Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 14, 2017)

Shahid Kapoor’s next, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, may deal with the serious subject of power theft, but it will spread the message with more than a few laughs. Director Shree Narayan Singh reveals that though the film was originally conceived as a drama, the team is reworking the script to turn it into a “ quirky comedy”. “When we got the first draft, it was a different story. But we want to make it quirky — in the same space as Toilet - Ek Prem Katha [Singh’s last directorial]. We have been rewriting the film since October 15, ” he says, adding that pre-production is underway. “We start shooting on January 19. The film will be shot in Hrishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Mussoorie.”

Ask him if his story is based on the leading power distribution companies in India and he says, “The idea is not to shame people. We won’t take names, but our film is based on a specific incident in the country.”

The director says Kapoor was sold as soon as he learnt about the subject. “I’m glad he agreed to do the role because no one else could’ve played this character.” Singh adds that besides the male and female leads, there is another pivotal role. But he is quick to caution, “It’s not a two-hero film.”