Last week, Arbaaz Khan took his next production, Patna Shukla, on floors in Bhopal. While the subject of the social drama piqued his interest, it was the opportunity of collaborating with actor-friend Raveena Tandon that sealed the deal.

“We acted together in Soch [2002]. But we have known each other since her first film, Patthar Ke Phool [which was written by his father Salim Khan, and led by brother Salman Khan]. As a production house, we were waiting for an interesting project for a long time. I believe Raveena will take Patna Shukla to the next level,” says Arbaaz.

The film sees Chandan Roy Sanyal as a lawyer and Jatin Goswami as the antagonist, with Satish Kaushik and Manav Vij playing key roles. While rumours suggest that Tandon will be seen as a social crusader, the producer is in no mood to divulge details.

“I can’t elaborate much on the project right now, except that it’s a social drama about a common woman’s uncommon fight, about her grit and courage. As a production house, we believe in entertaining our audience. So, the film is written in such a manner [despite its serious theme].”

Many felt that Dabangg 4, featuring actor-brother Salman and to be helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, would be Arbaaz’s next production. However, there has been a change of plans. “Dabangg 4 is in the pipeline, but we have not decided the timeline as Salman and I have prior commitments. Patna Shukla was [written] during the lockdown, and was ready to go on floors immediately. So, at the moment, I’m concentrating on it,” says the actor-producer, who is seen in the latest release, Tanaav.

In his career spanning over 34 years since his entry into showbiz (his first film was Kabzaa, 1988, in which he worked as an assistant director), Arbaaz Khan has donned multiple hats — that of an actor, producer, director, host and entrepreneur. He turned producer with the blockbuster Dabangg (2010) and then went on to direct Dabangg 2.

In the last 12 years, Arbaaz has produced four other movies, including an animated series, and now, Patna Shukla will be his sixth film as a producer. The film will be headlined by Raveena Tandon, who has enjoyed a long, successful innings in the industry.

Talking about the upcoming project, Arbaaz says, “At Arbaaz Khan Production, we want to produce films of different genres. Social drama is a genre that I’ve been wanting to explore for a long time. When our director, Vivek Budakoti, came to us with the idea of what he wanted to make, I instantly knew I had to make it. My entire team was happy with my decision of backing this project. The film is an engaging social drama and will have several elements to keep the audience thoroughly entertained.”

He adds, “In fact, whoever we have narrated the script to, the reaction has been extremely positive — right from the actors to the technicians. The film will show my friend and now my film’s leading lady, Raveena, playing something that she will reveal on social media today. We’re sure it will be a treat for her fans.”

Patna Shukla has an ensemble cast including Satish Kaushik, Manav Vij, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Jatin Goswami and Anushka Kaushik.