Showing posts with label Ali Fazal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ali Fazal. Show all posts
We will do whatever legal authories ask for, says Ali Fazal on Shoorveer controversy
10:23 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2026)
Days after the release of Mirzapur: The Movie, the film has landed in controversy over the use of Rajasthan-based musician Rapperiya Baalam’s song Shoorveer in a violent climax sequence featuring gangsters. Actor Ali Fazal, who stars in the film, has now reacted to the ongoing legal proceedings after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenged the use of the song.
He shares, “Whatever the legal authorities will ask for, I am sure we will do that. Censor Board had already seen the film earlier. Baad mein, things sometimes hurt people’s sentiments.”
Speaking about the need to be mindful of what is portrayed in films, he adds, “Entertainment is at different levels; we are in an environment where we have to be careful. There were a lot of times when people said, ‘Arre yaar isme abuses nahin hai. Maza nahin aaega’, but it worked. We have to keep setting some sort of benchmark. It’s all about smart storytelling.”
Shoorveer was originally composed as a tribute to Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, who ruled Rajasthan’s Mewar from 1572 to 1597. As per reports, the PIL was filed by Prashant Kumar Singh in the Delhi High Court.
During the hearing on Thursday, the HC observed that the use of the song did not appear to be in good taste and directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to decide within a week on a proposal to replace it with background music.
Richa Chadha's new series Musafiri dives into Mumbai's forgotten histories, living cultures
11:31 PM
In her first screen appearance since the birth of her daughter Zuni, Richa Chadha launches an eight-part series, Musafiri that skips the postcards to uncover Mumbai’s forgotten histories, living cultures and hidden communities
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 9, 2026)
For nearly 20 years, Mumbai has been home to actor Richa Chadha. It is the city that gave her a career, a family and countless memories. Yet, while putting together her new production, she realized that she barely knew it. She discovered a second-century BC Buddhist stupa hidden on the city’s outskirts. She revisited Gilbert Hill, the 65-million-year-old volcanic formation that most Mumbaikars pass without a second glance. She learnt how the city’s seven islands became one — how decisions made centuries ago still dictate the Mumbai we inhabit today, and found herself listening to communities whose stories rarely make it into history books.
That journey has now become Musafiri, an 8-part travel and culture series that premieres on August 15. The non-fiction series is charmed by the lesson known parts of Mumbai. Across eight episodes, Chadha speaks to historians, researchers, heritage enthusiasts and local communities to uncover the city’s overlooked histories and sub-cultures — from the Adivasi communities of Aarey and the Armenian churches of Mumbai to places that have quietly survived modernisation.
For Chadha, however, the project began long before a camera was switched on. “I have had this document that I have been working on and collating for a long time, maybe since just after college. Between 10 and 15 years, I have been collecting data about the unique things about our country. I have always thought India needs to be looked at the way we look at Europe culturally. Every place has a different language, a different set of beliefs, different textiles, and different local heritage. I wanted to go into not a fancy place, but exactly where I am right now and start from here. That’s why the first season is in Bombay.”
The more she researched, the more she realized that familiarity often breeds ignorance. “If I’ve lived here longer than I have in any other city, what does this city say to me? It speaks to you in different ways. It makes space for you. I have a lot of love for it and I wanted to see what about it could be preserved. Some of the foundations for the city we experience today in 2026 were actually laid in 1666.”
But Musafiri is careful not to become another heritage documentary. Chadha deliberately avoided the stories that have already been told.
“I’ve tried very much to stay away from things that have been done a lot in Bombay. Perspective is very interesting and important to me. It’s not only just history; it’s also culture. It’s also about living history. It’s also about archiving what remains. You’re going to Aarey and meeting people from the Waghoba community. But to see people actually worship the tiger, and understand how their livelihoods and ecosystems are built around that love for nature, that becomes very interesting. So it’s not just history. It’s also culture.”
Ironically, it was motherhood that convinced Chadha the project couldn’t remain a folder of research notes. “When I became a mother, I realized my childhood was so different from my daughter’s. Even though I live in a society where she has access to a park, to play areas, to the beach, everything has changed because of technology. After the postpartum haze settled, I kept wondering whether anybody would even read the essays I wanted to write ten years from now. So I thought, what can I do to visually preserve some of this fast-developing, fast-changing city? Some of these facets may simply disappear. Earlier, buildings were made to last. Today they’re often built to be redeveloped. I wanted to archive what remains.”
