Aamir Khan has big-screen ambitions, and his production house is reportedly shopping beyond Bollywood for an action spectacle. Aamir Khan Productions has been in talks with Hong Kong filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow for an action-heavy project that can “compete on an international scale”.

Sources inform that Khan is determined to make an action film that is larger in scale than any other Indian movie.

“His contemporaries Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have already headlined big-ticket action spectacles. [While Aamir has done action], he is keen to explore the genre with a film that can compete on an international scale. Given Stephen’s distinctive approach to action and physical comedy, Aamir is keen to work on something with him,” shares a source close to production.

However, the project is far from locked. Khan, known to take his time before committing to a film, is considering several scripts.

“Aamir is also weighing an actioner by Atlee. He has requested time till March 2027. Right now his focus is on Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Lalkaara [based on the historic 1952 India-Pakistan Test cricket series] and director Rajkumar Hirani’s sequel to 3 Idiots which will be ready by January 2027,” adds the source.

- ‘All For The Winner’ (1990)

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Filmmaking rarely goes entirely to plan, but the makers of the sci-fi actioner Raaka are powering ahead despite a possible month-long delay following Rashmika Mandanna’s hip injury during dance rehearsals for the Atlee-directed film. The team is now gearing up for a major schedule next month, with high-octane action sequences featuring Mandanna and Allu Arjun, alongside Malayalam actor Aishwarya Lekshmi.

A source close to the production reveals, “Allu Arjun will be playing a triple role in Raaka — one as a divine warrior, another with negative traits, [while the third is still under wraps] — the character will span three different timelines in different avatars. Deepika Padukone, who has wrapped up her part, plays a pregnant woman in the Puranic Vedic era. Rashmika will play Deepika’s protector who is crucial in her fight for survival, while Janhvi Kapoor is said to play a tribal girl.”

The source adds that Lekshmi’s character will have grey shades. The sci-fi film will move across three timelines, featuring “wild beasts, exotic new creatures and species”, informs the source.

“A massive set is also being built at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad for a September schedule, where the makers will shoot the interval block, featuring Arjun in elaborate action sequences.”

It’s a race against time for Deepika Padukone, who is on her final schedule for the first part of ‘Raaka’. mid-day has learnt that the actor, currently filming in Mumbai, intends to complete her portions of the Allu Arjun-starrer by early September before she begins her maternity leave.

A source close to the development told us that filmmaker Atlee planned the schedules such that Padukone could be among the first ones to honour her commitment to the film.

“The idea was always to finish Deepika’s work before she took her maternity break. The mom-to-be will be off the film until her birthday in January 2027. Then she will return to the set to shoot any pending promotional material and the second part of ‘Raaka’,” said the source.

After Padukone bows out in September, Arjun and the remaining cast — including Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur — will continue filming the sci-fi action epic. Atlee is expected to call it a wrap on the first part by November.

The source added, “A call on the second instalment’s schedule will be taken after the first is complete. Both parts will release in 2027.”

mid-day reached out to the film’s production team, which didn’t respond till press time.

Five months after Allu Arjun and filmmaker Atlee rolled their big-budget action spectacle, the working title of which is AA22xA6, it’s time for leading lady Deepika Padukone to take centre-stage. mid-day has learnt that the actor began filming for the project at Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri last week. It looks like Padukone’s first scene itself is a massive undertaking — an action sequence that features a gorilla.

Trust Atlee to come up with an inventive action set-piece. The gorilla has been designed by an international stunt and creature-movement team brought in specially for this sequence, and is operated through animatronics.

A source reveals, “Given the ambitious nature of the film, Deepika was clear that she wanted to be fully prepared before stepping in front of the camera. She underwent month-long prep that included stunt training, movement rehearsals, and technical walk-through because almost all her sequences in this schedule requires perfect timing, technical awareness, and split-second reactions.”

While the next few days will be dedicated to this sequence, the unit will soon shift to the next block at another venue. The Mumbai leg of the sci-fi film is expected to continue till December-end.

