wouldn’t work together again. Recently, there was talk that Hrithik Roshan had left Farah Khan and Rohit’s next movie and the two filmmakers had approached Akshay for it. The trade source sums it up, “As of now, the way things are between them, it’s almost impossible that they will work together again.”
Also Read: Sooryavanshi: Katrina Kaif and Rohit Shetty look as happy as daises in this candid BTS picture
Bollywood Hungama was the first to write about Akshay Kumar being in talks with producer Vashu Bhagnani, to discuss a project with him. The producer, who has given many blockbusters over more than two decades in the Bollywood film industry, had even offered Akshay a whopping remuneration of over 100 crore to act in his movie. Now we have it from confirmed sources that Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil Advani have joined hands to come together in a movie directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Akshay and Nikkhil come together after three years. Their last movie was Airlift (2016), directed by Raja Krishna Menon. A trade source says, “This movie will be a mix of all Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil’s style of filmmaking – action, emotion and entertainment. Akshay’s next with Vashu and Nikkhil will also be hard-core, action drama which is said to be inspired from a real-life incident. Akshay is on a roll with his last releases including Mission Mangal and the latest blockbuster Housefull 4 so charging a whopping amount is fair considering his market value and box-office appeal. This film has him essaying a role which his fans love him the most - the protagonist on a mission. A large amount of the movie may be shot in London and it’s a big budget extravaganza shot in international locales.”
According to the source, “Akshay and Vashu have been in talks for quite some time to do a movie together while Nikkhil was looking for a good script for Akshay, post Airlift. Nikkhil, Akshay and Vashu coming together in one movie means the merging of three super brands - Nikkhil is also on a career high with his movies like Satyameva Jayate and Batla House doing excellent business at the box-office and his next Marjaavaan (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria and directed by Milap Zaveri) is carrying very good reports. Nikkhil is also doing a movie with Arjun Kapoor and Rakulpreet Singh. He is also helming a web series called Bombay Dairies. Vashu Bhagnani brings with him the experience, knowledge and expertise of a producer who has been in the film industry for over 24 years. He is also producing the remake of Coolie No.1 which is carrying a good buzz in film trade so a combination of the three would mean sure-shot box-office success. Akshay is said to have given his nod to the movie after getting more than Rs. 100 crore for it, thus making him the highest paid star in Bollywood. They are also in talks with a few of Bollywood's top actresses to play the female lead opposite Akshay.”
Also Read: “Had butterflies in my stomach”: Nupur Sanon on shooting her debut music video with Akshay Kumar
Bollywood Hungama was the first to write about Akshay Kumar being in talks with producer Vashu Bhagnani, to discuss a project with him. The producer, who has given many blockbusters over more than two decades in the Bollywood film industry, had even offered Akshay a whopping remuneration of over 100 crore to act in his movie. Now we have it from confirmed sources that Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil Advani have joined hands to come together in a movie directed by Lucknow Central (produced by Nikkhil again) director Ranjit Tiwari.
Akshay and Nikkhil come together after three years. Their last movie was Airlift (2016), directed by Raja Krishna Menon. A trade source says, “This movie will be a mix of all Akshay, Vashu and Nikkhil’s style of filmmaking – action, emotion and entertainment. Akshay’s next with Vashu and Nikkhil will also be hard-core, action drama which is said to be inspired from a real-life incident. Akshay is on a roll with his last releases including Mission Mangal and the latest blockbuster Housefull 4 so charging a whopping amount is fair considering his market value and box-office appeal. This film has him essaying a role which his fans love him the most - the protagonist on a mission. A large amount of the movie may be shot in London and it’s a big budget extravaganza shot in international locales.”
