Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; February 9, 2020)

After making a mark in the rom-com genre with films like the Pyaar Ka Punchnama 1 and 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) and Pati Patni Aur Woh (PPAW), Kartik Aaryan is all set to move into a new zone. The actor will be packing in a punch with his first action thriller. The movie will be helmed by Om Raut, who made his directorial debut in Bollywood with Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, and backed by T-Series.

Talking about stepping into a completely new arena, Kartik says, “I have been keen to do an out-and-out action film for a while now, and Bhushan Kumar knew about it. Recently, I watched Tanhaji and was completely blown away, not just by the spectacular visuals, but also the narrative. Om Raut’s vision, when it comes to storytelling using 3D, is amazing. I am excited to be a part of his next and can’t wait to start work on my first action film.”

Bhushan Kumar who is keen to make this into a franchise, adds, “Right from SKTKS and PPAW to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, it’s been a long, successful association with Kartik. Though he has been successful in the romance and comedy space, he has always wanted to diversify and do an action film.” The producer reveals that like Om’s previous film, this one, too, will be made in 3D, but they will take it notches higher. He explains, “Om’s vision and passion for cinema, which I saw in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, made me want to back his next project as well. The action in that film was in a different zone, while this one will be more on the lines of movies like Dhoom and War. It’s our first film of this kind and will be a fast-paced movie revolving around a heist. The film will be made on a huge scale and will be Kartik’s biggest budget film so far.”

The pre-production of the film is underway, and it will go on the floors around August 2020. The remaining cast of the movie, which will be shot in India and at various foreign locations, is yet to be finalised. Om Raut says, “Bhushan ji supports my vision completely. In the initial stages of the project itself, I knew that Kartik would fit the character well, and I am glad to have him on board.”