Last year, Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya confirmed that they were reuniting over eight years after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) for their fifth collaboration. Understandably, it became a highly anticipated project. However, after generating much excitement over the past few months, it is now heard that the reunion is not happening anymore.

Those in the know attribute the development to creative differences between the duo. A source reveals, “If you see the sort of star that Salman Khan is today and the director’s films, the two are poles apart in terms of their creative sensibilities. The script was their common ground, but over time, there were too many things they couldn’t agree on. So, it made sense for them to call it off amicably.”

The filmmaker apparently intends to revisit the film’s script. It is being said that he is determined to rework the cast. “The script will be tweaked, with the protagonist being aged down. Sooraj sir will initiate talks with younger stars. There is a certain innocence to the film, and he wants an actor who can reflect that. Varun Dhawan and Ranveer Singh are the frontrunners at the moment, and a decision will be made by next month,” adds the source.

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