According to the source, “Akshay and Vashu have been in talks for quite some time to do a movie together while Nikkhil was looking for a good script for Akshay, post Airlift. Nikkhil, Akshay and Vashu coming together in one movie means the merging of three super brands - Nikkhil is also on a career high with his movies like Satyameva Jayate and Batla House doing excellent business at the box-office and his next Marjaavaan (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria and directed by Milap Zaveri) is carrying very good reports. Nikkhil is also doing a movie with Arjun Kapoor and Rakulpreet Singh. He is also helming a web series called Bombay Dairies. Vashu Bhagnani brings with him the experience, knowledge and expertise of a producer who has been in the film industry for over 24 years. He is also producing the remake of Coolie No.1 which is carrying a good buzz in film trade so a combination of the three would mean sure-shot box-office success. Akshay is said to have given his nod to the movie after getting more than Rs. 100 crore for it, thus making him the highest paid star in Bollywood. They are also in talks with a few of Bollywood's top actresses to play the female lead opposite Akshay.”
Also Read: “Had butterflies in my stomach”: Nupur Sanon on shooting her debut music video with Akshay Kumar
Alia Bhatt is on a high. She has signed some good films which include Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, Mahesh Bhatt’s Sadak 2 and her debut in Telugu film industry with SS Rajamouli's RRR. In interviews earlier this year, the actress had informed that eventually Hollywood would be her next destination soon but we have come to know that the actress is already in the posh locale of Beverly Hills at Los Angeles scouting for an international celebrity manager. Alia is entering Hollywood at a relatively younger age than Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Recently, Huma Qureshi too made a Hollywood foray with Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead.
A trade source says, “Alia’s entry into Hollywood seems sooner than later. It’s all very hush-hush at the moment, though she has been spotted at Beverly Hill restaurants in Los Angeles on social media posts. While it seems that the actress is holidaying in LA with her best friend Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, apparently, Alia is there in search of an international celebrity agent. Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu had signed Simone Sheffield, while Priyanka Chopra has Anjula Acharia. From Aishwarya, Bipasha, Priyanka and Deepika Padukone – all have had celebrity managers or agents in Hollywood, who are based in Los Angeles, as one needs people there to keep the stars updated on international castings and auditions. Alia is also an accomplished singer like Priyanka so that is an added bonus if she is required to cut a single or an album.”
According to the source, “It will be a couple of weeks before SLB’s Gangubai Kathiawadi goes on floor and as Alia had time on her hand, she flew down with Vivek Kamath of Matrix, to look for an international agent in Hollywood. Matrix handles Alia’s work in India and is one of India's leading celebrity management firms and apparently, Vivek is in LA negotiating with the agents on Alia’s behalf.”
The source adds that like Priyanka and Deepika, Alia too will find a balance between Hollywood and Bollywood movies. “Alia is very young and it is the right age to explore the international movie scene now. Indian actors are getting a variety of roles today. She is also extremely talented who has an exciting bouquet of Indian films so she is sure to flourish in both the film industries. Alia shot for another schedule of Sadak 2 before she left for LA. She will return to shoot for Bhansali’s movie now mid-November once the sets are up in Film City in Mumbai.”
Also Read: Brahmastra: Shah Rukh Khan to have a cameo in Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor starrer
We had reported that Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who recently announced Baiju Bawra, had offered the title role to his favourite Ranveer Singh. Now, in a latest development, we have heard that after the talks with Ranveer and the filmmaker fell through, Bhansali had approached his Guzaarish actor, Hrithik Roshan, to play the classical singer Baiju Bawra. After giving some deliberation to the thought (and SLB’s narration), Hrithik has agreed to do the film. The duo will reunite after nine years as Guzaarish released in 2010.
Says a trade source, “Few know that Hrithik and the filmmaker have been holding meetings for the last few days. SLB loved the actor's performances in Super 30 and War and reached out to him post his last release. Hrithik loves Bhansali's work and is keen to work in a period drama again. Till now Hrithik had given his nod only to his father Rakesh Roshan’s superhero action drama, Krrish 4, but he loved Bhansali’s script. In a hush-hush development that happened on Saturday night (November 2) at the filmmaker’s home, Hrithik agreed to do Baiju Bawra. The formal signing will take place within the next few days along with a proper announcement.”
