Anirban Das (DNA; February 24, 2016)

Four decades after MA Thirumugham’s Haathi Mere Saathi starring Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja proved to be a box office blockbuster, South film director Prabhu Solomon will attempt a modern-day retelling of it.

Sources say Trinity Pictures, a franchise studio of Eros International, holds the rights to remake the film with a contemporary spin. “They got in touch with Solomon to direct the film three months ago, but got his confirmation last week. The makers have a story in place, which is about loyalty and friendship. Haathi Mere Saathi is a reference point, not a scene-by-scene remake,” informs a source.

The film is expected to be a big budget affair. “The casting process will begin after locking the final script. However, the shoot will begin during monsoon. It will be shot in India and abroad, and have a lot of VFX work,” adds the source.

Ajit Thakur, CEO of Trinity Pictures, says, “We have the rights to remake the film. But it won’t exactly be a remake of Haathi Mere Saathi. It stands as a reference and inspiration for the new film. The film will go on floors this year and Prabhu Solomon has been confirmed as the director.”

Solomon says, “This film will have a fresh story with a lot more action.”