After Vidyut Jammwal highlights how he was sidelined from Disney+Hotstar presser in favour of Alia, Ajay, Akshay despite Khuda Hafiz being part of the line-up, co-star Aahana says disappointing to see OTT kowtow to toxic star system
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 30, 2020)

On Monday, Disney+ Hotstar announced its slate of seven films in a virtual press conference attended by Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Bachchan. Surprisingly, the cast of Vidyut Jammwal-led Khuda Hafiz and Kunal Kemmu's Lootcase were not invited to the session despite the films being part of the OTT platform's line-up. Jammwal expressed his disappointment as he tweeted, "Seven films scheduled for release but only five are deemed worthy of representation. Two films receive no invitation or intimation. The cycle continues. (sic)"

Even as Sushant Singh Rajput's demise has sparked a dialogue about the industry's toxic star system, the press conference shows how Bollywood is far from being a level playing field. Aahana Kumra, Jammwal's co-star in Khuda Hafiz, says, "I found out about the press conference after seeing Vidyut's tweet. I have not bothered asking why I wasn't informed. I know it won't lead to an answer."

With Marzi and Betaal behind her, Kumra is not new to the web world. She is stunned at the discriminatory behaviour of the streaming giant. "The OTT platforms I have worked with have been warm, professional and democratic in how they present you. They pride themselves in equal representation. This is the first time I have seen such behaviour."

After a fortnight of discussions on the privileges afforded to stars, Kumra admits it is disappointing to see little change in the industry. "Vidyut is an outsider who has made it on merit. We must support such talent considering it's difficult to crack the industry in today's times. Self-made people too deserved to be on this panel. We all should have been part of it."

mid-day reached out to Jammwal and Kemmu, who refused to comment.

Bollywood Comes Home
Two months after mid-day reported that Akshay Kumar's Laxmmi Bomb will have a direct-to-web release on Disney +Hotstar, the streaming giant confirmed the news in a virtual press conference moderated by Varun Dhawan. The OTT platform announced its slate of films that will premiere between July and October, kickstarting with the late Sushant Singh Rajput's Dil Bechara. Its roster includes Ajay Devgn-starrer Bhuj: The Pride of India, Alia Bhatt's Sadak 2, Abhishek Bachchan's The Big Bull, Kunal Kemmu's Lootcase and Vidyut Jammwal-starrer Khuda Hafiz.

The Coronavirus is now 2 months old and there is a situation where many films are looking at a digital release which was expected if the lock down got prolonged. The smaller films can get out with fair profits and with no clarity as to when films will start to release the digital rights are a god saver. The exhibitors are against this but its more the situation rather than preferring digital for the initial release.

There are also films which are holding out for the theaters as the people involved believe there films deserve the big screen screen release. The films listed below are the ones where shooting was complete. The first group are the films waiting for the theaters and they are.
1. Sooryavanshi
2. '83
3. Coolie No 1

The above films are not set for a digital release at the moment but even here there will be have to be some clarity in the next month or two because there is a limit of waiting to see when they can reach the theatres as the costs build. At the moment there are tentative dates of early July when theatres will open up in US and Europe (some countries have opened) but India is just guess work. If these makers can get a rough idea when they can come it will ease the pressure.

The next film is basically a WHITE HORSE as it is in a different situation to all the other releases as all rights are held by a concern which monetizes on its own platforms.
4. Laxmmi Bomb

This film has been acquired by Fox/Disney for around 150 crore for all rights leaving the producers with huge table profit. Now here, Fox/Disney has a sister concern Disney+ Hotstar which is the biggest OTT platform in India with around 80 lakh paid subscibers and that is almost double of Amazon Prime (figures pre lockdown). Here a digital release will be with Disney+ Hotstar which will mean the recovery will not happen as you are not going to get extra subscribers to cover the huge costs of the film and television which will go to the other sister concern Star Gold which is hit badly with advertisement rates down 80-90% due to Covid 19.

