In April, Ajay Devgn had to hit the pause button on his directorial venture Mayday ahead of its last leg. The team of the aviation thriller was to shoot the final schedule at the Doha airport, but the plan had to be scrapped due to safety concerns and international travel restrictions at the time. Now that the situation has improved considerably, the actor-director is wasting no time in giving the finishing touches to the Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh starrer. Devgn headed to Moscow with cinematographer Aseem Bajaj, line producer Vikrant Sharma, first assistant director Sameer Sadwani and director’s assistant Daanish Gandhi over the weekend, for a recce.

A trade source reveals that Devgn and his crew will be stationed in the Russian capital for a week. “After they finalise the locations, they will take about 45 days to prep for the schedule. Post that, Ajay, Rakul Preet, Boman Irani, writer Sandeep Kewlani and the core unit will fly down to Moscow in mid-October for the eight-day shoot. Some crucial airport scenes will be canned at one of the five airports in the city,” says the source.

A major chunk of Mayday was shot at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The aviation thriller is inspired by a 2015 incident when a flight from a Middle Eastern country had a close shave due to poor visibility and had to be diverted to Thiruvananthapuram. As has been the norm for Mayday schedules, the Russian stint too will be shot in a bio-bubble. “Only the fully vaccinated have travelled to Russia as Ajay is strict about following safety measures.”

Juggling four films can be hectic. But Rakul Preet Singh is far from daunted and has added another project to her plate — director Ranjit M Tewari’s next, Mission Cinderella. The Akshay Kumar-starrer is a remake of Tamil psychological thriller Ratsasan (2018). “Many films got postponed due to the pandemic. In the prevailing situation, I am thankful to have work. Overwork is not a problem for me,” she says.

While Kumar has kicked off the shoot of the thriller in England, Singh will join later as she is filming Doctor G with Ayushmann Khurrana in Prayagraj. She quips about bonding with her co-star over “lame Punjabi jokes”. “Ayushmann understands the pulse of his co-actor, [which enables us] to constantly improvise. He is from Chandigarh, and part of my family hails from the city, so there is a connection,” says Singh, who plays a gynecologist in the comedy.

Up next, she has John Abraham’s Attack, Ajay Devgn’s Mayday and Indra Kumar’s Thank God. Having worked with Devgn in De De Pyaar De (2019), she was glad that the superstar chose her for his directorial venture. “While shooting for Mayday, I got to see another side of Ajay sir — as a director. It is not easy to act in and helm a film. But he is sharp and technically sound.”

Grateful for the enviable line-up, the actor says she has tried to go a notch higher with every project.

Almost five years after Shivaay (2016), Ajay Devgn has gone behind the camera for Mayday, an aviation thriller inspired by true events. While the actor has often expressed his love for filmmaking, this time around, the highlight was directing Amitabh Bachchan. Devgn admits that with the project, he has ticked a long-cherished dream off his wish-list.

“Anybody would love to work with him. He comes on set on time, and he is so disciplined that work becomes easy when you have him around,” says the actor-director. The two had last collaborated on Satyagraha (2013). “He is like a child; he will wait on set even if I tell him that he can rest since we are working on the lighting and the background. He keeps trying to improve his lines.”

Mayday sees Devgn play the pilot of a Doha-Kochi flight that has a close shave due to poor visibility and has to be diverted to another airport. Acting in and helming a film can be strenuous, but he enjoys the double duty. “I have a good team. I have done it several times before, so I don’t find it too challenging to direct and act simultaneously.”

It has been almost a week since Maharashtra announced a 15-day shutdown and shoots were stalled amid the second wave of Coronavirus. However, until recently, a host of actors had been busy shooting and releasing new projects, and Ajay Devgn was leading from the front. He had completed almost two months’ shoot for his directorial, MayDay, which brings him together with Amitabh Bachchan, and his upcoming film, Maidaan.

Ask how does the year look for him now, and he says, “In January I was hopeful. I had completed 60 odd days of MayDay without a hitch and I got into shooting for Maidaan and Gangubai Kathiawadi (a special appearance). I shot for a couple of commercials, too. I was completely gung-ho about normalcy. But, this second wave has got me worried.”

