Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 5, 2014)

Producer-director Aanand L Rai, while planning the sequel to his romantic comedy Tanu Weds Manu (2011), has begun work on another project which he will put on floors after he wraps up the Kangana Ranaut starrer. He will co-produce the yet-to-betitled film with Eros International.

Mirror has it that Salman Khan has agreed in principle to play the male lead and he might also co-produce the film. Aanand and Salman have had a couple of meetings. The modalities are fast being worked out.

Aanand is extremely buoyant about this project, which he plans to put on floors by mid-next year. "I have a story that's waiting to be told. The setting maybe a small city but the story is big. It's a massive project and I want everything to fall into place."

Like his previous hit the Sonam Kapoor-Dhanush starrer Ranjhanaa (2013), this too will be a love story set in a small town. But for this one, the filmmaker has roped in Hollywood VFX expert George Murphy of Forrest Gump, Matrix Reloaded, Jurassic Park and King Kong fame. Aanand's team is already scouting locations.

When contacted, Aanand said: "George Murphy will collaborate with me on this project. However, it is too early to comment more on this project."

Aanand will start working on the sequel to Tanu Weds Manu around August. 
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Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; June 5, 2014)

are to be believed, director Anand L Rai has signed Salman Khan for his next film. Rai, who directed the Dhanush-Sonam Kapoor starrer Raanjhanaa was apparently in talks with the star for a long time. Salman, who is currently shooting for Kick opposite Jacqueline Fernandez, has agreed to do the project. The script is being worked upon and if all goes well, Salman will be playing a dwarf in the film.

Says a source, “Salman has wanted to work with Rai for a while now and recently, he gave his nod to the project. Pre-production work on this film will start soon and the film will have Salman playing a dwarf in it. The actor loves experimenting with different looks and characters, which is why he readily agreed to do the project.” While director Anand L Rai was unavailable for comment, another source adds that the dates for the project are yet to be decided. “Salman doesn’t have any dates till 2016 and right now, Anand L Rai is working on the sequel of Tanu Weds Manu. But yes, Rai will soon look at working on its pre- production,” says this source.