A digital release means that digital and satellite are the only sources of revenue. There is music in the film but that will not go for much when there is hardly any spend on promoting the film. In normal times this film would never have a chance of being a digital release but Disney+ Hotstar has lost IPL which is the biggest content on digital and need some big new content and LAXMMI BOMB is big especially for digital. On top this is the only film that Disney+ Hotstar has at the moment.

The film will be complete with post production soon and although a theatrical release would benefit Disney/Fox, the pressure will be on as other digital giants are announcing new film content on their platforms and more will be announced in the coming time while there is little idea as to when cinemas will open. In the West credit is being given on paid platforms which are unable to provide enough content just to keep subscribers on board as they cancel their subscriptions but that is not the case in India. For a platform like Disney+ Hotstar, they have limited content as its all local and nothing from abroad like Amazon and Netflix.

The next list are generally small and mid budget films where some films have gone to digital while others will probably be announced in the time to come as the lockdown goes on..
5. Gulabo Sitabo (65-70 crore to Amazon Prime)
6. Shakuntala Devi (30 crore to Amazon Prime)
7. Chehre
8. Gunjan Saxena
9. Khuda Hafiz
10. Jhund
11. Ludo
12. Mimi
13. Roohi Afzana

With two promising projects in her kitty, Aahana Kumra discusses being content with juggling genres
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 22, 2019)

"The script is cracking," starts off Aahana Kumra, when prodded about what made her green-light How To Kill Your Husband. Shooting for the thriller, which, as the name suggests, sees her killing her husband, has been underway in London. "The film is full of twists and turns. I am consciously looking out for roles that I have never played before. I want to play diverse characters that I have never imagined. Thankfully, I am getting such offers."

Kumra's comments are in stark contrast to those she had made in the past, when she had alluded that women rarely get substantial roles in cinema. After a string of great offers, evidently, she has had a change of heart. "Sometimes, we need to endure something to realise that good things come to those who wait. In my next movie, Khuda Hafiz, I play an agent, alongside Vidyut Jammwal. I have a lot of action scenes in the movie. Andy Long's stunt team is working with us, and we had to be fit for the film. We did drills every evening, and each scene was prepared well in advance, to minimise injuries during the shoot. I have to acknowledge that writers are pushing for female characters to be interestingly written."

Vidyut Jammwal adds no man dares misbehave with a woman when he is around
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 27, 2019)

The Commando series has taken you on many daring adventures which we have seen play out on screen. But as an army kid, you must know about many such real-life missions. Tell us about one of them.
The first thing you learn as an army kid is that you do not speak about what you hear or learn as it could compromise national security. So, while I do know many such stories from battle fields like Kargil, I have never shared them even when I went to a public field. That oath of secrecy is a part of my being now, like the innate respect I have for anyone in uniform. The army doesn’t just safeguard our country, it also jumps into action during a crisis. I was in Manali during an avalanche there and the army was called in to get people out.

Okay, so tell us what’s the most daring thing you have ever done?
I’ll tell you what’s the first manly thing I did, which is open the door for every woman who entered the army cantonment club. I was four then and my brother and I would compete to be the first to reach the door. If the lady entering smiled and said “thank you” our day was made. That habit has continued.

When I was at the airport in Tashkent, I saw a fellow passenger hefting a suitcase and just plucked it out of her hand and carried it. Since I was a complete stranger, the lady was wary and kept trying to grab it back, till we reached immigration where some fans recognised me and asked me for pictures. Surprised, she turned to me and said, “Oh, you’re famous!” (Laughs) I told her I was just an actor.

So, chivalry is not dead?
No, it’s is not dead. I have convinced my nine-year-old nephew that every time he gets off the car, he should run around and open the door for his sister, who is 15, before she can reach for the door handle. It’s important to instill chivalry in boys at an early age, and it’s equally important for ladies to acknowledge a gesture, be it opening a door or offering a seat, with a smile and a “thank you”, instead of shrugging it off. That’s the way chivalry will not just survive but multiply too.