The source adds that apparently, talks with Ranveer and the acclaimed filmmaker fell through when date issues arose and that Ranveer was also doing another period drama. “Ranveer will be busy shooting for another period drama, Takht, directed by Karan Johar, which itself requires a lot of prep and is based during the Mughal era. Baiju Bawra is a pure musical and a dramatized version of the story of the uniquely talented classical singer Baiju Bawra who defeated the legendary musician Tansen, at a musical duel, held in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. While the filmmaker had offered the lead and title role of the young Baiju Bawra to Ranveer Singh, apparently things didn’t work out as Ranveer didn’t have dates next year. Baiju is a passionate, emotional, deeply vengeful and yet intensely romantic character and Ranveer needs a lot of prep before every role. The filmmaker also requires a lot of time from his actors before and during the shoot and Ranveer’s date diary is choc-a-bloc as of now with Takht and YRF’s Jayeshbhai Jordaar. There’s speculation too that Ranveer may make a surprise appearance in Rohit Shetty’s next part of the Golmaal franchise which rolls next year.”
Baiju Bawra will start later next year after SLB’s next Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt, is complete and Krrish 4 too. The source adds that as the movie is about a young and extremely talented dhrupad singer-composer by the same name, Hrithik too would need to prep a lot for the role. “He would require a certain amount of training and knowledge as a singer and musician as Baiju was called bawra because of his deep love for classical music. Baiju Bawra, challenged composer, musician and Hindustani classical vocalist Tansen, to a singing duel, to avenge the death of his musician father, at the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. When Tansen's sentries tries to stop Baiju's father from singing, and he dies in the struggle, he makes the young Baiju promise to take revenge against Tansen. Apparently, Priyanka Chopra has been approached to play Baiju’s romantic interest. She holds an edge as she’s an internationally acclaimed singer in her own right.”
Tansen was known as one of the Navratnas or Nine Jewels of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. Baiju won the competition against Tansen and impressed Akbar too. After his father’s death, Baiju met his teacher Swami Haridas, and trained in a gurukula. He later became one of the court musicians of Maan Singh Tomar of Gwalior after he left the court of the Raja of Chanderi. Then he became of the musicians of Raja Mansingh Tomar’s court. Legends say that Baiju Bawra could melt stone, light oil lamps by singing Raag Deepak, create rain by singing the raags Megh, Megh Malhar, or Gaud Malhar and bloom flowers by singing raga Bahar.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Will Hrithik Roshan opt out of Farah Khan and Rohit Shetty’s SEVEN?
This news is hot as it's a very recent development! This movie has been considered to be one of the most controversial movies of recent times. While it seemed to be smooth sailing for Rohit Shetty and Farah Khan’s next movie, starring Hrithik Roshan, it seems that it has run into a roadblock. Buzz is that the star hasn’t liked the first draft of the movie and asked for a fresh version, after which he will decide.
A trade source says, “An announcement on the movie (tentatively titled Seven) was to appear this week with Hrithik Roshan as the lead. Apparently, the team along with Farah and her writers went to give a narration to Hrithik last week but he didn’t like it. He told the team to re-write some parts again and return with a fresh narrative. Earlier, it had been reported that Rohit and Farah were keen to make the remake of the 1982 Satte Pe Satta, directed by Romu N Sippy but the deal with Rajesh Vasani (who owned the remake rights), fell through. There were two hitches which came with that – Rohit, Farah and the team could not use the title Satte Pe Satta and the character of Babu, which has been created by original writers of Satte Pe Satta, Satish Bhatnagar, Kader Khan and Jyoti Swaroop.”