Pinning all his hopes on the vaccination programme, the 52-year-old hopes the vaccine will bring relief. He tells us, “Covid-19 is like a Damocles sword hanging over our heads. Masks, face shields, sanitisers, getting the unit tested every 48 hours, it’s a huge challenge. Since the vaccine is now a reality, we’re hoping things will change.”

Talking about work, Devgn has in the past also helmed the action thriller Shivaay (2016) and U, Me Aur Hum (2008). So, what out of acting and directing excites him more? “All aspects of cinema thrill me,” he says, adding, “Acting has its own charm especially when you work with filmmakers who are masters of their craft.”

But he confesses he’s constantly in ‘director’ mode. “I can’t stop thinking how a shot should be taken, whether I am taking it or some other director is. I enjoy technology, I love VFX. Making a motion picture is a work of passion. I cannot choose between acting and filmmaking because I enjoy both,” concludes Devgn.

Despite the trying conditions, Ajay Devgn successfully shot major portions of his directorial venture, Mayday, since it went on floors last December. But the actor-director is now faced with a challenge in the last leg of the aviation drama, which also features Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh. According to the original plan, Devgn was to head to Doha with his crew in April-end for a three-day schedule. However, with the surge in Coronavirus cases across India and keeping the safety of his crew in mind, the leading man has decided to hold off the final stint.

Mayday, inspired by a 2015 episode, tells the story of a Doha-Kochi flight that has a close shave due to poor visibility and has to be diverted to another airport in south India. A trade source reveals, “Given the nature of the thriller, it was to be shot at various airports across India. Since that was not a possibility during the pandemic, Ajay had sets of different airports built in Hyderabad to film the required portions. For the last leg, he had handpicked a slim crew that would leave for Qatar and shoot in a bio-bubble. But he has done a rethink after the cases have seen a spike in the past few weeks. For the actor, the health of his cast and crew is the top priority. His resolve was further strengthened with the Middle-East country levying strict restrictions on international travel.”

The movie’s penultimate schedule was wrapped up last week in Mira Road and Vasai, in adherence with safety protocols.

When mid-day reached out to the film’s team, the spokesperson confirmed the development, saying, “The shoot is almost complete in Mumbai, with only a couple of days’ work left. For the Middle East schedule, the team is expected to go on a recce once the travel restrictions [are lifted].”

Manikpur police in Vasai have booked more than a dozen people, including the location manager, who claimed to have taken permission from the tehsildar to shoot the movie Mayday, being made under the banner of Ajay Devgn Ffilms. The film crew was found flouting Coronavirus rules.

Sources told mid-day that location manager Dinesh Jaiswal, 35, of Gardenia Studio, Kaaman in Vasai had arranged shooting material at Suncity grounds in Vasai west since March 24. Police Inspector Bhausaheb Ahire of Manikpur police said that they discovered people flouting COVID rules during patrolling.

“After seeing the large set up at Suncity grounds, we called the location manager who told us that he has secured permission from the tahsildar to shoot for the film. The location manager told us that Ajay Devgn was to come to shoot in Vasai,” Ahire said.

“Around 15 people at the set were not following COVID rules. Either they were not wearing masks, or it was hanging down to protect their chins. They were also not maintaining social distancing,” Ahire said.

“We have registered a case under Sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (Act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code and under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. We have also asked them to bring down the set,” Ahire said.

Vasai tehsildar Ujjwala Bhagat said, “We are not authorised to give them permission. We had collected the required fee for renting out the location. In the receipt, they had been asked to take permission from the local police, municipality and others to shoot.” A large set had been erected at Suncity grounds where, on one of the days, the shooting of a plane crash had been planned. During a visit, mid-day found several tents and film crew, a few of whom were without face masks.

A unit spokesperson from Mayday said, “We are unaware of any complaint made against us. Shooting has been progressing with all COVID-19 SOPs in place.  Even studio and location permissions are in place.

He was 22 when he entered the film industry as an actor with Phool Aur Kaante, and 30 years later, Ajay Devgn stands as one of the biggest stars in the Indian film industry. Turning a year older today, he’s in the busiest phase of his career, with three films set for a release in 2021 — Maidaan, Sooryavanshi (in which he has a special appearance) and RRR, apart from also directing MayDay. He takes out time from his busy schedule to talk about his three decades in films, and missing his father, late action director Veeru Devgan. Excerpts:

No, not at all. I’m shy. I don’t even cut a cake! Of course, cakes are cut in office, at the shoot and in my home. But I usually get my children or my nephews to do it.