Reports doing the rounds over the past few days suggested that Deepika Padukone’s role in filmmaker Atlee’s next with Allu Arjun, the working title of which is AA22xA6, has been trimmed. However, contrary to rumours, sources close to Atlee’s sci-fi action movie have told mid-day that her role remains unchanged. According to two unit insiders, the actor will join the project in late October, after completing her ongoing shoot for Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

An insider from the film’s team revealed, “There is no truth to rumours that Deepika’s screen time has been reduced. Her role has not changed from what she was offered when she came onboard in June. She has a fierce part, which is essential to the first and second acts of the narrative.”

From what we’ve heard, Padukone has allotted her dates from late October to December-end to the project. Apparently, the first schedule will focus on portions that establish her character, while November is earmarked for large-scale action set-pieces, which will include a chase sequence that Atlee is designing with his stunt team from South Korea, and a dialogue-heavy confrontation.

The insider added, “In December, the unit will move to the UAE where Allu Arjun and Deepika will film a crucial mid-film twist and emotional scenes.”

The sci-fi action film, which explores themes of time travel, reportedly sees Arjun play multiple roles and has at least four heroines — Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur. The presence of so many leading ladies has led to chatter that Padukone’s role is a cameo.

The source, however, clarified, “It’s not a cameo at all. Her character drives the story in a way. Every actor has a clearly etched out part.”

Atlee is going full throttle with his action-packed parallel universe film AA22xA6. After a 50-day schedule in Mumbai, the cast and crew are set to begin the second schedule in Abu Dhabi next month, where they will can high-octane action sequences.

A source close to the production reveals that the filmmaker has been “working with 15 reputed writers from across India for storyboarding and creative”.

“Atlee and Allu Arjun completed a marathon schedule, including a dance sequence, in Mumbai last month. The second schedule will be in October in the United Arab Emirates [UAE], where action scenes will be shot in the red dunes of the Liwa Oasis. Deepika Padukone is expected to join Atlee in this schedule,” adds the source, of the movie that also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Mrunal Thakur, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ramya Krishnan.

While Atlee is planning the action, he is also consulting renowned firms for the VFX, and scouting for marketing agencies to promote the film. The producers of AA22xA6, led by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures, hope to find a global marketing partner. Alexandra E Visconti, executive vice president of creative content at Connekkt MobScene, was spotted in Mumbai last month.

A source adds, “The pan-Indian, high-budget sci-fi action film has a massive budget of Rs 600 crore, and the makers are looking to collaborate with a US-based creative agency to craft a strategic plan targeting international audiences. Currently, discussions with leading Hollywood agency Connekkt MobScene are underway. Allu will also go to the US this month to wrap up the VFX portions of the shoot.”

Two days after his grandmother, Allu Kanakaratnam, passed away, actor Allu Arjun returned to Mumbai on September 1 to resume work on Atlee’s sci-fi film, the working title of which is AA22xA6. mid-day has learnt that on Monday, the actor began shooting at Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri, thus ensuring the 30-day schedule was not delayed.

A source from the unit told us, “Arjun lost his grandmother on Saturday, August 30. The star performed the rituals and rushed back to Mumbai. The call sheets for this block were fixed months in advance, involving hundreds of technicians and actors, and he didn’t want to waste the crew’s time or cause delays.”

In the ongoing leg, Atlee plans to film some crucial action sequences that will entail VFX and some dialogue-driven confrontations. “International stunt coordinators are supervising the sequences and large-scale sets have been built for the same. Pushing things by even a few days would have led to additional costs.”

With this schedule expected to be wrapped up by September-end, we’ve heard Deepika Padukone will face the camera for the film in November. The source added, “Her portions, which will be action-centric, will be shot across India and overseas.”

AA22xA6 also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur. 

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana was recently in Ooty, shooting for Thama (the forthcoming film in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe), and spoke to us about his experience filming for the first time in Tamil Nadu, why there shouldn’t be a north vs. south mindset in the film industry, on Hindi cinema’s evolution in the post-pandemic era and more…

The north vs. south mindset isn’t the right step forward for the Indian film industry. We’re moving towards a more unified Indian film industry. It’s an exciting time to be an actor, as collaboration is becoming the cornerstone for change. We saw what Atlee did with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan and what Nag Ashwin did by bringing together Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan sir in one frame! These projects are bringing together the best of both worlds!