Apparently, the lack of a double role was something that created an issue with Hrithik Roshan. “In Satte Pe Satta, the double role of Amitabh Bachchan as Ravi Anand (played by Bachchan), the good elder brother was balanced by the darker and pivotal character of Babu (again played by Bachchan), and who was also the antagonist. That would be an exciting character for anybody, including an actor like Hrithik to play and with that missing, something was lacking in the script. The makers were in talks with an international entertainment company for the official remake rights of the Hollywood musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). The first draft didn’t have anything to do with Romu N Sippy’s Satte Pe Satta, as was the original plan. So now, Hrithik has told Farah and the team to re-write certain portions to make his character more exciting. Once they come back for another draft, will he decide whether he wants to do it or not.”
Earlier Vasani had told Bollywood Hungama, “Anyone can always make the original movie Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, But, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers doesn’t have the second character of Babu (Amitabh Bachchan) as there was no double role in that film, so they can't make it a double role in Rohit and Farah's movie. No one can use the title Satte Pe Satta as it is registered with the producer's association under my name."
Satte Pe Satta revolves around seven unkempt and uncouth brothers (orphans), living on a farmhouse, led by their oldest brother Ravi Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who are taught manners and etiquette by a nurse Indu (Hema Malini). But everything becomes chaotic when Ravi’s lookalike and impersonator, Babu, turns up. He kidnaps Ravi as part of a plan by somebody (with evil intentions), who has hired him. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, Satte Pe Satta (1982) featured Sachin, Shakti Kapoor, Paintal, Sudhir, Inderjeet and Vikram Sahu as the rest of the six Anand brothers and Amjad Khan, Ranjeeta Kaur, Sarika, Kanwaljit Singh, Prema Narayan, Mac Mohan and Kalpana Iyer in other roles.
Also Read: Exclusive - Rakesh Roshan will direct Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4 and NOT Sanjay Gupta!
This news is hot as it's a very recent development! This movie has been considered to be one of the most controversial movies of recent times. While it seemed to be smooth sailing for Rohit Shetty and Farah Khan’s next movie, starring Hrithik Roshan, it seems that it has run into a roadblock. Buzz is that the star hasn’t liked the first draft of the movie and asked for a fresh version, after which he will decide.
A trade source says, “An announcement on the movie (tentatively titled Seven) was to appear this week with Hrithik Roshan as the lead. Apparently, the team along with Farah and her writers went to give a narration to Hrithik last week but he didn’t like it. He told the team to re-write some parts again and return with a fresh narrative. Earlier, it had been reported that Rohit and Farah were keen to make the remake of the 1982 Satte Pe Satta, directed by Romu N Sippy but the deal with Rajesh Vasani (who owned the remake rights), fell through. There were two hitches which came with that – Rohit, Farah and the team could not use the title Satte Pe Satta and the character of Babu, which has been created by original writers of Satte Pe Satta, Satish Bhatnagar, Kader Khan and Jyoti Swaroop.”
Apparently, the lack of a double role was something that created an issue with Hrithik Roshan. “In Satte Pe Satta, the double role of Amitabh Bachchan as Ravi Anand (played by Bachchan), the good elder brother was balanced by the darker and pivotal character of Babu (again played by Bachchan), and who was also the antagonist. That would be an exciting character for anybody, including an actor like Hrithik to play and with that missing, something was lacking in the script. The makers were in talks with an international entertainment company for the official remake rights of the Hollywood musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). The first draft didn’t have anything to do with Romu N Sippy’s Satte Pe Satta, as was the original plan. So now, Hrithik has told Farah and the team to re-write certain portions to make his character more exciting. Once they come back for another draft, will he decide whether he wants to do it or not.”
Earlier Vasani had told Bollywood Hungama, “Anyone can always make the original movie Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, But, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers doesn’t have the second character of Babu (Amitabh Bachchan) as there was no double role in that film, so they can't make it a double role in Rohit and Farah's movie. No one can use the title Satte Pe Satta as it is registered with the producer's association under my name."