I’m going to be 52 this year. And, it’s hard to say — I get excited about a birthday. With the Coronavirus pandemic, things are even more restricted. I know my mother and my wife will make it special by inviting my sisters, their families and cousins over. It’s a template we follow on the birthdays of all family members. The fan clubs do their own form of celebration. I must say, it is a day to say thank you to everyone, especially fans and well-wishers.

Had we not been in the middle of a pandemic, I may have had some people suggesting we do something to mark my three decades in the industry. However, now caution is the key word today. All celebrations must be low-key and responsible.

Looking back, I would say time has flown. Each and every film has taught me something. What is wonderful about being an actor or for that matter, a creative person is – age doesn’t define your creative parameters. You can still be learning and learning more.

I love the fact that at 90-plus, a filmmaker like Clint Eastwood is doing some extraordinary work as a filmmaker. His is an example that comes to mind. Closer home, there is Amitabh Bachchan. I’m directing him in MayDay. And, I can’t tell you how inspiring he is. His discipline and dedication to his craft; his enthusiasm are infectious qualities. I don’t know what the future holds. I would if I could ask to be like these legends. Not so much for the ‘legendary’ aspect. But more for their complete involvement with cinema. Cinema excites me. It’s more the creative aspect that I enjoy and the commercial aspect is a bonus.

As I said I’m not much of a birthday person. I wish my dad (Veeru Devgan) was around on this special day. I wish that everyday actually.

My wish is for everyone across the globe. I hope this pandemic ends soon and life eases back to normal. It would be a Utopian state but then — what’s the harm in hoping for the best.

Sustaining a position at the top for 30 years is no small feat. Ajay Devgn has managed to do just that, with his swag intact. His last film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020) was his 100th film but he is still raring to go not just as an actor but also a maker in 2021.

There are several trophies marking the golden and silver jubilees of yesteryear films in my office. Most of them were given to my father, Veeru Devgan who was an A-grade action-director. They are a reminder of the golden period in cinema when films ran uninterrupted for 50 and 25 weeks. In recent years, theatrical revenues have worked on a hit and run basis. It has nothing to do with the pandemic. It is because we have so many other avenues to consume our entertainment. Naturally, you will only visit a theatre if a film is worth your while.

If any actor or filmmaker anywhere in the universe tells you that box office doesn’t matter, he/she is lying. OTT doesn’t give us that joy but the good thing is it takes our films to a worldwide audience. In situations like the Coronavirus pandemic, it is godsend.

I’m born to films and I love films. Even when I’m idle, I only thinking of films. MayDay is a script that excites me. I want to tell a story that has heart and thrills. I’m also fortunate to have Amitabh Bachchan in it. Directing a legend like him was on my bucket list.

If you are a commodity, you will always be compared. Initially comparisons matter. They even make you bitter. But after 100 films, comparisons only help in making you better. You recognise your USP and then you work at enhancing it. Indian cinema had superstars in the days of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. They ruled for decades. After that, every Friday brought a new superstar.

After over a 10-month wait, Avinash Tiwary slipped into the role of Dawood Ibrahim again as the unit of Dongri To Dubai resumed work at the Madh Island set.

But with the pandemic having played havoc with the schedules of many actors, the cast of the Shujaat Saudagar-directed web series has undergone a crucial change. It is heard that Angira Dhar, who was to play Dawood’s sister Haseena Parkar, has bowed out of the project.

“Angira has to report to the set of Ajay Devgn’s directorial venture MayDay now. Since the makers of Dongri To Dubai required the same dates, the actor, after much deliberation, decided to let go of the series,” reveals a source.

Kritika Kamra, who was recently seen in a pivotal role in Amazon Prime Video’s Tandav, has been brought on board the underworld drama that is based on Hussain Zaidi’s book of the same name. The source adds, “After a fresh set of auditions, the makers zeroed in on Kritika. It’s an important character that influences the proceedings, and demands a strong performer.”

“My schedule began in Mumbai on January 18,” starts off May Day actor Angira Dhar about her newest outing—the Ajay Devgn directorial that also features Devgn in the lead role along with Amitabh Bachchan. Hoping to bring authenticity to her lawyer act the actor conducted rigorous research. “I have been reading up on the terminology and consulting lawyers. I have been watching legal dramas—Primal Fear, Philadelphia, Shahid, Judge—from across the globe,” says the actor, adding “I want to get the body language and gait perfect”.

