Sajid Nadiadwala on his next with Salman Khan, which is targeting Eid 2021 release; the family drama rolls by the year-end and will feature lots of action too
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 14, 2020)

Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala have blocked the two festive slots of 2021 for a family-drama with action and the Kick sequel. Last Friday, Salman took everyone by surprise by announcing his seventh collaboration with his filmmaker friend on a film titled Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Produced by Sajid, who has also written the story, the film will be directed by Farhad Samji. Targeting an Eid 2021 release, the film will go on the floors towards the year-end with a start-to-finish schedule.

“It’s essentially a family drama with lots of action too. The narration took place early last week and Salman gave his nod in the first meeting itself as the script is tailor-made for his image,” reveals a source close to the development, adding that the title mirrors Salman’s happy-go-lucky character as well.

Sajid, who directed Kick in 2014, is also returning as a director with the sequel to the action-thriller with Salman in the lead. Talking about their new venture that came like a bolt from the blue, Sajid says, “Salman and I are collaborating after six years and it feels like our Judwaa days are back. I had started writing Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali even before the Kick sequel. It’s a film with a very different approach and we are sure the audience will love Salman in this avatar we have planned.” While speculations about his leading lady have started, the filmmaker states that they are yet to lock any.

Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali will be Sajid’s third consecutive film with Farhad, who had earlier stepped in for Housefull 4’s completion. Before moving on to the Salman Khan-starrer, Farhad will wrap up his Christmas 2020 release, Bachchan Pandey, featuring Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon. “The film is expected to roll in May and he is currently finishing the script. Bachchan Pandey should wrap by September,” the source informs.

Meanwhile, Sajid is finishing the script of Kick 2 with writer, Rajat Aroraa. It will flag off after Salman finishes Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. “Salman and Sajid are both eager to take the Kick franchise forward and have zeroed down on a script that justifies the character of Devil. The first draft is locked, the final screenplay will be ready by year-end,” the source adds. “Kick 2 will happen in December 2021, I am in the process to finish writing the script,” Sajid confirms.

Salman and Sajid have worked together on Jeet, Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jaane-E-Mann and Kick. Farhad also wrote Anees Bazmee’s 2011 film Ready, which was fronted by Salman.

The actor is currently shooting for Radhe with Randeep Hooda in a city studio. “Salman is reading several scripts and he could do one more film before reuniting with Sajid Nadiadwala as his dates from March till the year-end are still open. He is on the look out for a non-action film,” the source signs off.