I have seen some of the remakes, but I can definitely say that these films being remade in the South is definitely a moment of incredible appreciation for me as an artiste. There is no bigger validation than seeing my films crossing over and entertaining people across my country.

I’m not really a believer of remaking films. I feel once a film is made, we should let that be. It’s my personal choice to not look for remakes and keep an eye on new and unique concepts that people have never seen me in before. I’m sure there are a lot of films that could be remade in Hindi, but I would love to do original content, like how I’ve been doing so far.

Working with Rashmika has been a delight. She brings a fresh energy to the set, which is needed when you have hectic shoot days. She ensures she knows all the nuances of her scene before she steps on set. Her work ethic is incredible. In terms of the acting process, every actor has a different process and that is not restricted to the industry they come from — but what remains constant is the commitment to the craft.

Hindi cinema delivered all-time blockbusters with Pathaan, Jawan, and Animal in a span of 12 months. We also had Stree 2 and Chhaava recently. I guess that answers the question! Every industry goes through its churn, and Hindi cinema, like any industry, is going through an evolution where it will shape a new identity in a post-pandemic world.

The pandemic has precipitated a change in content viewing patterns. No one wants to watch something that’s been seen before or, for lack of a better word, vanilla. Anything mediocre won’t work anymore. To me, that’s exciting because it gets us out of our comfort zone. Look at Laapataa Ladies, 12th Fail, The Kerala Story, Munjya or Sita Ramam — these were rooted stories, not hugely budgeted extravaganzas, and they still found their audience. So, if the story hits home, people will show up.

I’ve found my niche is championing real men who are endearing, relatable, and flawed, but also heroic. It has not narrowed my choices. It’s my personal ambition to be very original. A good film will bring in audiences, and I try to look for the best scripts that our industry is making. In Thama, the audience will see me in a different avatar yet find the quirk that they see in my movies, which has become my calling card!

Ooty provided the perfect backdrop for Thama. Every time you turn your head, you see greenery and mountains covered with clouds. This is also the first film I have shot in Tamil Nadu. I have always been a fan of the hospitality and culture of the state. We had a tight schedule, so I didn’t get time to visit popular spots in Ooty. However, I had good local cuisine. I can’t wait to return and visit the place properly.

In the last six months, Wamiqa Gabbi has had a roller coaster of experience in her film journey. The actor had her first big commercial release in 2024 with the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John. Though a big-budgeted release, the film failed at the box office. On the other hand, her recent small-budget release Bhool Chuk Maaf turned out to be a commercial success.

Sharing how these experiences shaped her perspective towards work, she says, “I feel every film has its own journey. You never know how any film would work, and if it would resonate with the audience. A film like Tamasha (2015) got recognition after so many years. But a film like Bhool Chuk Maaf working gives you the faith to say yes to original storytelling. It gives you the confidence to put faith in directors like Karan Sharma who are making their first films.”

Considering Baby John was her first big Bollywood outing, she must have had big hopes from it. Ask how she pulled herself up after it failed to connect with audiences, and the 31-year-old says, “It’s up to you what you want to focus on. I didn’t come empty-handed from Baby John. For me, it was all about the opportunity to work with Varun, Atlee (writer) sir and Murad Khetani (producer), and to be a part of their world. That, in itself, was a big thing for me.”

The actor adds, “I can obviously choose to look at all the negatives, but had that film not happened, I don’t know what I’d have done and where I’d be.”

Last year, Janhvi Kapoor made her Telugu film debut with Devara: Part 1 opposite NTR Jr, following it up by signing Peddi opposite Ram Charan. Now, it looks like the actor has bagged her third Telugu offering. Sources tell us that Kapoor will play one of the female leads in Allu Arjun’s next, the working title of which is AA22xA6, helmed by Atlee. Having an Atlee film on her résumé is a big boost for Kapoor.

An insider shares, “Allu and Atlee are a dream combination. With his next, the filmmaker is mounting an ambitious sci-fi film. Naturally, Janhvi is excited to be part of something that could potentially set new standards in Indian cinema’s sci-fi genre.”

