WILL THE BIG DIWALI RELEASE LAXMII SUCCEED IN ENTERTAINING AUDIENCES?

The festival of Diwali will be celebrated next week. Of course, this year, the celebrations will be a bit muted since the Coronavirus scare still looms large. However, Diwali has always meant release of exciting films. This year, it’ll be no different except that most of the films are expected on digital platforms.

One of the first ones of the season and also the biggest one is Laxmii. It stars Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani. It is a remake of the popular Tamil film Muni 2: Kanchana and just like the original, it is also directed by Raghava Lawrence. The film is all set to release in the Diwali week, on November 9, on the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar. The trailer of the film is a bit over the top but is massy. It shows Akshay getting possessed and that turns him into believing that he’s a transgender. Akshay looks in superb form and his comic and horror timing should be something to watch out for. Also, the song ‘Burj Khalifa’ has become a huge hit and would have made for a great watch in cinemas.

Sadly, Laxmii has been in the news more for the wrong reasons since the very start. Before the film went on floors, director Raghava Lawrence had expressed his displeasure over how he was being sidelined. He tweeted that he’s leaving the film. The makers of the film, however, successfully convinced him to change his mind. The release of the film initially was planned on September 9, that is, Akshay Kumar’s birthday. But the negativity surrounding him and the industry owing to the demise of Sushant Singh Rajput was extreme at that point. This prompted the makers to defer the release by two months.

 

Still, the negativity continued, albeit in lesser intensity. As soon as the trailer dropped, many began to dislike, as per the trend nowadays. Fox Star Studios then had no choice but to deactivate the option of like/dislike from the trailer. Meanwhile, the groups with vested interests continued with their tirade. The film then was titled Laxmmi Bomb and several claimed that their sentiments are hurt as it insults Goddess Laxmi. Also, in the original, the protagonist was a Hindu while here, Akshay’s character is named Asif. Kiara meanwhile plays a Hindu girl named Priya. As expected, the haters dubbed this as an attempt to promote the concept of so-called ‘love jihad’. The fact that just a few weeks back, a case of a Muslim man killing a Hindu girl made news nationwide added fuel to this ‘movement’. For damage control, the makers hence changed the title of the film to Laxmii. The protagonist still remains a Muslim.

If the Sadak 2 episode is anything to go by, then Laxmii too will get a historic number of downvotes on IMDb. Many would claim to have seen the film and found it disgusting. Some, on the other hand, will brag that they have boycotted it and that others should follow suit. However, one thing is for sure. Laxmii is going to get record views. It’s been a while since a big film starring a superstar is releasing. On top of that, it’s Diwali time. Laxmii looks like a clean entertainer and it’ll be watched by thousands of families. Even later, when it comes on television, it can work big time.

Amid industry chatter that theatre lockdown is likely to be extended, Disney+Hotstar in talks with makers of Akki's horror-comedy for direct-to-web release
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 25, 2020)

The giant tub of popcorn has been replaced by a humble bag of chips, and the big screen by our 14-inch laptop screens — there's no denying that the lockdown has changed the way we watch movies. It appears there may be a further shift in cinema viewing pattern. Even as many filmmakers have decided to wait out the period and release their offerings on the big screen, the key players of digital entertainment have initiated dialogues with studios about releasing their films directly on the Internet. Amongst the first superstars to consider taking the leap is Akshay Kumar. Sources said Disney+ Hotstar is in talks with the actor to procure the release rights of Laxmmi Bomb, which was slated to hit theatres on May 22.

A source reveals, "Akshay, director Raghava Lawrence and the producers are discussing the offer. There's a lot of post-production work left on the movie, including editing, background music, mixing and VFX. Since the team is working from home, the process is taking longer than usual. However, the makers are hoping to have the film ready by June. Although currently, the lockdown is on till May 3, theatres may continue to remain closed to ensure social distancing. In such a scenario, the team may consider having a direct-to-web release."

As a producer with sharp business acumen, Kumar had understood the potential of digital entertainment early on, and hence, decided to foray into it with the in-the-works series, The End. He is contemplating if releasing the horror comedy — a remake of the Tamil hit, Muni 2: Kanchana (2011) — online will be a wise move. "Akshay wants to make sure none of the invested parties make losses, and that the movie reaches a wide audience. While Disney+ Hotstar ensures a worldwide reach, making the film available across small towns in India will be a concern for them."

