Meena Iyer (DNA; May 27, 2019)

Ranveer Singh’s star is in the ascendant. This B-Town hottie is choosing his films with a lot of love and precision. And because he’s on a roll, every movie he gives his nod to is being keenly watched. His recent collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Padmaavat), Rohit Shetty (Simmba) and Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy) have left an indelible impression on the minds of viewers. Not to forget, these films have also made a mammoth contribution to the box office. That’s why he’s called B-Town ‘actor with a midas touch’.

The debonair superstar is currently in London shooting for Kabir Khan’s cricket saga ’83. But in the midst of all this, he has given his nod to his next project (also his release following ’83) that is bound to bring a smile to your face.

Yes, Ranveer and Yash Raj Films are coming together on what the actor calls ‘a miracle script’ penned by debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar. The first-timer will direct the 33-year-old in a humourous entertainer set in Gujarat. Produced by YRF’s own Maneesh Sharma, who also discovered Divyang, the film will go on floors this October.

Ranveer says, “I’ve been immensely fortunate to have collaborated with some of the finest filmmakers in our country. It is gratifying that they believed in my craft and chose me to lead their cinematic vision. All that I have achieved as an actor today is due to these titanic forces showing their faith in me. I’m glad that today I find myself in a position where I can recognise exceptional talent and wholeheartedly back the vision of a brilliant new writer-director like Divyang. Jayeshbhai Jordaar will be my next release after ’83.”

He adds, “Jayeshbhai is a film with a big heart. In its concept and appeal, it encompasses the broadest spectrum of the cinema-loving audience — it’s a movie for everyone! It is, in fact, a ‘miracle script’ that YRF found for me out of nowhere. The sheer brilliance of the writing compelled me to immediately green-light this project. Both humourous and poignant, Jayeshbhai is right up there with the most solid on-paper material I’ve come across.”

Maneesh, who made his directorial debut with Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), which was Ranveer’s launch pad, says, “For a filmmaker, the holy grail is a script that is a balance of a relevant message delivered in an entertaining manner. Divyang’s script is a great example of this and we are all excited to have him helm it. What makes this a truly thrilling venture is that I see this as Ranveer and I ‘paying it forward’. Almost a decade ago, we started our journey together when YRF placed their faith in us newcomers. Today, we collaborate with another new talent to offer the audiences a content-driven mass entertainer.”