Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 18, 2019)

After Dharma Productions’ big-budget period drama Kalank, Sonakshi Sinha has given her nod to her second project this year. The Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi heroine has greenlit a slice-of-life drama, which will be backed by T-Series and will also mark Fukrey director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s foray into production. Written by Gautam Mehra, it will be helmed by debutante Shilpi Dasgupta.

A source tells us, “It’s a yet-to-be-titled ensemble movie with Sonakshi leading from the front. She plays a typical Punjabi from Hoshiyarpur, who loves her family a lot and tries to strike a balance between them and her dreams. It is the no-holds-barred journey of a girl, who breaks taboos and opens minds in the process.”

The Ittefaq actress evinced interest in the project after the narration. The source adds, “Sonakshi has an author-backed role. The rom-com will also feature Varun Sharma, Annu Kapoor and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Casting is underway for an actor, who will play Sona’s love interest.”

The movie goes on floors on January 25 in Punjab and will release on August 2 this year. Confirming the news of her signing the project, Sonakshi says, “I’m extremely happy to be part of a film, which is so close to the world around us. I will get to step into the shoes of a small-town girl, and face the hilarious, madcap challenges thrown at her. It’s full of flavour, fun and emotions. I am looking forward to this journey.”

Mrighdeep tells us, “When emotions are combined strongly with laughter, it’s a story worth one’s time. The movie explores the extraordinary dreams of an ordinary girl in a madcap world.” Producer Bhushan Kumar adds, “It is a slice-of-life film with a superb ensemble cast that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with every character.”