Last week, 83 producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri announced that he was bringing six National Award-winning directors together for his next, One Nation. Priyadarshan, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, John Mathew Mathan, Manju Borah, Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and Vivek Agnihotri are teaming up to helm the six-episode mini-series that sheds light on India’s unsung heroes.

Only days into the announcement, the filmmakers have begun work on their respective segments. We hear that south superstar Mohanlal, and Kangana Ranaut have been approached to lead the project.

Priyadarshan has collaborated with Mohanlal on over 25 films, including Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021). Naturally then, the superstar was his first choice when the director locked the script of his segment.

A source reveals, “He has given a narration to Mohanlal, who is impressed by the story. But the two have yet to finalize the details. Meanwhile, Vivek has approached Kangana Ranaut for his segment. The two have been keen to collaborate professionally. The series, given its subject, seems like the perfect platform for the duo to come together. It will study events of the past 100 years, from 1925 to the present day, unearthing stories of little-known local heroes who made huge contributions to the country.”

While Induri remains tight-lipped about the cast, he reveals that each segment will be an hour long. “While some stories have been [brought to the table] by the directors, there are some that we have researched,” he says, adding that Mathan of Sarfarosh (1999) fame took some convincing to come on board. “We plan to begin shooting by the second or third quarter of 2023. The OTT release will primarily be in Hindi, and will be dubbed in multiple languages.”

Assamese director Borah is considered one of the country’s finest filmmakers. Induri says that he roped her in as he wanted the project to have a pan-India presence. “The stories come from different parts of the country, and have the core emotion of service to the nation. They can [reflect] any episode — the freedom movement, natural calamities that happened in the country, riots, or national crisis.”

After making a successful debut with Ishq Vishk, which marked the acting debut of Shahid Kapoor, Ken Ghosh followed up with the romantic thriller, Fida, and the dance drama, Chance Pe Dance.

The last film was a debacle and eight years later, Ken returned on the digital platform. “Films are boring, very boring, as compared to OTT. You go back to the same circle of writing a script with an interval, the occasional songs and a climax. I’m happy directing web shows, but never say never,” he laughs.

After winning a National Award for the cop drama, Sarfarosh, which opened in ’99, John took six years to complete Shikhar. But while Sarfarosh is still remembered for Aamir Khan’s performance and the gripping narrative, Shikhar, despite the presence of Ajay Devgn and Shahid Kapoor, was not a patch on it. His third film, A New Love Ishtory, with Himesh Reshammiya, after a long delay, had a small release in 2013. After that John has disappeared, with stray rumours of him scripting a Sarfarosh sequel for John Abraham. The writer-director however admits that nothing is happening on the direction front at the moment. “I am working on multiple scripts and hoping to start one,” he says shortly.

Arbaaz Khan took forward the Dabangg sequel and Part 2 resonated with the audience. “There was an opportunity to direct Dabangg 3 too, but Salman and I wanted a fresh outlook so decided to go with an outside director,” shares Arbaaz, who is concentrating on acting and production for the moment.

“I don’t know when I will direct my next film, but it will happen. And it need not be a big film, it can be small too,” he points out.

In 2010, Dabangg, directed by Anurag Kashyap’s younger brother Abhinav, went on to rewrite box-office history with Salman Khan’s Robinhood cop, Chulbul Pandey.

Abhinav turned down the sequel and went on to direct Besharam with the Kapoors, Rishi, Neetu, and Ranbir. It was a disaster and no one has heard of Abhinav since.

When Mirror called, he rang off abruptly, saying, “I don’t talk to the media.” Ah well, we just wanted to know when he’d be back in action.

Rajiv Rai ruled the ’90s with blockbusters like Tridev, Mohra, Vishwatma and Gupt, then, went into a sabbatical following personal setbacks. He tried to return with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat and Asambhav but they tanked and Rajiv vanished again.

“I didn’t want anyone to lose money on my films; the break was a calculated decision as I’d got complacent. I self-isolated myself, and in the last 15 years have penned multiple ideas and two scripts. I’ll be back soon. I’m planning a film now,” he promises.

With Dhoom and Dhoom 2 Sanjay Gadhvi gave Bollywood one of its biggest action franchises. Followed by another action thriller, Kidnap, then, a romcom, Ajab Gazabb Love, with Jackky Bhagnani. Then, he went into hibernation. “I refused 23 films since 2011 and bravely waited out the lean period. There are talks of a feature film right now in a space that excites me. I have my fingers crossed,” he exults.