Since you became an actor, have you ever had to jump to the rescue of a damsel in distress?
Real men don’t misbehave with women. And those who do, would not dare to do it when I am around.

Getting back to Commando, how long will the series go on?
It will keep going on. The idea is not to enter any Rs 100 or Rs 200-crore club. This franchise has, over the last nine years, made people aware of me as an actor. And with growing acceptance, appreciation and adulation, I have only become more respectful towards others. The Tibetan philosophy which I endorse tells that the higher you go, the lower your ego should go. That’s my motto.

You never have more than a couple of films in hand. Doesn’t that ever make you insecure in an industry where fortunes change every Friday?
Kalaripayattu has taught me that security doesn’t come from money, more movies or the houses and cars you buy. I would wish name, fame and money on everyone, so they would know that happiness comes from deep within and security comes from knowing that I have talent in me. I work hard through the year to be happy. For the last 20 years, every night I have come back home and written in my journal. It’s a way of seeing myself day to day, knowing what makes me happy.

Given that you design the action in all your films, have you ever given direction or production a thought?
I have never studied acting though I have educated myself over the years. So, I don’t have the expertise to be a director. Even my mental make-up is that of a performer. Production, I can’t say. If by putting a little extra from my pocket, I can up the scale and standard of a film, why not?

You recently took a trip alone through the North-East and plan to do it more often. Why?
Most of the time I am surrounded by people. So, it’s important to get away, be with myself, and reflect on all that’s been happening. It’s the best way to stay sane.

You’ve been in Uzbekistan the past few weeks shooting for a film…
Yes, Khuda Hafiz, that’s the film Faruk Kabir is making. It’s a true-life story of a man fighting to get his wife back from a Middle-Eastern country. This guy is not a commando and for him, I have to tap deep to find the hero within me. Uzbekistan is a country that loves India and its heroes. They love Mithun Chakraborty, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and now, having Googled me, they love me too.

And have you found love too, in your personal life?
If you mean, am I in a relationship, then the answer is “No”. But I’m still full of love and everyone I meet, I shower with this love. Hey, I hope I am not sounding cheesy?

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 22, 2019)

Shivaleeka Oberoi, who is all set to make her acting debut with director Cherag Ruparel’s romantic-thriller, Yeh Saali Aashiqui, has previously assisted filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala on Kick (2014) and filmmakers Sajid-Farhad (Samji Brothers) on Housefull 3 (2016). Interestingly, even before her film opposite debutant Vardhan Puri opens in theatres, she has bagged her second film with Vidyut Jammwal. The actress spoke to BT about her journey so far and what lies ahead. Excerpts...

With your debut film hitting the theatres in a few days, are you nervous? It’s interesting that you chose a romantic thriller for your maiden outing. Also, the past couple of years have seen a lot of new faces in Bollywood. Are you apprehensive about the competition that lies ahead?
Right now, I’m just overwhelmed that people have appreciated the film’s trailer and first song. Even with two newcomers in the lead, people have been generous with their appreciation. For Vardhan and I, this movie is a big responsibility. Yes, I am nervous, but I’m also happy about what we’ve pulled off. As for the new faces on the scene, I don’t feel any pressure, as competition is a part of every profession. To further answer your question, I chose a romantic thriller because I felt that it would help me showcase my range and potential as an actor in a content-led film.

