Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 1, 2017)

Mirror (November 18) had earlier reported that Kajol’s next film has been written by Ship of Theseus director Anand Gandhi and is an adaptation of his Gujarati play, Beta Kaagdo. It revolves around a mother-son relationship with the actress playing a single parent. We have now learnt that National Award-winning filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, whose last directorial was the Rani Mukerji starrer 2014 crime thriller, Mardaani, will be directing the film which is likely to roll in January.

“I was offered the script around four months ago. It took me a while to understand the Gujarati tone but eventually I fell in love with this extremely emotional story which boasts of some really strong characters and there’s a chance of people getting really close to them,” informs Sarkar, admitting that he has been interacting with a lot Gujaratis of late.

The 62-year-old filmmaker informs that he has already started on the prep and reading sessions with Kajol will begin soon. “She’s an awesome actress who picks up a role and owns it. She has her own style, charm and a particular way of talking that enhances the character,” he maintains, adding that they are scouting for the boy who will play her son.

Kajol’s husband, Ajay Devgn, is producing the film with Abhinav Shukla. Swanand Kirkire, who has earlier worked with Sarkar on Parineeta, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Lafangey Parindey, is writing the lyrics. Amit Trivedi will be scoring the music. The film will be shot on the outskirts of Mumbai.

“I am getting involved in the dialogue and character-building as there are a few insights that I want to incorporate to make the film more endearing. This is not like Parineeta, where everything was detailed, this is more free-flowing, a character and music-driven film,” Sarkar points out.

So what kept him away from directing more films after Mardaani? “Making commercials is my main business. If someone gives me enough money, I would only make films but we have to survive,” the filmmaker signs off with a chuckle.