Viyda Balan and Katrina Kaif
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 15, 2019)

Anand L RaiWhile female action flicks have been a rarity in Bollywood, the idea appears to be slowly picking up pace. mid-day has learnt that Vidya Balan and Katrina Kaif are in advanced talks for an action-comedy to be bankrolled by Raanjhanaa and Tanu Weds Manu maker Aanand L Rai. The filmmaker has apparently zeroed in on debutant director Anirudh Ganapathy to helm the fare.

A source reveals, "Anirudh has been associated with Aanand sir's production house for many years, and has worked as an assistant director on Happy Bhag Jayegi [2016] and Zero [2018]. While shooting for Zero, he shared the idea of the two-heroine film with Katrina, who agreed to do it in principle. The production house also approached Vidya for the parallel lead. The scripting is currently in its final stage; both actors will take a call only after the final narration. If all goes well, the film will have Vidya and Katrina sharing screen space for the first time."