While the pandemic brought its share of havoc in people’s life, for Dhar it reignited her passion for writing. Developing her maiden script—a horror film with a social context, she says, “Before becoming an actor, I was actively into production.”

Inspired by Korean and English horror films, the actor believes the genre is not only about delivering chills. “It needs to offer an immersive experience for the audience to feel for the characters. It’s a tough genre to crack because the Indian audience has different expectations of a horror film. I want to bring in my sensibilities and cater to what the audience expects. I  also wish to direct it some day.”

Every year, Bollywood is deluged by talented new actors. But 2020 was an unusual year and many actors’ dream of their much-awaited debuts remained unfulfilled. Now, with things slowly getting back on track and films slated for release on the big screen, many up-and-coming talents are set to be introduced in tinseltown. Here is an introduction of all those who are set to enter the Hindi film industry this year.

(second from top) He enjoys massive popularity in the online space, and is known to his army of fans by the name CarryMinati. He is now all set to enter Bollywood with Ajay Devgn- Amitabh Bachchan starrer MayDay.

(third from top) The actor, who rose to fame after starring in Telugu film, Arjun Reddy, is all set to step into the Hindi film industry with Ranveer Singh starrer Jayeshbhai Jordaar. The film is being helmed by debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar.

(fourth from top) The son of Suniel Shetty is all set to make his presence felt on the silver screen with Tadap. The Milan Luthria-ditected film is the remake of 2018 Telugu film RX 100 and also stars Tara Sutaria.

(extreme right) The TV actor, known for his shows Adhuri Kahani Humari, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil and Porus, is making his entry in Bollywood with Dostana 2. The Karan Johar-prodoced film also stars Kartik Aaryan and Janhavi Kapoor.

(right; on top) After years of speculation, the younger sister of actor Katrina Kaif is finally being launched by Salman Khan in Kwatha opposite Aayush Sharma. Isabelle She had made her acting debut in a 2014 film called Dr. Cabbie starring Kunal Nayyar, Vinay Virmani, and Adrianne Palicki. She also played a small role in this Indo-Canadian production co-produced by Salman Khan.

The cousin of actor Ananya Panday is reported to make his debut this year with a superhero film which stars Ajay Devgn. The film being directed by Shiv Rawail, grandson of the legendary H.S. Rawail and son of Rahul Rawail, is being planned as a franchise with Pandey as a superhero and Devgn as a super-villain.

(middle; below) The TV actor known for her shows Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Ek Nayi Pehchaan and Brahmarakshas, is graduating to films and will be seen in Chehre. The Rumi Jaffery-directed film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi, and Rhea Chakraborty.

The actor, who was seen in web series ‘The Forgotten Army- Azaadi Ke Liye, is making her Bollywood debut with Bunty Aur Babli 2. Sharvari will be paired opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi in Bunty Aur Babli 2, which revolves around two con couples - Siddhant-Sharvari, and Rani Mukerji-Saif Ali Khan. The sequel will take a leap of 10 years, from where the original ended.

(extreme right) The actor has starred in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil films, is headed the Hindi film industry way. She will be seen in Mission Majnu. The film stars Sidharth Malhotra as a RAW agent.

The actor, who works in Tamil and Telugu films, will be entering the Hindi entertainment industry with web show Family Man season 2 with Manoj Bajpaayee, Priyamani, and Sharad Kelkar. 

Soon after he wraps up duties as host of the celebrated reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati 12, Amitabh Bachchan will hop across the studios of Film City to join Ajay Devgn for his directorial venture, MayDay. mid-day has it that the actor will begin filming for Devgn's movie, that apparently sees the latter as a pilot.

A source says, "Amitabh Bachchan has been shooting for KBC, and will also shoot for MayDay at the same venue. A set is being created, and the veteran is expected to join the cast by the third week of January for a leg that is expected to run till the second week of February."

Devgn has been shooting a few high-octane flight sequences in Hyderabad since 25 days, and has reportedly asked his team to prepare for the Mumbai leg ahead of his return to the city on January 15. The unit is creating a set in a confined space so that Devgn can direct Bachchan while maintaining social distancing protocols.