The larger ambition, however, extends far beyond Mumbai. “I want Indians to rediscover India, particularly young Indians, Gen Z, and rediscover the ethos of India to see what they can make of it.”
She worries that somewhere along the way, Indians have drifted away from their own histories, languages and literature. “I honestly feel we know very little. Colonialism affected us very deeply. It’s not just about 200 years of slavery; it’s about what it did culturally. What happens to literature if people stop reading in their own languages? What happens to that inheritance?”
It is impossible not to think of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown while watching Musafiri, a comparison Chadha herself embraces, albeit cautiously.
“I did think of Anthony Bourdain because he was such a fascinating connoisseur of culture and food. I loved Parts Unknown. But I’m not Anthony Bourdain. What I admired was that he approached situations with a lot of love. This show is about looking at the diversity of India through a contemporary lens and reacquainting Indians with their own country.”
Musafiri is also the second production from Chadha and Ali Fazal’s banner Pushing Buttons, but unlike the studio’s previous outing, the actor was involved in every stage of its creation, from conceiving and writing the series to hosting it herself. She was equally clear about where it should be released. Instead of opting for a streaming platform, Chadha chose YouTube to ensure the series remained accessible.
“I wanted people to have access to it free of cost. Without a paywall or without a subscription, at least for the beginning. Also, when we were growing up, we had so many travel, chat and food shows that were really about culture. I wanted to make something in that spirit,” she says, adding, “I’m also nervous because this is the first time I’m doing it. I’ve come out after hibernation. But it’s just me taking my bag and a camera and going into the city, the way I’d want my viewers to.”
For an actor whose career has largely involved inhabiting fictional worlds, Musafiri offered something unexpectedly liberating.
“As an actor, you’re mostly playing somebody else’s character and mouthing somebody else’s lines. Here, I get to walk into Dharavi, have a cup of tea with someone I’ve never met, sit in their home and simply have a conversation. I love this country and I love the people of this country. If I had to sum up the show, I would say it’s about people, places and love.”
For a city that often races past its own history, perhaps slowing down is the most important journey of all.
Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha team up for Shashie Vermaa’s situational comedy
9:30 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 6, 2026)
After wrapping the children’s sports film Murga Trophy, Chandan Anand and Ravi Narmulla of SceneWork Productions and Mukesh Giri of Giriraj Productions are teaming up for a situational comedy that blends social commentary with the chaos of Delhi’s traffic jams, with Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha stepping in to make the sparks fly.
Directed by Shashie Vermaa, the film is not just set in Delhi — the place itself is a character. Billed as a sharp, fast-paced comedy with a satirical edge, it promises to make audiences laugh first and wince a moment later. The film also stars Kumud Mishra and Dinesh Lal Yadav in pivotal roles.
Talking about the film, Vermaa says, “This is a story that celebrates people, relationships, the lens of society and the chaos that a small moment can bring in someone’s life. Delhi itself is almost a character in the film. Having performers like Ali, Richa and Kumud brings depth, spontaneity and heart to the world we’ve created, and I can’t wait to begin filming.”
The film is set to go on floors later this year with a theatrical release in 2027.
---------------------------------------
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 6, 2026)
After winning audiences over in the Fukrey franchise, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha are set to reunite on screen for an untitled situational comedy directed by Shashie Vermaa. Set against the colourful chaos of Delhi and co-starring Kumud Mishra, the film will go on floors in the second half of 2026.
In a joint statement, Fazal and Chadha said, “The film has a very organic sense of humour that comes from its characters and the world they inhabit. That’s what made it stand out for us. It’s also the first time we’re sharing the screen as an on-screen pair, which made saying yes even more exciting. We’re looking forward to bringing this story to life with Shashie Vermaa, whose vision and writing give the film a distinct voice.”
Vermaa described the film as “a situational comedy carrying a strong social message”, adding that Delhi is central to the story, with Ali and Richa playing a humble middle-class couple.
In Hollywood, auditions come before agencies-Ali Fazal
10:43 AM
Mahima Pandey (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 18, 2026)
Actor Ali Fazal has stepped into a police uniform for the first time in filmmaker Prosit Roy’s latest crime thriller Raakh, inspired by the infamous 1978 Ranga-Billa case. The actor says playing Sub-Inspector Jayprakash Jatav was a gradual process that took time to find its rhythm.
“It’s a cop role, vardi hai, which was a great lead-up because I kept asking, ‘Costume trial kab hoga?’ Then the first day arrived and I realised, ‘Fit nahin aa raha… Maybe Prosit won’t like this’. It’s been a slow and steady puzzle arriving at it,” Fazal tells us during a visit to Delhi.