Satte Pe Satta revolves around seven unkempt and uncouth brothers (orphans), living on a farmhouse, led by their oldest brother Ravi Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who are taught manners and etiquette by a nurse Indu (Hema Malini). But everything becomes chaotic when Ravi’s lookalike and impersonator, Babu, turns up. He kidnaps Ravi as part of a plan by somebody (with evil intentions), who has hired him. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, Satte Pe Satta (1982) featured Sachin, Shakti Kapoor, Paintal, Sudhir, Inderjeet and Vikram Sahu as the rest of the six Anand brothers and Amjad Khan, Ranjeeta Kaur, Sarika, Kanwaljit Singh, Prema Narayan, Mac Mohan and Kalpana Iyer in other roles.
Also Read: Exclusive - Rakesh Roshan will direct Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4 and NOT Sanjay Gupta!
Ever since Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali met last week, to discuss three projects – Baiju Bawra, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Immortals of Melhua, the film industry has been agog with rumours about which the star will take up. While many assumed Devgn had given his nod to playing the title role in Baiju Bawra, apparently that was not the case. We had earlier reported that he had okayed Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi opposite Alia Bhatt. Now, we have come to know that Bhansali has offered the role of Baiju Bawra to his favourite Ranveer Singh and Tansen’s role to Ajay Devgn which he reportedly turned down. SLB will direct Baiju Bawra after he completes the Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubhai Kathiawadi.
Says a source, “While Gangubai Kathiawadi is more of a dark emotional, action drama of the world of brothels, crime, dons and rich men who visit the world of brothels, Baiju Bawra is a pure musical and a dramatized version of the story of the uniquely talented singer Baiju Bawra. It’s to Bhansali’s credit that he is choosing to direct two projects in stark contrast to the other. And the filmmaker has offered the lead and title role of the young Baiju Bawra to Ranveer Singh. Who else can play the passionate, emotional, deeply vengeful and yet intensely romantic Baiju, than Ranveer? SLB and Ranveer have definitely met and the filmmaker has offered the young actor the role of Baiju Bawra. The movie won’t start before next year and by then Ranveer would have completed his other films.”
The source adds, “Baiju Bawra is about a young and extremely talented dhrupad singer-composer by the same name, who challenged composer, musician and Hindustani classical vocalist Tansen, to a singing duel, to avenge the death of his musician father, at the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. When Tansen's sentries tries to stop Baiju's father from singing, and he dies in the struggle, he makes the young Baiju promise to take revenge against Tansen. If Ranveer gives his nod to the movie, it will be again another challenging role for him as he will need some training and knowledge as a singer and musician. It will be interesting to see who plays his romantic interest – will it be Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra? Priyanka holds an edge as she’s an internationally acclaimed singer in her own right.”
There are various versions of why bawra was added to Baiju’s name. One theory goes that he was called bawra (crazy) because he was madly in love with a court dancer in Chanderi. Another story goes that when his adopted son Gopal left Baiju taking his family with him, Baiju became mad searching for his granddaughter. The third story explains that he was called bawra because of his deep love for classical music.
Tansen was known as one of the Navratnas or Nine Jewels of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. Baiju won the competition against Tansen and impressed Akbar too. After his father’s death, Baiju met his teacher Swami Haridas, and trained in a gurukula. He later became one of the court musicians of Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior after he left the court of the Raja of Chanderi. Then he became of the musicians of Raja Mansingh Tomar’s court. Legends say that Baiju Bawra could melt stone, light oil lamps by singing Raag Deepak, create rain by singing the raags Megh, Megh Malhar, or Gaud Malhar and bloom flowers by singing raga Bahar.
Also Read: BREAKING: Sanjay Leela Bhansali announces Baiju Bawra as his next after Gangubai Kathiawadi!
The fact that Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be coming together after 20 years in the biopic Gangubai Kathiawadi, has given rise to great excitement. Alia Bhatt plays the madam of a Kamathipura brothel in Mumbai during the 1960s and apparently, Ajay Devgn will play one of her gangster lovers who shaped her destiny to her meteoric rise as one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams of Kamathipura. The story is said to be loosely adapted from one of the chapters of Hussain Zaidi’s Mafia Queens Of Mumbai. Gangubai was the only brothel madam at that time who owned a black Bentley. SLB's movie is expected to go on floors this year.
