Upala KBR (DNA; June 17, 2016)

A Karan Johar-Sajid Nadiadwala co-production, Shiddat (formerly titled Kalank) sees the reunion of director Abhishek Varman and Arjun Kapoor after 2 States. Joining them, are Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan — both KJo favourites. The film is expected to be the most expensive and ambitious project ever for both Karan and Sajid, as it’s a period drama.

While there’s been buzz that Arjun has opted out of the project, this is not true. Says our source, “See, Alia and Varun are on board, but Arjun is still mulling over his decision. And here’s why. Shiddat is a period drama set against Partition-era Lahore. It is a love triangle between the three actors, but with unequal roles. Arjun plays the good guy, while Varun plays the anti-hero, which obviously is a better-sketched character with more layers to him. The anti-hero usually gets accolades and audience appreciation and that is Arjun’s dilemma. He doesn’t want to be overshadowed by Varun’s character. He has asked the makers to make some changes in his role and get back to him. While he is interested in the role, he wants more depth to his character to make it stronger.”

The finalising of casting depends on Arjun’s nod as Student Of The Year alums Varun-Alia already have Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya between them and are currently shooting for Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya. “Abhishek is very keen to get Arjun on board as they are great buddies and the director feels he suits the role the best so he has been trying to persuade him. Arjun always goes for the role and never the cast. If he hops on board it will mean a great casting coup as Arjun, Alia and Varun have never worked together.”