Your grandfather, Mahavir Oberoi, was a producer. Did the fact that you are an industry kid make it easier for you to make inroads in Bollywood?
Well, I have never met my grandfather. He passed away when my father was really young, and no one else in the family was in the business of cinema until I decided to become an actor. I was all of five years when I started imitating Kareena Kapoor’s scenes from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) at home (laughs!). My mother, who was a teacher in the same school where I studied, was a little scared to see me like that because koi apparent filmi connection nahi tha. I led a life away from cinema, but it still found its way to me. During my college days, I decided to join Anupam Kher’s acting school, and my mother was quite supportive. For my ‘admission test’, I had to enact a scene before Anupam sir, and even there, I did Kareena’s train sequence from Jab We Met (2007). At 16, I was the youngest in my batch. Eventually, I landed a few commercials, and then, at a social gathering, my grandmother spoke to Sajid sir’s mother about me. Hearing what I wanted to do, she asked me to see Sajid sir. When I told him about my acting aspirations, he asked me to first prepare myself by becoming an assistant director. Post Housefull 3, I got a call for auditioning for Yeh Saali Aashiqui. Everyone, insider or outsider, has their journey before finding his/her debut film. If someone comes from a prolific film family, like Vardhan (late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson), they have to live up to that name and still work hard to make a mark. So, we’re all in the same boat, albeit, on different sides. Everything depends on how well people take to your work.

So, who do you consider your mentor in the industry?
Sajid Nadiadwala is someone I look up to. If I hadn’t assisted him on Kick, I would not have been here. Being behind the scenes has helped me learn so much. While shooting Kick, I was assigned to give claps before the shot. When I saw Salman Khan on the set for the first time, I started shivering. Eventually, I was assigned to take the scenes to him and so on. That is how I studied films — by working on them. As an AD on Housefull 3, I figured how nuances matter a lot. Akshay sir (Kumar) casually hangs out on the set, but the moment the camera rolls, he’s in character. I also understood the pressures producers face, how actors and crew members work together, and why there’s never a minute to waste on a set. It’s important to have such exposure before starting off as an actor.

Apart from you, this is also Vardhan’s first film. How did you break the ice with him?
His family has a big name in the industry. I was nervous when I met him for the first time, but Meenaji and Rajeev ji (producers Rajeev Amrish Puri, Meena Rajeev Puri) took good care of me. Vardhan was also kind and understanding as a co-star. A week into the look tests, we bonded with each other. We even figured that we were friends on social media for years, and had lots of common friends. Eventually, we became good friends in the real world, too.

It is often said that landing your second film is more difficult than making a debut. But, in your case, even before Yeh Saali Aashiqui releases, your second film (Khuda Hafiz) has rolled. That must be a relief...
Deep in my heart, I wanted my second film in my kitty before my debut releases. And, God answered my prayers. I was called to audition for Khuda Hafiz. When I heard the brief, it ticked all the boxes — a great story, a talented co-star and a good team. I was happy that I got a chance merely on the basis of my audition. Kumar Mangat ji (producer Kumar Mangat Pathak) put his faith in me even without seeing my first film.

On the personal front, there were rumours that you are engaged to TV actor Karam Rajpal...
He’s one of my closest buddies. I’m very focussed on my career right now. My mother and I were both surprised when news about Karam and me made the rounds. I’m a romantic person, but this is not the time to fall in love. It’s time to work.

Shivaleeka Oberoi refutes rumours of her engagement with TV actor Karam Rajpal
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 15, 2019)

Shivaleeka Oberoi, who is all set to debut as the leading lady of Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan in Yeh Saali Aashiqui, admits it’s a big responsibility to be associated with the Puri family. “Meena Puri (producer) would personally come to check on me when I fell sick. They are family,” she points out.

She entered the industry soon after completing her 12th standard, working as an assistant director on Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick and Housefull 3. The filmmaker was a mentor to her and after wrapping up her first film, Shivaleeka went straight to meet him. “Acting in one of his films would be a dream come true and complete the circle,” she points out, adding that while working on Kick, she learnt how not to waste money. “I would hang around Salman Khan and Jacqueline (Fernandez), picking up little details.”