While Raakh sees him explore new territory, Fazal’s next outing will bring him back to familiar ground as he reprises his fan-favourite role of Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur: The Movie. Asked to compare the two characters, he says, “Guddu has a very flamboyant world. Everybody’s right in their own story. I just finished the Mirzapur film, and it’s another kind of a thrill.”
Fazal is also among the few Indian actors who have successfully built an international portfolio, with projects such as Victoria & Abdul (2017), Death on the Nile (2022) and Kandahar (2023) to his credit.
Asked for advice for actors hoping to break into Hollywood, he says, “It works differently from India. Don’t be shy of giving auditions. It’s one of the most humbling experiences. A lot of actors have this misconception that they’ll go there, find an agency and life will start. It’s actually the other way around. You have to get through auditions, land one part and then the agencies come to you.”
Ali Fazal in talks for a large-scale action film
4:32 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 26, 2026)
After making an impact with his gritty turn as Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur, Ali Fazal may be gearing up to step into a bigger action arena. There are indications that the actor is in talks for a large-scale project with a leading action star. While there has been no official confirmation, discussions are said to be at an early stage.
Ali’s association with action is not entirely new. His portrayal of Guddu Pandit introduced him to audiences in a physically demanding role, while his appearance in Kandahar alongside Gerard Butler marked his presence in international action cinema. If the development materializes, it could signal a shift in the kind of roles he takes on, with a stronger focus on action-driven narratives.
A source close to the development shared, “Ali has the physicality required for action. With Mirzapur establishing him in that space, there are conversations about casting him in a larger, action-led film. If things move forward, it could be a significant collaboration.”
Ali did not respond to our message.
The actor will also be seen in Lust Stories 3. Speaking about the project, Ali, in a previous chat, had shared, “Lust Stories 3 came to me at a time when I was looking for something emotionally honest and personal. There’s something freeing about playing a lover boy again, but in today’s contest flawed, sensitive and emotionally aware. I think audiences will see a very different, softer side of me, and that’s what excites me the most about Lust Stories 3.”
On collaborating with Shakun Batra, he had added, “Shakun has such a rare way of observing human behaviour. He doesn’t direct scenes; he lets them breathe. Working with him was incredibly fulfilling because he pushes you to be truthful rather than dramatic. This story explores love, desire and vulnerability in a very real way, and I genuinely enjoyed slipping back into a romantic space after a long time.”
Ali Fazal reveals Aamir Khan's partition drama Batwara 1947 took a toll on him: "You can't switch off from it easily"
10:09 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 18, 2026)
Adding Aamir Khan’s production, the tentatively titled Batwara 1947, to his filmography has been a moment of pride for Ali Fazal. But being part of an intense Partition drama takes a toll. The actor admitted that it wasn’t easy to leave the story behind after wrapping the film.
“It’s not something you can switch off from easily at the end of the day. The role stayed [with me] as it’s heavy, internal, and required sustained emotional investment,” he said.
Fortunately, he found a light-hearted offering in Lust Stories 3, giving him just the right contrast after the intense movie. To Fazal, director Shakun Batra’s segment with Radhikka Madan offered a different creative rhythm, allowing him to explore more personal shades.
Speaking about the contrast, the actor added, “You should constantly put yourself in uncomfortable spaces, and this year was [just that]. What excites me is this constant shift in energy. I’m enjoying that directors are making us see ourselves in a different light.”
Sonal Chauhan to feature in dance number Mirzapur: The Movie on the lines of Sholay's Mehbooba Mehbooba
8:32 AM
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Divyenndu join Sonal Chauhan to shoot a dance number, along the lines of ‘Sholay’ chartbuster ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 21, 2026)
When crafting a full-blown action spectacle, it’s not surprising for a filmmaker to take inspiration from Hindi cinema’s most enduring movie, Sholay (1975). Gurmmeet Singh would agree. After all, the director, who is readying Mirzapur: The Movie for the big screen, has created a dance number along the lines of Mehbooba Mehbooba, which featured late Amjad Khan and Helen. Pankaj Tripathi aka Kaleen bhaiyya, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Abhishek Banerjee, and Ravi Kishan feature in the track that has Sonal Chauhan at the centre.
We’ve heard that the unit filmed the track in Jodhpur last month. Tripathi’s Kaleen bhaiyya may be more skilled with guns than with dance moves, but it turns out producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani were certain that such a song would only amp the sequence.