This marks the duo's first collaboration in seven years after the actors have delivered revered offerings like Major Saab, Khakee, and Satyagraha. The film is expected to release on April 29, 2022. It also features Rakul Preet Singh. mid-day reached out to Devgn's team, which confirmed the development.

Rakul Preet Singh, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, took to social media on December 22 to announce that she was Coronavirus-free. Talking exclusively to BT, the De De Pyaar De actress says, “When I got my first symptom, which was just feeling a lot of fatigue, I dismissed it, assuming that it was because I had pushed myself too much. It just didn’t occur to me that it could be COVID. Besides, the unit undergoes a test every three-four days, so the thought that I could be infected didn’t cross my mind. However, I realised that something was wrong and underwent a rapid test. When it came positive, I informed everyone and quarantined myself.”

Fortunately, though, the virus didn’t wreak havoc in Rakul’s life, and the actress attributes that to her positive mindset and healthy routine. She shares, “The indication that you give your mind that you are healthy and fine plays a key role. I kept telling myself that it’s no big deal and that I will be up and about in no time. I believe that a positive mind attracts positive energy. I didn’t have to take too many medicines. I made sure that I was eating good, healthy, and nutritious food. I attribute my speedy recovery to my healthy lifestyle and positive outlook.”

During her recovery stage, the actress says that the loss of senses like smell and taste made her acutely aware of human privileges. She adds, “This pandemic has been a leveller of sorts. No matter what your profession is, how much money you make or famous you are, everyone was confined to their homes. The way this virus takes away your sense of smell and taste, it gives you a reality check of what you are without these human touches, which we believe we are entitled to and is our privilege. From a spiritual standpoint, it has given us a better understanding of normalcy, and made us grateful for something as basic as human touch, or being able to taste our food.”

Now that the actress has recovered she plans to ring in the New Year just with friends and family in Hyderabad, before she resumes shooting for the Ajay Devgn-directorial Mayday on January 2. “The good part is that I am done with COVID this year. I had my fingers and toes crossed that I test negative before the 31st (laughs!). I will be resuming shoot on January 2. I am not travelling as I don’t want to tire myself because I won’t get a break once I start shooting as I have already lost 10 days. My mother came down to Hyderabad to be with me after I tested positive. My dad is here, too. So, I will be ringing in the New Year with family and friends,” she signs off.

The year 2020 was his year, going by the professional high he achieved. Ajay Devgn’s Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior remains the only highlight for Bollywood in a year which saw it being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. His film was the sole blockbuster of 2020. The 51-year-old was also among the first few A-listers to get back to work with his next directorial MayDay. Excerpts from an interview:

I’m ecstatic with the box-office of our film. No, I wasn’t expecting it to break records. It is my 100th film. In a career spanning 29 years, I have seen so many highs and lows, accolades and brickbats, that I never go into a film thinking it will break records. I’m a seasoned player. I do a film because I believe in it.

With Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, I knew we had a strong story, good dialogues and a bunch of effective actors. I then combined it with spectacular VFX, done by my company.

I don’t know what to call 2020. You can it eventful or you can call it uneventful. By the time we adjusted to the lens through which to look at the Coronavirus pandemic our viewpoints changed. Through the year, I had many reasons to be happy. For instance, January gave me Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, December gave me MayDay. In between, like the global fraternity, I had moments of anxiety and frustration. Work came to a stand still. My family life was disrupted. It was a complete mix of emotions.

We took a big hit because theatres closed. My own chain of theatres up North is bleeding. I say a prayer each day for the industry and for our business. It is not for me alone, but for the thousands whose direct means of livelihood come from cinema. I hope we are able to bring back the blockbuster days to the box-office because it will take many blockbusters to infuse life into our failed economy.

It combined a good story of bravery and valour with spectacular VFX. That made it work.

Only days after Varun Dhawan and Neetu Kapoor battled COVID-19 and resumed work on Jug Jugg Jeeyo, another Bollywood actor has fallen prey to the virus. On Tuesday afternoon, Rakul Preet Singh took to Twitter to announce that she had tested positive. She had flown down to Hyderabad last week to begin work on Ajay Devgn's directorial vehicle, Mayday.