The young actress has already started shooting for her next, Khuda Hafiz, opposite Vidyut Jammwal. “I was determined to have a second film in my hand before my first release. So, as soon as I completed Yeh Saali Aashiqui, I started auditioning. Kumar (Mangat) sir showed immense faith in me as a producer by investing in an actor who he has yet to see on screen,” she says. She will be performing some stunts but promises they will be different from action sequences in mainstream films. “Even Vidyut will be in a different zone. He is very down-to-earth and we hit it off instantly.”

Shivaleeka’s grandfather had produced a film in 1967, Sheba And Hercules. “It was his dream to be a part of Bollywood. I never met him as he passed away before I was born, but I am trying to fulfill his dream,” she says emotionally.

Two years ago, there were reports that she was dating TV actor Karam Rajpal. The duo had even announced their roka. Prod her on the subject and she laughs, “That was a hoax. Everyone had very high hopes about us, but we were and continue to be close friends. I am very much single.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 7, 2019)

Even before she makes her Bollywood debut opposite Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan with the romantic-thriller Yeh Saali Aashiqui, Shivaleeka Oberoi has bagged her second film. Mirror has learnt that the actress plays Vidyut Jammwal’s wife in the Faruk Kabir-directed action-romance, Khuda Hafiz, which revolves around the couple, and is produced by Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak.

“I wanted to find my second project before my debut released, so two-and-a-half months ago, when I was auditioning for other films, I got a call for Khuda Hafiz. I auditioned and last month, I was informed that I had bagged the part. Shooting for my portions began in October-end. The film is based on a true story, and will be shot in Mumbai and Lucknow besides Uzbekistan,” says Shivaleeka, who has previously assisted Sajid Nadiadwala on the Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandezstarrer Kick and Sajid-Farhad on Housefull 3.

The actress, who had been shooting in Uzbekistan, returned to Mumbai on Monday for the trailer launch of her debut film and will report back to work after its release. “For Khuda Hafiz, I have already shot for 10 days in sub-zero temperature. My part is more girl-next-door, but I will also be doing some action with Vidyut, which involves a lot of hand-to-hand combat and has been choregraphed by Andy Long, who worked with Vidyut on Commando 3,” Shivaleeka informs, adding that Vidyut helped her with the sequences.

She goes on to add that between shots, she and Vidyut would talk about everything under the sun. “The cast and crew also celebrated Diwali together with a small party and a bonfire in Uzbekistan. This schedule will wrap up by the month-end. Then, we start shooting in Mumbai from December,” Shivaleeka signs off. 

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 2, 2019)

After producing films, Abhishek Pathak turned director with Ujda Chaman, which released this Friday. The movie stars Sunny Singh in the role of a 30-year-old man who is dealing with the issue of premature balding. When asked about how difficult or different it was to wear the director’s hat, he replies, “The only hindrance I faced was when we had to shoot in the high temperatures of North India. It was really hot and sweaty, and I was worried about how my actors will perform in such weather, especially Sunny, who wore prosthetic makeup for his role of a partially bald man.” This is not the first time Abhishek is collaborating with Sunny. He had produced Akaash Vani (2013) and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015), which featured the actor. Interestingly, Abhishek is Sunny’s childhood friend.

He said, “My father (film producer Kumar Mangat) and his father (action director Jai Singh Nijjar) have worked together before. That is why we know each other well.” He added, “The reason I cast him for the film was because Chaman (Sunny’s character in the film) is extremely coy and does not speak much. I felt Sunny was right for the part and would nail this role.”

Fortunately, the film released a week before Ayushmann Khurranastarrer Bala, which also deals with the same subject. Speaking about the similarities in both the films, Abhishek elaborates, “I bought the rights (of 2017’s Kannada release Ondu Motteya Kathe). Later, I got to know that they (producer Dinesh Vijan) are making Bala. In one of the interviews, I read that the film is about a person’s inner beauty. I realised that the premise of both films seemed similar, that’s when I sent out a friendly notice to the team of Bala. I also suggested that we sit across the table and discuss the content of our respective films. However, they told me that there was no need for a discussion as their content was different. Meanwhile, I had also released a public notice stating that we have the rights of the original. When the trailer of Bala released, I was shocked to see that it is similar to mine.”