A source told mid-day, “Sonal Chauhan has performed the item song against a desert backdrop. The mood is such that Kaleen bhaiyya and the other characters are having fun at a rural bar where she is shaking a leg, and eventually they all join in the revelry. Tents were put up across the deserts of Jodhpur, where the song was shot over three nights.”
Mirzapur: The Movie’s soundtrack has been composed by Khandal and Junaid Kumar, while Vijay Ganguly choreographed the dance number.
The source added, “Pankaj is not known to dance much, but he enjoyed shaking a leg. Whatever he does, he does with great satisfaction.”
Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha's upcoming series as producers to be 'a hitchhiker’s guide to India'
9:44 AM
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who turned producers with ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, to back a non-fiction series exploring the country’s regions and communities
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 28, 2026)
With their maiden production Girls Will Be Girls (2024), Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal showed that they are here to tell meaningful stories. But their storytelling doesn’t have to be restricted to the fiction space. The duo’s next production will be a yet-untitled non-fiction series that will explore different regions, communities, and traditions across India.
A source revealed, “The series will focus on everyday stories, local histories, and cultural practices, offering a well-rounded look at the country.” So far, the crew has shot in parts of Mumbai, and will soon move to other cities and towns.
Although Chadha remained tight-lipped about the format and platform, she said the idea of the series was born from the couple’s curiosity about the country and the world at large.
She shared, “I’ve always believed that stories exist everywhere — in people, places, and cultures we’ve never paused to understand. With this series, I want to explore that world with curiosity and compassion. As an artiste, it’s important to keep experimenting. Girls Will Be Girls was my first step in that direction as a producer, and this new series is another leap into a space that excites me. I’m eager to bring real stories of travel, heritage, and human connection to life.”
Ali Fazal teams up with Shakun Batra for a new film
9:55 AM
The movie will explore the impact of social media on modern-day relationships
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 9, 2025)
Actor Ali Fazal, who is currently juggling a tight schedule with Mirzapur: The Movie and Aamir Khan’s production Lahore 1947, is now making headlines for an unexpected new collaboration. Industry sources reveal that Fazal is set to team up with filmmaker Shakun Batra for his next project, sparking buzz across the industry.
The speculation intensified after Ali shared a cryptic Instagram Story reading, “It’s a wrap,” hinting at the completion of a project that had not been publicly announced. According to insiders, the actor has been quietly working on a new film with Batra, the director known for Gehraiyaan and his signature, emotionally layered storytelling.
The upcoming film is said to revolve around the evolving and often chaotic realm of social media—its pressures, contradictions, and its influence on modern identity and relationships.
A source close to the development shared, “Ali has been working on something very exciting. His ‘It’s a wrap’ post has only added fuel to the fire. This collaboration with Shakun Batra goes deep into the impact of social media on personal lives. It’s one of Ali’s most unique projects yet.”
Ali Fazal on working with Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta in Lahore 1947: "Each day felt like a lesson"
8:58 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 2, 2025)
For Ali Fazal, the past two months were all about two cities and two different stories. Since October, the actor was filming the last leg of Rajkumar Santoshi’s Lahore 1947 in Mumbai and Punjab, juggling it with the Varanasi schedule of Mirzapur: The Film. Last week, he wrapped up his portions in the Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and Shabana Azmi-led period drama that is set against the backdrop of India’s partition.
Reflecting on being part of the Aamir Khan production, Fazal said that the experience surpassed his expectations.
“Working under Rajkumar Santoshi sir’s direction has been a masterclass, and sharing screen space with powerhouses like Sunny sir, Preity ma’am, and Shabana ji has been an honour. Each day on set felt like a lesson in humility and dedication to the craft,” he said.
What made the project all the more special is knowing that it told an important story.
The actor added, “Lahore 1947 is rooted in our history, but carries emotions that are timeless and speaks to everyone. This story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit.”
Is Raj and DK's Rakt Bramhand on hold? Ali Fazal shares an update
9:23 AM
Amid rumours that Rakt Bramhand is shelved, Ali Fazal reveals he hasn’t shot for the royal fantasy drama for ‘a couple of months’; is clueless about its way ahead
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 23, 2025)
In February, mid-day had reported that Rakt Bramhand’s shoot had hit a roadblock, with creators Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK hitting pause on one of its schedules (Hold the bugle call, Feb 15). Since then, there has been ambiguity about the Netflix series’ status, with rumours suggesting it has been delayed, and shelved even. As we recently caught up with Ali Fazal, who plays one of the leads alongside Aditya Roy Kapur and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, we asked him what’s happening on the series.
