In late 2020, it was announced that Shraddha Kapoor would play a shape-shifting serpent in the Naagin trilogy, to be helmed by Vishal Furia. For an industry that has enjoyed much success with the theme — be it Sridevi’s Nagina (1986) and Nigahen (1989), or television’s popular show Naagin — the franchise had naturally garnered much interest upon announcement. However, one hears that the movie, which was slated to roll this summer, has now been put on the backburner.

While Furia and Kapoor had started workshops earlier this year, the project is apparently facing budgetary constraints. A trade source says, “Naagin is a VFX-heavy film that was to be made on a massive budget. Given the current dry spell in the market, the makers want to hold the project, and revisit it later. The film was to go on floors in May, but the stakeholders felt it was best to wait it out. If at all, the film will be pursued after Shraddha’s yet-untitled next with Ranbir Kapoor is released.”

mid-day texted Furia, who didn’t respond till press time.