Earlier this month, mid-day reported that Shahid Kapoor and Anees Bazmee amicably parted ways after having creative differences on Ek Saath Do Do (The end before the start, Aug 14). Now, even as the director is developing the script of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, he is simultaneously considering actors for Ek Saath Do Do. We hear Bazmee is keen to cast either Ajay Devgn or Varun Dhawan in the action comedy that has the protagonist in a double role.

Originally, the project—also starring Rashmika Mandanna—was to roll in August. Sources say if things work out, Bazmee will take it on floors after he completes the script of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. A lot obviously depends on the actor’s dates.

A source reveals, “Anees is extremely close to Ajay Devgn, having directed him in three movies. He is also keen to work with Varun Dhawan, who he feels is a natural at comedy.”

Understandably, the filmmaker will have to tweak the character if Devgn steps into the role. The source adds, “Ajay is older than the original choice, Shahid. But it doesn’t make a difference as Anees knows Ajay’s qualities well. In the past too, he tweaked some scripts to align with a star’s image. During the making of Laadla [1994], after original choice Divya Bharti passed away, Anees changed a few scenes and the role fit Sridevi like a glove.”

mid-day reached out to Bazmee, who remained unavailable for comment.

Earlier this month, mid-day had reported that Shahid Kapoor would kick off the shoot of his next with director Anees Bazmee in a Mumbai studio, in August (Make it quick, July 3). Even as the film was in pre-production, the director was on the hunt for a title that would best encapsulate his action comedy. His brief was simple—keep it quirky, in keeping with the light-hearted flavour of the story. Now, we hear Kapoor and Bazmee have finally found a title to their liking. Sources tell us their maiden collaboration has been christened Ek Saath Do Do.

So, what makes the title special? It turns out the name is a play on Kapoor’s double role in the film that also stars Rashmika Mandanna.

A source from the creative team reveals, “Anees has locked Ek Saath Do Do as the title to harp on the actor’s double role. The name can even be read as 1.7.22. The date is of significance in the narrative, and ties in neatly with the protagonist and his twin’s journey.”

In the first week of August, the team will kick off shoot at a specially designed set of a Rajasthani haveli. On the cards is the filming of some emotional scenes featuring the leading man.

The source adds, “A chunk of the film is set in a Rajasthani village. After the monsoon, the team will head to the desert state for an extensive schedule. Rashmika will join the unit after the second schedule.” Before this, Kapoor played a double role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey (2009).