There was a time when both the films were slated to release on the same weekend. However, a clash between the two, at the box office, was averted. Abhishek says, “Releasing two films based on the same subject on nearly the same date would have been disastrous.”

After Ujda Chaman, Abhishek is producing Khuda Hafiz, which is based on a news report published in The Times of India. “It is a romantic thriller inspired by a news report, which was published in 2007. It was actually the director of the film, Faruk Kabir (Allah Ke Banday fame), who had researched the article and came up with the idea,” said Abhishek. The film stars Vidyut Jammwal, and the shooting has commenced in Uzbekistan. Shedding more light on the story of the movie, the filmmaker shared, “It’s a real-life story based on a couple from Hyderabad. It’s a fabulous story that needs to be told.”

The duo is currently on a search mission in Uzbekistan
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 28, 2019)

On October 9, Vidyut Jammwal kicked off his first true blue action romance, Khuda Hafiz, in Uzbekistan. The story of this Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak production revolves around Vidyut’s character, Sameer, and his wife. Aahana Kumra plays an Arab agent, who is on a journey with Sameer to find his missing wife.

“I had to audition as the character demands a certain body language and accent,” informs the actress, who has been filming at real locations in the central Asian country. Though not paired alongside Vidyut, she asserts that the two share an interesting dynamic as they are genuinely fond of each other. “I like Vidyut as a person; it’s nice to see somebody like him work his way up. We are yet to shoot together and I am looking forward to see how our scenes shape up.”

Aahana made an impression in films like Lipstick Under My Burkha and The Accidental Prime Minister, but admits that she hasn’t worked in a space like this before. “I loved the role, you will get to see me doing a lot of action,” she says, adding that she has trained to get the kicks and punches right. “I have a pain in the neck from the rehearsals. We have an international stunt team training us every day. I had no idea action scenes were so difficult but after all this prep, I can say they are a lot of hard work.”

The Faruk Kabir directorial is being shot in Khiva and Tashkent. “Khiva is one of the oldest cities of Uzbekistan and we’ve been shooting on the Silk Road. The locations are breathtaking but filming is a challenge. We wrap up the schedule by mid-November and will resume shooting in India,” she says.

HINDUSTAN TIMES (October 18, 2019)

Vidyut Jammwal has already kick started the first schedule of Khuda Hafiz in Uzbekistan. Known for acing exhilarating stunts, the actor who rose to fame with the John Abraham-starrer Force, in 2011 is all pumped up for his first romance-action thriller.

The Commando (2013) actor is leaving no stone unturned to get it right for the film which he says is “inspired from true incidents”.

Talking about his preparations, he says, “It involved gathering as much information as possible and picking up all the nuances of the character. I did several meetings with the director to understand his vision. I also had to change my fighting style. I had to transform from a trained martial artiste to a common man who would helplessly fight to survive.”

He goes on to add that he joined the recce team to scout for locations in Uzbekistan. “I also did several readings with all the actors. Before the movie started, I did a ten-day recce with the technical team to understand the locations and to figure out the best shooting locations for the action,” says Vidyut.

The actor is set to start shooting for his next film on Wednesday in Uzbekistan
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 8, 2019)

In April, it was announced that Vidyut Jammwal will feature in a romantic action-thriller, Khuda Hafiz, which will be directed by Faruk Kabir. After almost six months of prep, the film will go on the floors on Wednesday, October 9. “We begin with a start-to-finish schedule of around six weeks in Uzbekistan,” Vidyut informed Mirror before flying off, revealing that the crew is looking to explore Tashkent and Khiva for the shoot in the central Asian country. They will be filming in parts of India as well.