“I honestly don’t know what’s happening on that one. I wish I knew,” he said.
All eyes have been on Rakt Bramhand since it rolled in August 2024 as it is among the most ambitious Indian originals from the streaming giant. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, the fantasy drama reportedly revolves around warring kingdoms.
Fazal added, “I know the show was on hold. Adi [Aditya] and I were doing it together. We met now again during Metro...In Dino’s promotions. It has been a couple of months since I last shot for it. Then I had to cut my hair because I had to shoot for something else.”
Fazal is currently filming his next series, titled Ranga Billa, co-starring Sonali Bendre.
As a father, I spent the first few months very anxious-Ali Fazal
4:07 PM
Stating that his idea of love has changed since welcoming daughter Zuneyra, Ali Fazal discusses his fears as a father; hopes artistes today will leave behind meaningful cinema for the next generation
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 18, 2025)
Next month, Ali Fazal will bring romance on screen with Metro...In Dino. But in real life, love is an everyday affair for the actor, who has been discovering new meanings to the emotion after welcoming daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal. His love story with actor and his wife Richa Chadha too has taken a new turn as they navigate parenthood together.
“You’ll find me trying to flirt back with my wife, find new ways to get out. Once our daughter sleeps, we’re like, ‘Let’s grab a bite’. Or some mornings, we sit, have our coffees, and talk,” he smiles.
Fazal and Chadha became proud parents to Zuneyra last July. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of change — between burping duties and nappy changes, between feeling on top of the world and feeling exhausted, the actor says he has become “a different person”.
“The definition of love has become different since parenthood,” he reflects, adding that he was an anxious father in the first few months since his daughter’s birth. “I probably read all the literature. I spent the first few months very anxious. Now it’s getting a little better.”
As an actor and a producer, Fazal not only tries to contribute to meaningful cinema, but also is a strong public voice for social dissent. His forthrightness hasn’t come without a cost. “It’s difficult to be an opinionated artiste in the industry. I’ve probably lost work because of that at times, but I don’t regret it. Sometimes, speaking out is not the only answer.”
That’s where, he believes, the power of cinema lies. “We’ll make all kinds of cinema, but we have to be smart about it. We can’t wait for the right time to come. The best of things come out in tragic times. We have to crack how we can smartly make [what we want to say].”
To be welcomed by Kamal Haasan with such generosity is beyond anything I could’ve imagined-Ali Fazal
10:28 AM
Ali Fazal, who makes his Tamil debut with Thug Life, on how saying yes to Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s action drama was a no-brainer
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 2, 2025)
Exploring South Indian cinema was an idea Ali Fazal often toyed with. But the actor had never imagined making his Tamil debut in a Mani Ratnam film and having Kamal Haasan as a co-star. At a recent promotional event of Thug Life, the superstar welcomed Fazal to south cinema, revealing that he wanted to work with him ever since he saw his work in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Khufiya (2023). When we sit down with Fazal, the first thing we ask him is how it feels to be praised by Haasan.
“Kamal sir is not just a legend, but a force of art and cinema. Getting to share the screen with him feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. To be welcomed by him with such generosity is beyond anything I could’ve imagined,” he smiles.
Featuring in the action drama, which also stars Silambarasan T R, Trisha Krishnan, and Abhirami, was among the easiest decisions he has made.
Fazal says, “There are some calls you get that you instantly know are meant to change the course of your journey. This was one of them. When you hear the name Mani Ratnam, you think of legacy, storytelling that’s timeless and deeply rooted in human emotion. I didn’t have to think before saying yes to Thug Life. A Mani Ratnam film isn’t something you get offered every day, and certainly not alongside someone as iconic as Kamal Haasan.”
Thug Life is being mounted as a pan-India action extravaganza. For Fazal, that was another draw. He reasons, “That the project brings together talent from across the Indian film industries makes it more special. Language, geography, or ethnicity should never be a barrier for an actor.”
Richa Chadha plays a high-functioning entrepreneur who was orphaned at birth in her next
8:50 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 7, 2025)
Actor Richa Chadha is all set to return in front of the camera following her maternity break. The 38-year-old, who welcomed her daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal with husband, actor Ali Fazal in July last year, has signed on for a new film that marks her return to the comedy genre after the success of Fukrey 3 (2023). In this upcoming project, Richa will play a high-functioning entrepreneur who was orphaned at birth. The film is scheduled to go on floors in September.