Says a trade source, “Last week, Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali met at Anand Pandit’s Diwali party and chatted for hours. They caught up on a lot of stuff and that’s when SLB also invited him over to his office. Ajay dropped in a couple of days after that and they had meeting for more than a couple of hours. Bhansali offered him two scripts – a biopic and the other fictional, a love story, which is said to be Baiju Bawra. In Baiju Bawra the actor was offered the role of Tansen. Ajay liked his role in Gangubai as it’s an intense character – a mobster with a golden heart who teaches Gangubai the tricks of the trade and falls in love with her.”
According to the source, “Ajay didn’t sign right then as he wants to do the signing and make the announcement at an auspicious date, which will be this week. The star showed the famous filmmaker some scenes his next project, a historical action drama, Tanhaji and Bhansali who himself excels in such period dramas was quite impressed. Apart from both these movies, the filmmaker also offered him another action drama based on a warrior film, which will be directed by SLB, at a later date. Ajay’s role in Gangubai is an extremely powerful and passionate one and will be remembered in cinema for the depth and romance in it.”
Also Read: Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai will feature completely different music, says Sanjay Leela Bhansali
There is tremendous speculation in the film industry that Amar Kaushik’s Bala, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and produced by Dinesh Vijan, may get preponed, as Abhishek Pathak’s movie, Ujda Chaman (both based on the concept of a young, prematurely balding bachelor), has moved ahead to November 1. But there is a glitch - there is a court hearing (Abhishek had filed a petition citing copyright infringement) on the issue on November 4 and till the matter is resolved, it seems unlikely that Bala can release before that.
Earlier, when the makers of Ujda Chaman had decided to release on November 8, Bala had shifted to November 7. Abhishek’s movie is an official remake of the Kannada movie Ondu Motteya Kathe, starring Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo and Saurabh Shukla and is produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek.
Says a trade source, “Abhishek Pathak had filed a petition citing copyright infringement with the Supreme Court to stall the release of Ayushmann Khurrana's Bala, as it was releasing just a day (November 7) before his movie. The petition stated that there were similarities between the storylines of Bala and Ujda Chaman. There will be a court hearing on the issue on November 4 so one doesn’t know how Bala can come on November 1. There was also a screening of Bala on October, 19, where Abhishek saw the movie. No mobile phones or equipment were allowed to be carried for the screening. The concept may be same and though Bala is a bigger film, nobody wants similar concept-based movies to come out before them. Nobody is wrong here.”
Abhishek Pathak says, “I have the official remake rights of the Kannada movie Ondu Motteya Kathe which we have remade to Ujda Chaman. I preponed our movie as I wanted to give us both a solo week. It’s a much fairer deal for them but tougher competition for us as we have three Diwali releases the week before us but this way, we can have our own share of revenues. Let both films earn. They have been shifting their dates and I don’t want to get into an ego battle because egos are not bigger than the film industry. Theirs is a bigger film but now that we have shifted, both movies will get a solo release. I don’t know or understand why they keep shifting their dates… Are they not confident about their product or were they shaken up after watching my trailer?”
The director says he tried to reach out to the Bala producers, including Dinesh Vijan. “Initially, I tried reaching out to their banner Maddock Films, when they were about to start the movie. I told them that the rights of movie Ondu Motteya Kathe were with me and sent them a legal notice also, to which they confirmed that the only similarities were with the bald character. But now, when I saw the Bala trailer, I saw there were lots of similarities. They had announced their release date as November 15, that’s why I moved to November 8 and then they changed theirs to November 7.”
Has Abhishek seen Bala on October 19? He says, “Yes, I have seen Bala but I am not allowed to talk about it as the matter is under sub-judice.”
A source close to Dinesh Vijan says that as of now they are not shifting the release date from November 7.
Also Read: Sunny Singh says he respects and looks up to Ayushmann Khurrana