Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 20, 2018)

Over the last few months, speculations have been rife that Akshay Kumar has signed a movie with Yash Raj Films (YRF). Now, a source has confirmed to After Hrs that the Padma Shri recipient will indeed team up with Aditya Chopra’s production house next year. “Akshay and YRF have been discussing to work together for quite sometime. There were rumours that Shimit Amin is directing a film with him, but that’s not true. It’s another project that will be helmed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi,” says the source.

Akki was the sole choice
Akshay, who will topline the cast, will be seen as Prithviraj Chauhan in the period film. Our source tells us, “It will be mounted on a huge scale. The team will also recreate the 12th century for it. Chandraprakash has been planning to make a movie on Prithviraj Chauhan for the last two-and-a-half years now. Akshay has been his only choice for the role. Aditya loved his storytelling and decided to back the project.”

There were reports that the National Award-winning actor will play Chanakya, but it was a false alarm. Our source adds, “This film will showcase Akshay as a warrior and also narrate the epic love story of Prithviraj and Sanyukta.”

Goes on floors next year
Our khabri informs us, “The project will roll out around mid-next year, after Akshay finishes Hera Pheri 3. Right now, the filmmaker and his team is busy with research and pre-production.” It will mark Akshay’s return to YRF, after a hiatus of 11 years. His last release was Tashan in 2008. Adi has bankrolled two big period ventures consecutively — this one and Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera that goes on floors by the end of this year.

The story of Prithviraj Chauhan
The last ruler of the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty, Prithviraj succeeded his father, King Someshvara, to the throne after the latter’s demise. Known for his valour and sharp military skills, he was called the warrior king. He is widely remembered for his epic love story with Sanyukta, who was the daughter of his enemy, Kannauj King, Jaichand. He rode off with her on his horse, on the day of her Swayamvar. Their saga is considered one of India’s most popular medieval romances. Later, Afghan ruler Muhammad Ghori raged a war against him and although he emerged victorious in the first Battle of Tarain, he was defeated and captured in the second Battle of Tarain.