Confirming the news, the actor tells us, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the film. It’s an incredibly refreshing story that’s both humorous and touching.”
She further adds, “My character is at the heart of the narrative, and I can’t wait to bring her journey to life. It’s the kind of project that allows me to explore a wide emotional spectrum while keeping things light and relatable. I’m sure audiences will connect with the themes of love, family, and the need for human connection in an age of isolation.”
This marks the second project Richa has signed since the birth of her daughter. Earlier, she signed a musical romantic comedy, which is expected to begin filming in mid-October.
Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre to lead series on Delhi’s Ranga Billa case
8:13 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 17, 2025)
Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have been roped in for an upcoming web series based on the 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping and murder case, also known as the Ranga-Billa case. HT City has exclusively learnt that the series is currently being shot in Delhi.
The case, which shook the nation, led to the death sentences of the convicted criminals Kuljeet Singh (alias Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (alias Billa), and execution in 1982. In the series, Sonali and Ali will play investigative officers tasked with cracking the case.
A source close to the production tells us, “The team has been researching the case for several months... Shooting is underway in Delhi and is expected to continue through the end of April. This is the first time a series based on the Ranga-Billa case is being made, and it will explore the events in depth.”
Post the schedule wrap in Delhi, the crew will move to multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, with the final schedule in Mumbai next month, the source shares, adding, “The story has been treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi.”
The series is expected to enter post-production in June-July and will reportedly release by the end of the year.
Ali Fazal to begin shooting for Prosit Roy's series as Raj-DK pause 'Rakt Bramhand' shoot
9:00 AM
With Rakt Bramhand’s shoot halted, Ali Fazal rejigs his dates; to kick off his crime series with Paatal Lok director Prosit Roy in April
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 21, 2025)
Last week, news emerged that Ali Fazal and director Prosit Roy are set to team up for an action thriller series for Prime Video. Now, mid-day has learnt that the series will go on floors as early as April. Reason? Fazal’s date diary has opened up after the shoot of his other project, Raj-DK’s Rakt Bramhand, has been put on hold. So, the actor and Roy will hit the accelerator on their modern-day crime story, kicking off the shoot in Delhi in April.
Last week, news emerged that Ali Fazal and director Prosit Roy are set to team up for an action thriller series for Prime Video. Now, mid-day has learnt that the series will go on floors as early as April. Reason? Fazal’s date diary has opened up after the shoot of his other project, Raj-DK’s Rakt Bramhand, has been put on hold. So, the actor and Roy will hit the accelerator on their modern-day crime story, kicking off the shoot in Delhi in April.
Also starring Sonali Bendre, the series will be filmed in Delhi, followed by a stint in Mumbai. Fazal is expected to start his prep this week.
The source adds, “Since it’s based on real-life events, the team is finalising real locations across Delhi. Prosit, who previously co-directed the first season of Paatal Lok, wants to keep the visuals raw and immersive. The series will also see Ali perform elaborate action sequences. After the Delhi schedule wraps up by May, the unit will move to Mumbai, where the climax will be filmed. The second leg may overlap with Rakt Bramhand, but Ali will juggle the two projects.”
Of course, if a role I want goes to Sanya Malhotra, I could feel jealous-Fatima Sana Shaikh
9:24 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 19, 2025)
While Fatima Sana Shaikh had a very busy 2024, the audience didn’t see her on the big screen or on OTT all through last year. However, the Dangal actress is unperturbed by the waiting game.
She explains, “When you are shooting, your mind stays focused on the work, so you don’t stress. But when you’re sitting at home with no shooting schedule, that’s when the panic sets in. The release of a project isn’t in the actor’s hands—it depends on so many factors. We can only keep shooting and moving forward. I worked a lot in 2024, and I want to see how people perceive me when my projects release this year.”
‘I want to see if there’s a shift or a change in the way I’m positioned’
Talking about the kind of work that inspires her, Fatima says, “With the kind of work I am doing now, I want to see if there’s a shift or a change in the way I’m positioned. I have bigger dreams for myself, but it’s not about stardom. I want to do films that transcend borders and leave a deep impact, not just emotionally, but also in a way that a film like Andaz Apna Apna had on people.”
Apart from Metro… In Dino, she will also be seen in the romantic comedy Aap Jaisa Koi with R Madhavan, among other projects.
