Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 24, 2015)

Abhishek Chaubey's upcoming thriller 'Udta Punjab' has been making news for quite some time now. First, there was uncertainty over lead actor Shahid Kapoor's availability, and when his ex-flame, Kareena Kapoor Khan gave her nod to the film, albeit on the condition that they would not share a single frame.

Now we hear a major film studio, which was backing the project, has pulled out of it. With that, Anurag Kashyap-led Phantom Films remains the sole producer. However, the makers are apparently raring to go ahead with the shoot from next month.

An industry insider says, "It will start rolling in Punjab from March 1. The actors have been told that they will get their remuneration only when a film studio comes on board. They have agreed to this condition as they loved the script. As of now, Phantom will be funding the film."

Nevertheless, the makers are on an intense hunt for a production partner, say sources. "After this particular studio backed out of the project, they approached several producers, but without success. However, the search is still on," says a source.

'Udta Punjab', which revolves around the drug mafia and drug abuse in Punjab, stars Alia Bhatt and Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh apart from Shahid and Bebo.

Chaubey remained unavailable for comment.