Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 5, 2018)

Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, whose next film with Salman Khan, Bharat, is set to go on the floors in June, is currently on a recce in Europe. Mirror has learnt that the 2019 Eid release will kick off in Spain with a grand song sequence introducing Salman’s character. A source associated with the film reveals, “The film will also be shot in Poland, Portugal and Malta but will kick off in Spain.

Salman’s first song is being planned on a huge scale to be filmed during the first week of the schedule. Rehearsals are set to kick off soon. This will be followed by an action sequence.” The shoot will then move on to Punjab, Delhi and Abu Dhabi. When contacted, Ali confirmed the news, adding “Yes, we are looking to start shooting in Europe. Further details will be announced when the film goes on the floors.”

Meanwhile, the film’s team has also been researching with international experts on the look and feel of the film. Mirror had earlier reported (Jan 24) that Salman will sport five looks in the film, a period-drama set between 1947 and 2010. Look tests with the actor are expected to commence once Ali and his team return from the recce. Bharat is an official remake of the 2014 Korean drama, Ode to My Father. Salman kicks off the film around the same time as Prabhudheva’s Dabangg 3, to be produced by brother Arbaaz.