The actor to adapt the series into a Hindi film; scripting underway
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 3, 2019)

Since the release of Zero during the Christmas weekend last year, there have been speculations about Shah Rukh Khan’s next. When Mirror (December 12, 2018) had quizzed him about the Rakesh Sharma biopic Saare Jahan Se Achcha and a film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali co-starring Salman Khan, he had informed that apart from these two, there were six other films that he had heard, some of which had struck him as exciting. SRK was quick to add that while he’d love to do Saare Jahan Se Achcha and work with SLB again, he had spoken with Aanand L Rai about another film, and would take a call on his next project only after the release of Zero. It’s been seven months since and the actor has not announced any new film despite persistent rumours about Don 3 and collaborations with SLB, Rajkumar Hirani, Madhur Bhandarkar and Aditya Chopra.

“I have no film with me right now. I am not working on any film. Usually, what happens is when your one film is coming to an end, you begin work on your next film and then you get involved with the new one within three-four months. But this time, I am just not feeling (like doing that). My heart doesn’t allow me to… So, I want to spend more time with my family,” Shah Rukh was quoted as saying recently.

However, Mirror has now learnt that his production house has bagged the rights of the Spanish show, Money Heist, which is currently in its third season. “Shah Rukh Khan was introduced to Money Heist by one of his partners. He loves the show and believes it can be adapted in the Indian context as a feature film,” revealed a source close to the development.

Money Heist revolves around a mysterious man who calls himself “The Professor” and recruits eight career criminals. In an abandoned house, he trains them for five months to steal 2.4 billion Euros from a bank. The team is required to grab not the money in the vault but lock themselves in the bank with the hostages for 11 days and print the money. The Professor monitors the heist from outside, manipulating and misleading the police.

A team of writers is currently working on developing the script of SRK’s film. “There is no clarity on Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement as an actor. At this point of time, he is only producing it,” the source informed, adding that the cast will be decided based on the script. “SRK has always been open to involving other actors in his production ventures.”

Shah Rukh’s recent production, the Sujoy Ghosh directorial, Badla, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu and Amrita Singh, was also a remake of a Spanish thriller, Invisible Guest, adapted to Indian sensibilities, and made a killing at the box-office.