In April, mid-day had reported that Arjun and Atlee had conducted look tests and a concept shoot in Mumbai (Beginning of another blockbuster, April 21). The team is apparently planning to take the project on floors in October. Another source reveals that casting is underway for two more female characters in the film.

The source shares, “The makers are in talks with Mrunal Thakur for one of the parts. After Sita Ramam [2022] and Hi Nanna [2023], she has a huge fan base in South, and the makers are keen to bring her on board.”

How do you follow up Pushpa 2: The Rule’s (2024) thunderous success? By collaborating with a director who has a blockbuster on his résumé, believes Allu Arjun. The actor has begun work on his next with Atlee, the mind behind Jawan (2023). mid-day has learnt that on Sunday, the actor-director duo conducted a look test and concept photoshoot at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai, thus setting the stage for their pan-India film that was announced earlier this month.

Sources close to the project reveal that the look test kicked off at 1 pm. “They tried multiple styles and looks for Arjun’s character—from rugged to sleek. With the Pushpa franchise, he has created a strong image. Atlee wants to present him in a new avatar, far removed from how he was shown in the blockbuster. Arjun is known to be hands-on, and he was very involved in the look tests,” shares a crew member.

While details regarding the film have been kept under wraps, rumours suggest it will be a high-concept action drama.

The source adds, “The concept photoshoot happened as well. Some 12-year-olds were brought to be shortlisted for an important aspect of the look test.”

If things go as planned, the project will roll by June-end. The title and cast will be announced soon.

Shah Rukh Khan may add another name to the list of south Indian filmmakers with whom he has found favour. After successful collaborations with Mani Ratnam and Atlee, the badshah of Bollywood is said to be in discussion with Sukumar, the man behind the successful Pushpa franchise.

Rumours had previously suggested that the duo would join hands for a dark, intense, psychological thriller, but fresh buzz hints at something entirely different.

“King Khan will play an anti-hero, but this will be a rural political action drama that promises to show him in a raw, rustic, and desi avatar that blends his mass appeal with his global superstar image. It will also explore social issues like caste and class oppression,” a source tells mid-day.

However, eager fans may need to brace for a long lull before the film materializes, as both Khan and Sukumar are occupied with a slate of projects.

“While Sukumar has RC 17 with Ram Charan, Pushpa 3: The Rampage, and another romantic drama with Ram in the pipeline, SRK has King, and Pathaan 2 in his kitty. SRK has reportedly told filmmakers eager to work with him that they’ll have to wait for two years before he can consider their projects. King kicks off in May in a start-to-finish schedule.”

Even though rumours suggest that Allu Arjun will replace Salman Khan in Jawan (2023) director Atlee’s next, the filmmaker, we hear, isn’t willing to miss an opportunity to join hands with Bollywood’s bhai. Atlee will reportedly approach Khan to play the parallel lead with Arjun in the mass action entertainer. Interestingly, Salman will be seen as the hero, and Arjun, as the anti-hero.

Bring Varun Dhawan and Atlee together, and the result will be a mass entertainer. That’s exactly what the actor-producer duo has designed with their upcoming film, Baby John. Now, the actioner has got another heavyweight in Salman Khan, who has come on board for a cameo. So, what is Khan playing in Kalees’ directorial venture, which is an adaptation of the Tamil hit, Theri (2016)? mid-day has learnt that the superstar will step into the role of a senior police officer, essayed by Prabhu in the original.

We hear Atlee and the director have reimagined the cop character in the remake to do justice to Khan. A source reveals, “Since Salman is known for his action roles and swag, Atlee and Kalees have added some fight sequences featuring the superstar. He will be seen as a swashbuckling cop with some tongue-in-cheek dialogues.”

Baby John revolves around Dhawan’s character, a dynamic cop who leaves the police force after encountering a personal tragedy and goes into hiding to raise his daughter in a safe environment. He returns to his former fierce self when his daughter’s safety is threatened. We’re told that Khan’s character plays a critical role at this point in the narrative.

“Salman’s cop is shown as something of a mentor to the protagonist. He will show faith in Varun’s character and bring him back in the police force,” adds the source.

