BOMBAY TIMES (October 30, 2018)

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Kedarnath, is all set to hit cinemas on December 7. The story, set against the backdrop of the 2013 ‘Himalayan Tsunami’, which left thousands dead, is touted to be a blend of love and religion, passion and spirituality. It revolves around a 14-km pilgrimage from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath (the 2,000-year-old Shiva temple), during the course of which Mansoor and Mukku, played by Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan respectively, fall in love.

Mansoor, a reserved and reticent Pithoo (porter) who lives with his widowed mother in a hamlet called Rambara, helps pilgrims on their journey towards the temple town. His world turns upside down when he meets the beautiful and rebellious Mukku, who sucks him into a whirlwind of intense love.

This afternoon, as the producers (RSVP and Guy In The Sky Pictures) launch the teaser, audiences will get a glimpse of the chemistry between Sara and Sushant.

Says Abhishek Kapoor, “Kedarnath is an epic tale of love set against an ancient and divine landscape. Yet, it narrates a compelling story for contemporary times, and draws in the viewers’ attention towards the powerful message conveyed. The cast and crew are fervent believers, and the integrity of their efforts resonates in every frame of this film. I have always been drawn to challenges beyond entertainment. Pushing boundaries takes you beyond the clutter; that’s my comfort zone or as I’d like to term it, ‘my sweet spot’. Making this movie has been a personal pilgrimage.”

Ronnie Screwvala adds, “At a time when there seems to be a dearth of original and relatable love stories in Indian cinema, Kedarnath is a breath of fresh air. It’s a love tale set against one of the biggest natural disasters our country has seen. Abhishek has created magic along with the lead pair — Sushant and Sara, who is making her debut.”

Pragya Kapoor shares, “Kedarnath touches upon topics, themes and values that are relevant to all of us, yet has remained unspoken. Set against the backdrop of nature’s fury, it’s not an everyday love story. Shooting on a virgin and undeveloped terrain was as thrilling as it was draining. It’s all thanks to the invaluable contributions of the entire cast and crew and above all Ronnie, who has been like a rock throughout this journey.”
---------------------------
As director Abhishek Kapoor reschedules Kedarnath release to December 7, Sara Ali Khan to be launched with his project, not Simmba
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 30, 2018)

There has been much conjecture around the Bollywood debut of Sara Ali Khan. When reports about Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath being pushed to March 2019 emerged last week, it appeared that the star kid would be launched under the able guidance of Karan Johar and Rohit Shetty in Simmba that hits screens on December 28. However, Kapoor's love saga has once again been rescheduled — the Sushant Singh Rajput starrer will open on December 7, thus becoming Khan's launch vehicle.

Says a trade source, "The teaser of Kedarnath will be launched today, with the film eyeing a December 7 release. Abhishek was keen that Sara foray into the movies with his project and is glad that things have fallen into place. Three weeks after Kedarnath, the youngster will have her second outing in Simmba."

Set against the backdrop of the 2013 floods that wrecked the temple town, Kedarnath sees Rajput play Mansoor, a porter who helps pilgrims make the arduous journey to the temple. His world changes when he falls in love with Mukku, played by Khan.

Glad that his labour of love is ready to be shared with the audience, Kapoor says, "What made the process of making this film fulfilling is the fact that the cast and crew have been keen believers. They worked with immense dedication and honesty throughout, which is showing in the final product." Stating that the director has "created a work of art", co-producer Ronnie Screwvala says, "We are ecstatic to introduce Sara Ali Khan at the movies on December 7."