Vijay Varma’s versatility has enabled him to be part of diverse stories, but a good old romantic movie was missing from his résumé. Chalat Musafir then was just the thing he was looking for. Vibhu Puri’s directorial venture is a slice-of-life film revolving around unrequited love. Sources say the actor-director duo are planning to take the project on floors by January 2024.

“Of late, Vijay has largely played negative roles. After playing an honest cop in Kaalkoot, he was eager to explore more positive characters. In Chalat Musafir, he plays an endearing romantic guy, based in a small town of Punjab, who comes of age as the narrative progresses. Vibhu has written a cheerful story that explores unrequited love in a light-handed manner,” says a source.

The movie, to be streamed on Jio Cinema, is one of the three projects being produced by Manish Malhotra’s banner Stage 5. The couturier-turned-producer had initially approached Puri for another film. “But when Vibhu narrated the story of Chalat Musafir to Manish, he loved it. The team is scouting for the female lead and a senior actor to play the part of an elderly person.”