Khan will shoot his cameo over the weekend at an Andheri studio. While Dhawan had wrapped up his portions in April, he will report to the set to join the superstar and Jackie Shroff, who portrays the antagonist.

“Over two days, Salman will film his introduction scene and some action set-pieces. Kalees and writer Sumit Arora are pulling no punches to make sure that his cameo will be a treat for his fans.” The film also stars Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Take one look at Baby John’s teaser, and it’s easy to gauge that it will be a bloody affair. On April 24, Varun Dhawan wrapped up the action fare that marks Tamil director Kalees’ Hindi film debut. Staying true to Atlee’s Tamil hit Theri (2016), the Hindi adaptation will see the protagonist as a fierce cop in his past, and a doting father in the present day. mid-day has learnt that Dhawan will sport two distinct looks—as a young cop, he will flaunt the khaki uniform and sunglasses, which will be his signature accessory, whereas he will sport long hair, a beard and a lungi for the father track.

Dhawan unveiled this avatar in the teaser itself. Sources say that the two looks have been designed in such a way that they reflect his character’s journey. “The young cop is dynamic, aggressive and stylish. Designer Sheetal Sharma has given him customized sunglasses that he will sport on his wrist like a wrist band. His wardrobe comprises chinos, linen shirts and polo T-shirts. Kalees wanted an intense look for the character after he goes through a personal tragedy and begins life anew with his daughter in Kerala. For this portion, Varun sports white lungis and silk shirts,” reveals a source.

While Keerthy Suresh essays the cop’s wife, Wamiqa Gabbi plays his romantic interest as he begins a new lease of life later.

The portions depicting the character’s present day were shot in Alleppey, Kochi, and the serene backwaters of Kerala. The unit conducted a 20-day schedule in March during which they not only filmed crucial scenes and a song, but also an elaborate fight sequence.

“To make Baby John a no-holds-barred actioner, producers Murad Khetani and Atlee roped in eight action directors. Varun spent three months prepping for the action blocks. One of the most crucial set-pieces was shot in the backwaters. In the sequence, the hero, who has left the police force and leads a peaceful life in Kerala, has to take up arms again when goons attack his five-year-old daughter. It has been designed as a high-octane scene, where Varun takes on 30 baddies single-handedly, performing kicks, punches and lunges in a lungi. Cinematographer Kiran Koushik has shot it as a larger-than-life sequence.”

Vijay Sethupathi reached a milestone of 50 films with the Tamil thriller Maharaja, which hit screens recently. The actor, who has become a pan-Indian star with films like Jawan, Merry Christmas and Super Deluxe, looks back on his journey so far, his current state of mind, his kids and how he maintains a work-life balance despite being one of the busiest actors in the country. Excerpts:

All I wanted was at least become a serial actor. I’m not putting down acting in serials by saying this. At that time, my thinking was that since there were so many serials being made, it would be easier for me to get a break in TV. One day, someone told me I was a hero, and I lost sleep that night. Over time, I got used to that word. And I realized that things had started moving in this direction only after I’d gradually started believing I could be a hero; I’d have gone crazy if someone had called me a hero right when I started out.

I used to feel embarrassed to say that I was an actor. These days, people are more accepting of acting aspirations, but that was not the case back then. Also, I didn’t know if I had the qualities to call myself an actor.

It was when audiences started clapping when I appeared on screen in Soodhu Kavvum that I realized that they have accepted me. When I saw myself on screen after Thenmerku Paruvakkaatru (his debut film as a hero), I felt happy that I’d become a hero.

From around 2008-09, I started observing aspiring directors passionately watching and talking about films, and I realised that there was something about cinema. A series on international films in a Tamil magazine made me learn how to watch cinema.

I began with Life Is Beautiful and started watching more films. I was confident that I’d begin to understand the knack of acting one day. So, I did all the things that might put me on that path... from watching films to discussing films with those who know what cinema is.

