Vaani Kapoor joins the actor in Ranjit Tewari’s next, inspired by true events and set in the 1980s; film scheduled to roll in September
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 19, 2020)

On November 11, Akshay Kumar announced his next film, Bell Bottom, a “roller-coaster spy ride”. The period thriller is set in the ’80s and inspired by the true-life, heroic story of an Indian spy. Speculations were rife that the film will mark the acting debut of Kriti Sanon’s younger sister, Nupur, who had featured opposite Akshay in a music video recently. However, Mirror has learnt that makers of the Ranjit Tewari directorial have finalised Vaani Kapoor as the leading lady. She had last been seen romancing Hrithik Roshan in the 2019 action thriller, War.

“The script demanded a fresh pairing, Vaani was signed on a week ago and is excited for the shoot with Akshay. It’s not the usual female lead, a few romantic scenes and some songs. She plays Akshay’s wife and is integral to the narrative,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that the makers, Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, along with Nikkhil Advani, are currently working towards developing a distinct look for Vaani. “Look tests will take place closer to the shoot.”

Akshay plays a suave secret agent and the team is busy with his look too—oversized coats, glares and designer shoes, along with a distinct hairstyle and a moustache. Recently, Jackky and Ranjit were with the actor in Jaisalmer fine-tuning the script and his character. The film will be shot at multiple locations, including on sets in Mumbai, and is expected to take off in September after Akshay wraps up Sajid Nadiadwala’s action-comedy Bachchan Pandey.

“Recce will start once the travel restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak are relaxed. The team is presently working towards recreating the 80’s decade with set designers and a visual effects team,” the source concluded.