BOMBAY TIMES (August 28, 2019)

Ali Abbas Zafar, who has directed multiple hits, including Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bharat (2019), has joined hands with Zee Studios to co-produce his maiden production. Titled Khaali Peeli, the film will be directed by Maqbool Khan.

Set in Mumbai, it’s is an edgy rollercoaster ride that kick-starts one night, when a boy meets a girl. The movie will see Ishaan and Ananya Panday pairing up on screen for the first time, and its music has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar. The film will go on floors on September 11.

Elaborating on his long-term association with the studio, Ali Abbas Zafar said, “Khaali Peeli’s process has been organic — Maqbool, Himanshu (Kishan Mehra, co-producer) and I worked on the script for almost a year, and when we felt that it was totally baked, we took it to this enthusiastic young cast. I am happy that the studio is producing this film with us, apart from the other project that we are working on. We will soon announce our next big collaboration as well.”

Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, shared, “We are delighted to partner with Ali as he commences his journey as a producer. This is the first of many. It’s such an exciting script with tremendously promising talent attached to the film. We sure have exciting times ahead.” Director Maqbool Khan added, “I can’t wait to start this ride with these young talents.”

Produced by Zee Studios, Ali Abbas Zafar and Himanshu Kishan Mehra, Khaali Peeli will release on June 12, 2020.