When I was working in Dubai, I was earning 1,000 dirhams. When I moved to another company, I got 2,000 dirhams. When I thanked my employer, he said that God fulfills all my needs, and he was just one of the people who were meant to make it happen. At that time, I was a staunch believer and trusted it completely. I still continue to believe it (he’s now an atheist). What we need is right in front of us; earlier, I did not know that, but now, I know it exists and am searching for it. It’s like in an Aladdin video game — the treasure would be hidden in select places and if the character went to a specific spot, he’d get coins or points. Likewise, I believed what I was seeking was somewhere around me. If you have a goal, the lessons you learn during its pursuit will tell you if you’re nearing your destination.

I have only earned happiness. Maybe I might have gotten a peek behind the masks that some people around me were wearing, but I don’t really blame anyone because the fault could have even been with me. I believe that’s the maturity I’ve developed; I’m responsible for both the good and bad that have happened to me.

My kids have grown up, so I think I’ve now reached that stage where I’m starting to get relieved of my responsibilities as a parent. According to me, for the first 5-6 years, you should give them motherly love, Then, for five years from the ages 17 or 18, as a father, you should give them the guidance, discipline, rebuke and a little bit of love.

I want to make my kids understand the world, life, myself, my actions, both good and bad. I try to discuss everything with them. I do not want to create only a good image about myself with my kids. So, as much as possible, I try to be open with them. It’s enough if they understand aspects about life. I always tell them not to take my words as the ultimate truth just because I’m their dad. They can decide their own lives instead of me having to do it for them.

I spend as much time as possible with my family. I tell stories to my kids. Even a couple of weeks ago, I told my daughter, who is 16, a story with a random set of words that I asked her to give me, like an elephant, a fox, a cabbage and carrot farm, a bee! I also drop her at school whenever possible. I did the first shave of my son and celebrated his milestone with a function, just like how people celebrate when girls attain puberty. I don’t post all these on Instagram, but shoot these memories on my phone, and watch them when I’m away for shoots.

I did not do Jawan expecting some quid pro quo in terms of my career. I wanted to work with a star like Shah Rukh sir and a director like Atlee. Every film Atlee has directed so far has been a hit, so I wanted to learn how he carries this success.

And, by working with a star like Shah Rukh sir, I also get to be known beyond the set of people who may have heard of me. He’s someone who I’ve looked at in wonder. So, in case I have some inhibitions or a sense of inferiority complex, working with people who I’ve looked up to — be it Rajini sir or Kamal sir or Shah Rukh sir or Vijay sir or the female actresses — helps shatter my inhibitions and grow in confidence. To stand shoulder to shoulder with them and perform seeing them eye to eye helps an introvert like me to get out of my cocoon.

Dabangg 3 may not have worked wonders at the box office, but fans eagerly await the fourth instalment that will see Salman Khan reprise his role of Chulbul Pandey. A few weeks ago, rumours were rife that the superstar and his producer-brother Arbaaz Khan were in talks with Jawan (2023) director Atlee for the next edition of the cop franchise.

Talking to mid-day, Arbaaz, who had helmed Dabangg 2 (2012), cleared the air, stating, “It’s just a rumour that Salman, Atlee and I have met. I’ve never met Atlee in my life. I’ve never seen him, forget meeting him. Until you hear from the horse’s mouth, you shouldn’t believe [the rumours] too much.”

So, what is the fate of Dabangg 4? The actor-producer assures that the story of the much-loved cop will be taken forward, but in good time, as both Salman and he are busy with their respective projects. “Right now, both of us are in the middle of our [upcoming projects]. He has [to shoot] a film with Sajid Nadiadwala. Salman is certain that he wants to do Dabangg 4, as am I. We will do it when the time is right.”

Asked if he will return to the director’s chair, Arbaaz says, “I don’t know if I will direct it. I would love to, but it hasn’t been decided yet.”

What happens when a Vishal Bhardwaj and Vikramaditya Motwane heroine steps into Atlee’s cinematic world? A whole lot of learning. Wamiqa Gabbi, who is shooting for Atlee’s production—reportedly titled Baby John—in Kochi, is enjoying picking up the larger-than-life quality associated with his movies.

“That swag you see in Atlee sir’s films is imbibed and learnt, then mirrored on screen. This film nurtures a different side of me as an actor. The aura of a commercial, mainstream actor is different. At this point, I’m looking to be surprised and changed as a person. This film is doing that for me,” she says.