In a first for him, the actor travelled to Uzbekistan on a recce with the technical team last month. Why did he decide to go location hunting? “As actors, we get the opportunity to travel the globe for shoots, but barely do we spend time in the countries we visit. When a team is location hunting, they work closely with the local crew and comb through a city’s bylanes to get the perfect spot. You also get the opportunity to explore local flavours, culture and cuisine. For me, this is the only way to travel,” explained the actor, who later went on a solo road trip across Uzbekistan, covering 1500 km. “I like to explore places that aren’t on a tourist map,” he shared.

The actor further revealed that interactions with locals had polished his Russian and Uzbek, which would come in handy during the shoot. “I had learnt Russian earlier but believed that I had forgotten it. But since interacting with the locals, I realised that you never forget a language and it always helps break barriers when you are at a new place.”

Talking about the film, which is based on true events, Kumar Mangat, who is producing the film with son Abhishek Pathak, said, “I am excited to be venturing into the action romance space with Vidyut. It’s a new genre for me and I am looking forward to the shoot.”

On his role and the film’s premise, Vidyut confirmed, “Yes, the story is inspired by some real-life incidents as well as a popular urban legend. It’s an exciting space for me to venture into because for the first time I will feature in a true-blue action romance.”

The actor also promised that the audience will discover a new form of action, pointing out that newness alleviates the fatigue that can set in with relentless action films. “It’s my endeavour to keep breaking my mental barriers and challenging myself physically. I am inclined towards the unexpected, so I use this skill to create something new in action for every film. The action scenes are designed in collaboration with the director and action team and needs to be tailored to suit the character and the story,” he maintained. The film’s music is composed by Mithoon, whom Vidyut terms a “genius”.

The Panorama Studios’ production, based on real events, will roll in July
MUMBAI MIRROR (April 15, 2019)

Vidyut Jammwal has been signed for Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak’s romantic action thriller titled Khuda Hafiz. The film will be directed by Faruk Kabir who has directed the critically acclaimed Naseeruddin Shah and Sharman Joshi-starrer, Allah Ke Banday.

The film, based on true incidents, will be shot in Morocco and Kerala and the shoot is all set to commence in July. The makers have also got on board an international action team to choreograph the action sequences of the film. While Vidyut will be seen playing the lead, the casting of the female lead is underway. It is scheduled to release in early 2020.

Vidyut Jammwal, who is all gung ho about the project, says, “I’m really excited about doing this romantic action film based on a real life love story in a very contemporary setting. With incidents based on actual events, this could be one of the biggest and most memorable action thrillers of our time. Very proud to be part of such a great team to tell a truly gripping tale.”

Abhishek Pathak, who is known for backing films with great content, like the Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise, Drishyam and Raid, is elated to produce this romantic action-thriller which is inspired by true events. He states, “The romantic action-thriller genre is always exciting and when a script in that genre is based on true events and has a solid emotional core you have all the elements in place, and with Faruk’s vision and Vidyut doing what he does best, we are really excited about this one.”

Director Faruk Kabir says, “I’m happy Kumar ji, Abhishek and I have come together to bring it to life now. It’s a subject that’s been researched and written over nine months. Vidyut and I are attempting something here that neither of us have done before. So we will keep our feet on the ground, our vision to the skies and hopefully surprise the audience by giving them more than they expected.”

Panorama Studios currently has three films in production—the John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Ileana D’cruz, Arshad Warsi, Kriti Kharbanda, Pulkit Samrat, Urvashi Rautela-starrer Pagalpanti, directed by Anees Bazmee, Section 375, a courtroom-drama starring Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Meera Chopra and Rahul Bhat and the Punjabi remake of Singham featuring Parmish Verma and Sonam Bajwa.

A Panorama Studios Production, produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, co-produced by Aditya Chowksey and Sanjeev Joshi, directed by Faruk Kabir, Khuda Hafiz releases early 2020.