Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 3, 2018)

Karan Johar took his first steps in the direction of regional cinema when he came on board SS Rajamouli’s Telugu-Tamil fantasy-drama Bãhubali: The Beginning (2015). He consolidated his position when he continued his association with the sequel, Bãhubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). Both parts went on to make box-office history. And, Karan’s banner, Dharma Productions, continued their foray into regional cinema. His production house is currently remaking the Marathi blockbuster Sairat in Hindi. The film titled Dhadak stars Shahid Kapoor’s brother Ishaan opposite Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi and is slated for a July 20 release. Now, we hear KJo will also be presenting a Marathi film...

KARAN BACKS MADHURI’S FILM
Madhuri Dixit-Nene is making her Marathi debut with Bucket List, and Karan is presenting it. A source reveals, “Karan and Madhuri share a warm equation. They are even doing a film together (Abhishek Varman’s next). When Karan saw the teaser of Bucket List, which was released a week ago, he loved it and spoke to the team. He came on board as a presenter and along with Madhuri, this will be his debut in the Marathi film space.” The movie also stars Renuka Shahane, Sumeet Raghavan and Shubha Khote.

KARAN SPEAKS
Confirming the development, Karan tells us, “I’ve been a staunch believer in regional cinema and since Bãhubali, I am confident that good cinema with a great platform breaks the barrier of language. Moreover, the opportunity to launch the superstar actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene in her mother tongue is going to be my absolute pleasure. Together, with the team of Bucket List and AA Films, we hope that this heartwarming film gets all the love it deserves.”

MADHURI SPEAKS
Talking about her debut in her mother tongue, Madhuri says, “I was longing to work in a Marathi film and with my debut through Bucket List, my wish is being fulfilled. Marathi films have been content-driven and evolving interest world over. There couldn’t be a better birthday-month gift for me than Karan presenting it this summer. Like my millions of fans, I am truly excited and looking forward to share my experience with you all.”

SPECIAL RELEASE DATE
It’s a story of every human being, who has unfulfilled dreams in life with Madhuri playing Madhura Sane, a housewife, who wants to do everything on her ‘bucket list’. The film will release on May 25. A source says, “It makes Karan’s association with Bucket List even more special since the film is scheduled to hit the screens on his birthday. The team is planning a huge promotional campaign for the film and Karan will be equally involved with the same.”