Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 14, 2020)

He’s been busy with Mumbai Saga since last year, and once done, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta will straightaway jump into the third installment of the Shootout franchise. But rumours suggest that he recently narrated the script of a “scaled-up action film” to actor Akshay Kumar, and that the said project could be Gupta’s next after Shootout 3.

Gupta is quick to refute these reports, saying, “It [the news about them teaming up] sounds mind-blowing, but unfortunately, there’s nothing like that. Akshay is a huge star as well as a great actor, and like any filmmaker, I too would love to work with him if there’s a correct script. As of now, it’s not true. But let’s hope for the best. Who knows (smiles)?”

At this point, proceeding with the shoot of Mumbai Saga is what’s on top of his mind. He, along with his team, is gearing up to start the 12-day schedule in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. Shooting at Ramoji, the filmmaker feels, will be “perfect with all the facilities, including accommodations within the [studio] premises, and also minus any kind of disturbance.”

He, however, maintains that security and safety of the team will be the first priority. “We will adhere to and follow all the guidelines. But, the team is excited to complete the film at the earliest,” says Gupta, about his multi-starrer toplined by actors John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi.