For the past seven years or so, Aamir Khan has nurtured the dream of bringing the Mahabharata to the big screen. In a recent interview, the actor and filmmaker revealed that work on the epic’s adaptation will begin this year. Even as Khan sets the stage for his biggest production, we have learnt that he is simultaneously in advanced talks with Mythri Movie Makers, the Hyderabad-based studio behind the blockbuster Pushpa franchise, to headline a pan-India film.

One would imagine the Mahabharata adaptation, with its multiple parts, to be an all-consuming project. But the superstar has indicated that it will be helmed by different directors to ensure quicker turnaround, and it isn’t confirmed whether he will star in it. Sources say that will leave Khan time to explore another film.

“The team at Mythri is exploring a pan-India mass entertainer. As seen in Pushpa, their cinematic language includes stylised action and dialogue-baazi. With Aamir, they want to roll an out-and-out mainstream film, which will mark his attempt at a masala movie after long,” reveals an insider.

The source, however, notes that Khan, known to give his undivided attention to films, will take a call only after Sitaare Zameen Par’s release in June. “If things work out, pre-production on this project will begin in early 2026,” adds the source.

Hyderabad: Income tax (I-T) officials on Tuesday conducted searches on the properties of film producer V Venkata Ramana Reddy, popular as Dil Raju, and ‘Pushpa-2' promoters Mythri Movie Makers at eights locations in the city. The searches, conducted by I-T Investigation Hyderabad Unit, focused on suspected tax evasion and targeted multiple locations, including residences and offices in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Kondapur and Gachibowli.

Apart from the offices of of Dil Raju, a prominent figure in Telugu cinema and chairman of Telangana Film Federation Development Corporation, the I-T officers' investigation extended to his residence in Ujas Villas, Jubilee Hills as well as other properties linked to his associates, including his brother and daughter.

Dil Raju is known for producing several films, including recent releases ‘Game Changer' and ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunam'.

Dil Raju played a key role in connecting the Telugu film industry to chief minister A Revanth Reddy after the fiasco of the arrest of Allu Arjun in the Sandhya theatre stampede case. Dil Raju was recently appointed chairman of Telangana Film Federation Development Corporation by the Congress govt.

The offices and residences of Mythri Movie Makers' producers, Naveen Yerneni and Yelamanchili Ravi Shankar, were also searched. The production house is behind the hits such as ‘Pushpa 2', ‘Rangasthalam' and ‘Janatha Garage'. Searches extended to Mango Media, a distribution company associated with Ram Veerapaneni, husband of singer Sunitha.

The coordinated operation, involving 55 officials, was conducted across eight locations in the city. Officials are verifying financial records to probe irregularities.

Interestingly, the number of income tax searches has decreased in Hyderabad investigation unit, and sources said that unless there was clear evidence of tax evasion, officials would not get permission from Central Board of Direct Taxes.

Amid fervent speculation surrounding Sunny Deol’s next film following the success of Gadar 2, we can exclusively confirm that the actor has inked a deal for another patriotic venture. This project will be backed by the makers of the hit film Pushpa: The Rise (2021), Mythri Movie Makers.

“Following the triumphant reception of Gadar 2, Sunny Deol found himself inundated with offers, with producers eagerly recognising his box-office appeal. Yet, he chose not to rush into his next project, instead opting for a thoughtful analysis of his next move,” says an insider close to the development. 

This new venture will be a pan-India project, reflecting Deol’s “intention to broaden his audience base”, says the source, adding, “While the actor is confirmed, discussions are ongoing with director Kabir Khan, who has expressed interest in the project but is yet to sign on the dotted line.”

When it comes to the storyline, the film will touch upon a patriotic theme, with the source mentioning, “It’s because they want to cash in on the buzz and success of Gadar 2.”

In addition to this, it’s being reported that Deol has also committed to Lahore 1947, a film with backing from actor Aamir Khan, who is set to take on the role of a producer. It will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, further fuelling anticipation as fans wonder if Khan will make a special appearance in the movie.