A source reveals that Singh tested positive on Saturday, and immediately alerted those she had come in contact with. "Rakul spent most part of last week doing rehearsals at her Jubilee Hills home, and had not reported to the set. She was to begin shooting this week. Thankfully, her interaction with Ajay and the remaining crew had been minimal. Nevertheless, Ajay had himself and all those in contact with her immediately tested," says the source. It is learnt that the actor-director halted the shoot on Saturday, not wanting to assemble the cast and crew until they had all been given a clean chit.

The unit members returned to Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City on Monday. With the movie's leading lady out of action for a fortnight at least, Devgn and his creative team have now reworked the schedule in a bid to meet the deadline.

The source adds, "Ajay, who plays a pilot in the aviation thriller, will can his solo scenes and those featuring the cabin crew in the coming days. He won't take a Christmas or New Year break, instead focusing on finishing the film as early as possible." Amitabh Bachchan, whose character is integral to the story that is inspired by a 2015 aviation incident, is expected to join the team in January.

Singh will don the co-pilot's uniform after she completes the isolation period and is given the go-ahead by doctors.

He enjoys massive popularity online, and is known to his army of fans as CarryMinati, or just Carry. But now, Ajey Nagar (his real name) is all set to try his hand at another medium: films! We have exclusively learnt that he has been roped in to play a special role in Ajay Devgn-Amitabh Bachchan starrer MayDay.

Carry confirms, “My brother and business head Deepak Char got a call from Kumar Mangat Pathak (co-producer at Devgn’s production company) and I have been meaning to align forces with them since a while now.”

‘Anxious’ is how he describes what he felt when the film came his way. “What made it interesting for me was that I am supposed to play my own character (CarryMinati) and the way it’s going to be shown on screen, I am excited to see how this will unfold,” he reveals.

Was getting into Bollywood at the back of his mind all this while? The 21-year-old denies it. “It has never been one of my interests. The main purpose of my video skits was to entertain. Currently I don’t see myself going in that direction, but yes, I like to experience everything. I agreed to be in this film because the CarryMinati character comes easily to me. I eat, breathe, and sleep my character every day. But I’m hoping I get to learn a thing or two about acting from Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn. They are personalities I look up to.”

He doesn’t think of MayDay as his “full-fledged debut”. He says, “It’s an extension of what I do. I dedicate 10 hours a day to content creation. That is my passion and calling. Acting and music are a medium where I can showcase my art to a more varied audience. My authentic acting innings will be when I get the opportunity to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the art. Everything else I do right now I consider a special appearance.”

Over four years after Shivaay (2016), Ajay Devgn wielded the directorial baton again as he kicked off the shoot of Mayday yesterday. With an extensive schedule lined up for the Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh starrer, the actor-director filmed the mahurat shot at Ramoji Film City with co-star Aakanksha Singh.

"Aakanksha, who shot to fame with the show Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, made her film debut with Badrinath Ki Dulhania [2014] and went on to act in several Tamil and Telugu movies. She plays Ajay's wife in the human drama, and the duo shot for an emotional scene yesterday," reveals a source.

The thriller, which sees Devgn as a pilot, is inspired by a 2015 incident that has been further dramatised for the screen. It is heard that an elaborate set of an airport is being constructed in the studio. "Rakul, who essays the role of a co-pilot to Devgn's character, will join the unit next week."

"Bachchan is expected to shoot his portions by the month-end," adds the source. Aakanksha considers it a dream come true to be directed by the superstar. "I am excited to share screen space with Ajay sir and Amitabh sir," she says.

After making his directorial debut in 2008 with U Me Aur Hum followed by Shivaay in 2016, Ajay Devgn goes back to the director's chair with Mayday. Set to kickstart shooting in Hyderabad in December, the actor-director-producer has finally locked his cast. After confirming Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh, he has now locked Angira Dhar for a pivotal role. A source informs, "Angira has come on board to play a lawyer in this thrilling drama."

Dhar, who made her web debut with Bang Baaja Baaraat, was last seen in Commando 3 (2019). Delighted to join the cast of Mayday, she says, "[I am] thrilled and excited to share the screen with the true legends of our film industry - Amitabh and Ajay sir. Mayday is going to be one hell of a ride. Can't wait to be directed by Mr Devgn himself!"

Produced by Ajay Devgn Ffilms, the movie will feature Devgn as a pilot, while Singh will essay the role of his co-pilot. The Tanhaji actor, who is currently waiting for the release of his next film Bhuj: The Pride of India, also has six other films in the pipeline.