Fatima also believes that actors like Anushka Sharma and Konkona Sen Sharma made a smart move by branching into production, and she hopes to follow suit in the future. “Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha are also producing some amazing projects. Actors need to think this way because sometimes we don’t get the opportunities we want. So, we have to create our own,” she says.
‘The market is tough right now’
Fatima doesn’t hesitate to approach producers if the project excites her. “I am trying to collaborate with people, but the market is tough right now. There are a lot of projects out there, but they’re not the ones that attract me. I’m realistic about myself, my talent, and my positioning. I know what I can offer to a producer. I can’t expect them to invest Rs. 100 crore in me. I sometimes chase projects I’m passionate about.”
‘There is always some level of competition and insecurity in life’
Dangal was a breakout film for both Fatima and Sanya Malhotra, and the two became good friends after working together. However, as their careers grew, they both went down different paths.
When asked if there’s ever been a sense of rivalry, jealousy or competition between them, Fatima says, “There is always some level of competition and insecurity in life. I understand that people feel jealous, but how you handle that jealousy defines you. Of course, if a role I want goes to her, I could feel jealous or insecure. But I don’t let my insecurities take over. I’m genuinely happy for Sanya.”
If only five big producers can support independent cinema, things can drastically change-Rima Das
9:13 AM
As Village Rockstars 2 premieres at the Berlin Festival, Nation Award-winning filmmaker Rima Das opens up working on a folk-horror story for her next, and why financial support for independent filmmaking in India needs to go beyond just lip service
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 16, 2025)
It's time for Rima Das 2.0. The National Award filmmaker is currently at the coveted Berlin International Film Festival for the premiere of her latest work, the Assamese movie, Village Rockstars 2. The festival darling lets us in on a new resolution when we speak to her—she is ready to turn over a new leaf. “I have realized going to festivals is not enough. Now, my main aim is that my work reaches more people,” she says.
In her over a decade-long career, Das has created an enviable filmography—her breakout film Village Rockstars, Bulbul Can Sing to Tora’s Husband—and now the sequel to her National Award-winner, which has already travelled to several national and international festivals.
“At Busan Film Festival last year, a producer from Singapore told me, ‘Rima, I think this is the only sequel of an independent film. We haven’t had any other sequel to an indie film before’.” Das laughs as we mention that her film couldn’t have come at a better time, as sequels seem to be the latest obsession.
“While making Village Rockstars [2018], I never thought of a sequel. But while editing it, it did strike me that the story has a natural progression and another film can be made. But I thought if I took it to festivals, how will they react to a sequel? Also, for the audiences who haven’t watched the first part, will the title Village Rockstars 2 work? Then, I thought about the long-term value of a story and that’s why I decided to make the sequel.”
Village Rockstars is about Dhunu, a 10-year-old girl, who dreams of buying a guitar and is saving up for it. However, when calamity hits her village, she must re-evaluate her priorities. Part 2 revisits the life of Dhunu, seven years after the events of the last film.
The filmmaker began working on the film, on which she also serves as the writer, cinematographer and co-producer, in 2020. But it ended up consuming Das’ time more than she anticipated.
“In 2020, I wanted to start something with Tillotama Shome. Then, the pandemic happened. I felt like I was in a cocoon, so I started making Tora’s Husband and Village Rockstars 2 simultaneously, but there was a lot of physical, mental trauma because of the pandemic. I lost my father. So, to finish both the films took a long time. I had to rewrite and re-shoot portions of Village Rockstars 2. It took me four years to finish the film,” she shares.
As rewarding as making Village Rockstars 2 was, it also left the filmmaker feeling stagnated. Das knew it was time for a reboot. “I had been shooting in the same location for years because Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing were shot in the same area, while Tora’s Husband was shot nearby. I stopped enjoying it. So, during that time I started developing other ideas because I felt like doing something new,” she says.
Now brimming with ideas, the filmmaker is having a party. “I am writing something set in Mumbai, and it’s folk horror. When I look around, I see a lot of stories. Then, I feel like telling these stories is more important than making something perfect.”
With creative expansion on her mind, Das wants to enter unfamiliar territories. “Now, I also want to do commercial and semi-commercial films. Not being officially trained in filmmaking, my perception and knowledge of art is probably different from other filmmakers. Keeping the essence of cinema intact, I want my films to be accessible and reach a wider audience. Some films I think feel very arty. If I am making a Village Rockstars, I have a message to tell. If only cinephiles are watching it, it’s not enough for me. I want my films to reach marginalized sections or the [regular] audience. That is success for me. I don’t like my films to be a piece of art that is consumed by only a section of the audience. This wasn’t exactly on my mind when I made Village Rockstars. It was made without music and I thought the way it had shaped up was for a foreign audience but when it was released in India and I saw people loving it, I realized there are no boundaries to art.”
