In February, Ahan Shetty had revealed to mid-day that his next, an action love story directed by Shaad Ali, would go on floors by summer (We should start filming around March-April, Feb 2). But in the latest development, the yet-untitled film has been delayed by nearly five months.

Sources have indicated that Ali’s commitment to mentor Mani Ratnam’s next production caused the delay, eventually leading the makers to seek another director for Shetty’s film.

It turns out that Ali has been deeply involved with Ratnam’s project that is currently on floors. An industry insider revealed, “Since Mani sir’s film is not a short-term engagement, Shaad wanted his directorial feature with Ahan to be pushed. It became clear earlier this year that the two movies’ timelines would clash. So, the producers decided to part ways with Shaad and find another director. Tinu Desai, who last directed Mission Raniganj [2023], was roped in last week.”

Apparently the makers aren’t perturbed by the postponement, utilising the time to fine-tune the script and conduct intensive pre-production. As per the revised timelines, the film is expected to go on floors in August in Uttar Pradesh.