The action fare, helmed by Kalees, also stars Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh. Gabbi agrees that the movie is dramatically different from the projects she has done so far—be it Motwane’s period drama Jubilee (2023) or Bhardwaj’s understated spy thriller Khufiya (2023). Her job, she says, is to assimilate in the diverse worlds created by filmmakers.

“My process has always been to understand the person I have to play. Sometimes, I give feedback to my director and writer, and that brings out more ideas. Working with Atlee sir has been enriching. After he gave a hit like Jawan [2023], I am lucky he chose me for this film.”

Gabbi also considers herself lucky when it comes to her co-star. She praises Dhawan for being a supportive collaborator. “I have seen all of Varun’s films, including Badlapur [2015] and October [2018]. While he is the best of the masala film actors we have, he isn’t just that. Within him is an actor who is relentless and passionate. Our sense of humour is similar, and we are always cracking silly jokes. He is also a kind person. I had an eye infection and was feeling horrible about missing work, but he was so caring. He joked about it and lightened the mood.”

The industry’s perception of Gabbi has changed enormously after the six releases she had in 2023, and she is grateful for the roles being offered. “Everything coming my way today is a result of the work that resonated with people last year. The industry looks at me differently now. It all happened in one year.”

A big-ticket film seems like the perfect way for Wamiqa Gabbi to round off the successful year that she had with Jubilee, Charlie Chopra And The Mystery Of Solang Valley, and Khufiya. The actor, who recently completed her Tamil film Genie, will now begin shooting for the yet-untitled project that is backed by Atlee and led by Varun Dhawan. We hear director Kalees, who has been Atlee’s long-time assistant director, has kicked off an extensive schedule in Kochi with the leading man.

In August, Kalees, who makes his directorial debut with the action fare, had conducted the first schedule with Dhawan in Mumbai. Apparently, at the time, the actor had incurred an injury due to which the stunts had to be left for the next leg in December.

A source tells mid-day, “Now, Varun and Wamiqa will shoot a straight one-month schedule in Kerala. The director plans to call for a break only after January 20.”

Keerthy Suresh is paired with Dhawan in the movie, the working title of which is VD18. The source adds, “Keerthy, along with Radhika Apte, was shooting for Yash Raj Films’ next project in Mumbai. She is expected to join the VD18 unit soon.”

While reports suggest that it is a remake of Atlee’s Tamil hit Theri (2016), little is known about the project, except that the leading man plays a cop. The makers are being discreet about the characters and the actors’ looks in the film.

Gabbi, who shone bright in Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee, has been one of the breakthrough talents of the year in digital entertainment. She is naturally eager for the next chapter as she finds her footing in Bollywood.

Confirming the shoot, she says, “Being part of VD18 is a thrilling experience for me. Collaborating with Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh under Atlee sir’s [guidance] is a creative journey I’m eager to explore. I will always be grateful for 2023, the year that [propelled] new beginnings. To end the year on the set of my next is the perfect curtain call.”

Kenny Deori Basumatary, who was seen in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan, says working in the Atlee directorial was “super chaotic” since the filmmaker “keeps coming up with new ideas all the time”. “He would suddenly have an idea and would shoot it the next day. During production, he’d say, ‘Abey yeh nahin, yeh chahiye’. It was amazing,” says the Assamese actor-director, whose film Local Utpaat was recently screened at The Himalayan Film Festival (THFF).

He adds despite the chaos and constant changes, the output was worth it. “When you see the end result, it is just amazing. As soon as the first teaser came up, one knew that people were going to like it,” he beams, adding, “A happy coincidence was that when I went to SRK’s office for the first time, that was the day when the first teaser had come out. I saw it and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have got to act in this!’”

The film’s success and recognition, Basumatary says, was “definitely gratifying”. “Numbers, I feel, are a function of the hype behind a movie. Moreover, if the film’s content is significant, it will stick much longer. It’s like Swades (2004) and Chak De! India (2007) that is people still remember,” he shares.

Basumatary is glad that Jawan had a historic box-office success worldwide and also made strong statement. “Jawan had substance. SRK made a huge mark for himself and the entire industry,” he wraps up.