What also calls out to the filmmaker today is the need to embrace collaborations. Since the beginning of her career, Das has made movies largely by herself— from writing to producing. “I am looking for more collaborators, who are like-minded. I don’t want to be in the lonely place of doing everything by myself. I know when the time is right, the right kind of people will align with my vision and understanding of cinema.”
Making movies is as much about having talent as it’s about finding people who believe in it. It becomes particularly difficult to find believers of stories that don’t conform. Das, one of the biggest success stories in India’s independent space believes, “If you look at our audience, it should not be difficult to be an independent filmmaker in India. But there aren’t many forces to support it. There is a lot of lip service. If only five people, who are big producers, can support the scene, it can drastically change. But that’s not happening and I don’t know why. We look at old architecture and marvel at it, but nothing new is being built. Good art, poetry, and film are as important as good architecture. When I hear about the box office, it is only about two per cent of our population watching a film that is called a huge success. So, when we spend Rs. 50 lakh to a crore on an indie film, the recovery in India is very easy. You just need to find your audience. But there is no support.”
On this note, Das registers praise for actor-producer couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who made their production debut with the marvellous Girls Will Be Girls. “We need more people like Richa and Ali. Look how they supported an independent filmmaker [Shuchi Talati] and a beautiful film got so much visibility.”
Beyond that, Das believes one has to just be at it. “These problems have always been there in the independent space. Films are a catharsis for me. Every time I am doing something, I am creating opportunities for people, whether the number is 10 or 40.”
Rakt Bramhand makers Raj-DK to reimagine battle scenes, shoot pushed by two months
10:22 AM
Initially slated for February, Rakt Bramhand’s shoot now pushed to April as battle sequences are being reimagined; fantasy action series’ release deferred to 2026
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 15, 2025)
Director duo Raj-DK’s ambitious fantasy actioner Rakt Bramhand—The Bloody Kingdom has apparently hit a roadblock, forcing the makers to delay its upcoming schedule. Word is that Raj-DK, along with co-director Rahi Anil Barve, were to kick off the second schedule in Mumbai in February. However, the plan has been pushed by two months as the battle sequences of the Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi-starrer are being reimagined.
A source close to the production reveals, “Rakt Bramhand has been mounted as a big-budget fantasy series about warring empires. Naturally, the war sequences are crucial to the story. The team wasn’t fully satisfied with how they were shaping up on paper, and is revisiting the portions.”
Rakt Bramhand is among Netflix India’s most ambitious projects. However, given the two-month delay, it was pulled down from the streamer’s 2025 slate that was recently unveiled. Another source says that the show will no longer be a 2025 offering.
“It is being designed as a spectacle, and that takes time. With the latest leg starting in April, followed by extensive VFX work in post-production, the series will release only in 2026,” adds the source.
mid-day reached out to Barve, who didn’t respond till press time.
Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal's Mirzapur film and season 4 to be shot simultaneously
8:48 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 22, 2025)
Last October, the makers announced Mirzapur: The Film, making the popular crime drama the first Indian OTT series to be extended to a movie. Now, we’ve heard that the Gurmmeet Singh-directed movie as well as the fourth season of the Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Shweta Tripathi Sharma-starrer will be shot simultaneously from September 2025.
Shooting a film and a series together can be tricky. But sources tell us that the makers adopted the plan believing that it will not only ensure narrative continuity between the two formats, but also enable optimum utilization of the combination dates.
“Bulk dates have already been taken from the actors, including Divyenndu, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal and Vijay Varma. The team has managed to align their dates. Since it doesn’t make sense to take dates from them again and again, the makers have decided to shoot both projects at one go. This will also help in ensuring that the show and the film complement each other in terms of the narrative, although the latter takes off from where the first season ended.”
If things go as planned, the shoot will kick off in Uttar Pradesh. “A chunk of it will also be filmed in Mumbai. It will be an exciting challenge for the cast and crew to work on two different formats at the same time. Gurmmeet will helm the film that has been written by Puneet Krishna, who serves as the show’s creator. The film will have the same raw energy as the series, but will be mounted on a bigger scale.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)