Ekta Kapoor. Pic/AFP; Umesh Bist and Guneet Monga

Earlier this year, Umesh Bist gave us the delightful Pagglait, whose strengths lay as much in its reliable lead Sanya Malhotra as in its charming storytelling. After the success of the black comedy, the director has bagged a three-film deal with producers Ekta Kapoor and Guneet Monga.  

Bist, who had first met Monga in 2018, says that their shared creative sensibilities laid the roots for a deep friendship. The development of Pagglait got a further boost when Kapoor came on board. “As a filmmaker, all you want is a collaborative eco-system where the team puts its might in doing the best for the movie. I am glad I found this in Sikhya Entertainment and Balaji Telefilms. The trust they put in a director is rare. As partners, they add to each other’s strengths,” says the director, excited about taking the journey ahead with them.

Monga believes that Bist’s vision is “unmatched” adding, "I still remember the day I met Umesh sir. His vision for his stories is unmatched and it is inspiring to see his faith and commitment to a project."

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, creative producer and executive vice president, Balaji Telefilms, says that the filmmaker has a knack for stories that are honest and deeply resonate with viewers. “Pagglait resonated with Indian audiences in unimaginable ways. Everyone found a connection with the story and that is Umesh’s biggest strength.  Furthermore, the film established an equity between Balaji and Sikhya and we’re thrilled to come together to tell stories that are both emotional and entertaining, stories that find their way to the hearts of the audience.”

It is heard that the first project is currently in pre-production and will be announced in the coming weeks.