Film expected to roll soon; Bhansali will compose music too
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 23, 2019)

Almost two decades after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999, Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are set to team up again on a yet-untitled film, which rolls in the second half of the year.

A source close to the development reveals that it is a love story. Bhansali plans to present a different side to the actor, breaking free from his action image. “Both of them have been looking to team up on a film for a while now. Everything has finally fallen into place,” informs the source.

The basic script is locked and Bhansali is currently working on the screenplay. The subject is close to Sanjay’s heart and belongs in a space which has not been explored till date. “He had discussed the idea with Salman before the release of his last directorial, Padmaavat. Salman is equally excited to collaborate with him,” the source adds.

Buzz is, it’s a period film but the source categorically denies it, reiterating that it is a love story. “Sanjay has been working on three scripts simultaneously and was in talks with several big actors. He has finally decided to go ahead with this one which will be spearheaded by Salman,” the source stated.

The film would be jointly produced by Bhansali and Salman. Though the exact dates are yet to be worked out, it should roll around September, right after Salman finishes shooting for Dabangg 3. “The other members of the cast will be signed soon. The female lead will be an A-lister and they are looking at a 2020 release,” shares the source, adding that Bhansali will score the music himself. The filmmaker’s last stint as a music director for Padmaavat had bagged him eight awards including Best Composer and Best Album at the recent Mirchi Music Awards.

Confirming the news, Prerna Singh, CEO of Bhansali Productions, said, “Yes, Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are reuniting after 19 years for a love story. Their collaboration is the best thing that can happen in terms of story-telling.”

The news comes on the eve of Bhansali’s 56th birthday and the confirmation comes as a return gift to his fans. The director-actor duo has earlier worked together in Khamoshi: The Musical in 1996, Sanjay’s directorial debut. Salman also had an extended cameo in Bhansali’s 2007 film, Saawariya – the launch pad of Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor. The romantic flick would be Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 10th directorial. His last three films—Goliyon Ki Raasleela...Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat—had featured Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

Apart from this film, Salman also has Ali Abbas Zafar’s period drama Bharat with Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Disha Patani and Jackie Shroff, Dabangg 3 which will reunite him with his Rajjo, Sonakshi Sinha and has Sudeep as the villain and the remake of Korean film, Veteran. Sanjay is gearing up to launch his niece, Sharmin Segal, along with Meezaan Jafri, in a yet-untitled film directed by Mangesh Hadawale. Another production, Tuesdays and Fridays, features Anmol Thakeria and Jhataleka Malhotra in the lead.
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Over a decade after their last collaboration, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to announce his next with Salman Khan tomorrow. This marks Bhansali's reunion with Salman after 12 years since Saawariya (2007)
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; Febryary 23, 2019)

Iwas over six months ago that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had taken to his Instagram handle to confirm that he was reuniting with his favourite star, Salman Khan, for a film. While the post was enough to send fans into a tizzy, the filmmaker has been tight-lipped on the project ever since, presumably waiting for the perfect opportunity to make the announcement. Now, mid-day has learnt that Bhansali will raise the curtain on the Khan-starrer tomorrow on the occasion of his birthday.

A source reveals, "Over a year after Padmaavat hit theatres, Bhansali is ready to announce his next project. Unlike his last two outings that were period dramas, this film will be set in the current day and age. What makes it all the more special is that it marks his reunion with Salman after 12 years since Saawariya (2007). The two were in talks over the past few months and are excited to team up again. They will soon zero in on the leading lady."

Khan holds a special place in Bhansali's life - the superstar was part of the filmmaker's debut vehicle, Khamoshi (1996). The two then went on to deliver a runaway hit in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). Although the duo had a falling out in 2010 over Guzaarish, they buried the hatchet in 2017. Since then, cinephiles have been waiting with bated breath for the duo to weave their magic on celluloid.

While reports suggested that the Khan-starrer is titled Inshallah, the source says that it is the working title. "The romance drama will go on floors by the year-end and will be shot in Mumbai. While Salman wraps up Bharat and a large chunk of Dabangg 3, Bhansali will focus on the film's pre-production."