Tarun Raj Arora, Geet’s boorish boyfriend from the filmmaker’s 2007 rom-com, on taking the story forward, and returning to Hindi films with Akshay Kumar’s next
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 24, 2020)

Ever wondered what happened to the handsome and boorish Anshuman of Jab We Met? The character was played by Tarun Raj Arora in Imtiaz Ali’s 2007 Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor-starrer rom-com, which gave us Geet—one of Hindi cinema’s most loved heroines. After the film, the model-turned-actor did one Hindi film, Karar: The Deal (2014), and went on to feature in several South projects. Now, he is gearing up for a comeback as a corrupt MLA in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmmi Bomb, the Hindi adaptation of director Raghava Lawrence’s Tamil horror-comedy Muni 2: Kanchana.

Incidentally, Tarun was a part of the original’s fourth instalment, which released last year. “I told Raghava sir I’d love to be a part of his Hindi debut and he offered me the antagonist’s part,” he informs, quick to point out that this one is different from the “dodo” Anshuman. “He is lethal, knows what he wants and will do anything to get it. Working with Akshay Kumar was an absolute pleasure. He was very professional with his time and work.”

Tarun blames stereotyping for his unintentional sabbatical from Bollywood. “After Anshuman, I was getting roles that were wicked and mean. I didn’t want to repeat myself on screen so, I went back to my restaurant business in Bangalore and dabbled in theatre to hone my skills. A few years later, I got my first South film offer through A R Murgadoss’s assistant, T N Santhosh, for his 2016 Tamil film Kanithan. There has been no looking back since,” he smiles.

Tarun suspects it was his cavalier attitude in real life that helped him bag the part of Anshuman. “It was 2006 and I had just moved to Bangalore. When Imtiaz called me to offer the film, I pretended to be busy. Obviously, he was shocked by my behaviour, but I got the film in 15 minutes. Back then, none of us knew that it would become such a cult film,” Tarun laughs.

The actor hasn’t been in touch with Kareena and Shahid, but recently met Imtiaz in Goa, where he owns a guesthouse. The filmmaker was with his team on a break after the release of his last directorial, Love Aaj Kal (which Tarun is yet to see). “We spoke about our time on the sets of Jab We Met and I told Imtiaz we should make ‘Jab I Left’, with the story narrated from Anushuman’s perspective. He said that Kareena, Shahid and he are done with the film, but he would provide all the support I might need to make the film. I have started writing it and maybe I will produce it, too,” he says.

Tarun lives in Goa and is married to Anjala Zaveri, who was launched by Vinod Khanna alongside his son, Akshaye in Himalay Putra and went on to feature in the Salman Khan, Kajol-starrer Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya.

As Akshay Kumar crosses the 150-film mark, he says it wasn’t even in his “wildest dreams” that he would survive as a Bollywood actor for so long
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 3, 2020)

He has been on a roll for the past few years with a track record of back-to-back successes. A case in point: Last year all four of his films (Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4 and Good Newwz) hit bull’s eye. But Akshay Kumar, who’s readying for the release of Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi next, insists he doesn’t have any “success mantra” but only hard work to credit for the feat. “It’s been a good two decades plus [for me], and I want to be here [in Bollywood] only,” says the actor, who has multiple releases in 2020 as well. Excerpts from an interview:

Last year, you completed your 150th film. That’s been quite a trip. How do you look at the journey?
I truly believe in counting my blessings, and gratitude is all I feel. More than awe, it’s a surprise that I’ve come this far, because it’s something I didn’t imagine even in my wildest dreams when I started out. It’s been a good two decades plus for me, and I want to be here [in Bollywood] only, doing this every day of my life, till audiences want me to do it.

You have had a very special and successful association with cop roles in your career. Now, as you return to that space in Sooryavanshi, what are your feelings like?
Any role that requires me to wear a uniform – be it of an army person, navy officer or a police man – it automatically instills a sense of pride. In my career, I’ve had the good fortune of portraying all the above mentioned parts. Now, the only part I’m yet to do is that of an Air Force pilot. Let’s see if I get lucky with that as well.

Unlike most cop dramas in Bollywood, the film’s storyline is extremely relevant to today’s times and the world that we live in. Was that one of the reasons for you to say yes to the film?
Of course, and I’ve said that before also. It’s true that the main idea of making a film is to entertain but, along with that, if a message can also be conveyed in an entertaining manner, I’m absolutely game. Plus, having watched and enjoyed Singham (2011) and Simmba (2018), I was very happy to collaborate with the master action director, Rohit Shetty and be a part of his cop universe.

The film has you along with Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn. How was that, especially since nowadays, we don’t see big stars sharing screen space with one another? Does that bother you?
Absolutely not, I’ve always believed in ‘more the merrier’. It’s a pity that unlike Hollywood, we don’t do multi-starrers or even two-hero films in Bollywood. As for shooting with them, it was great. In fact, Ajay and I go back a long way, having done quite a few films together [mainly in the 90s] when ‘two-hero’ films were a thing. And Ranveer is a good friend, we share a great rapport on and off screen.

2019 turned out to be another super successful year for you. Does such success streak make you happy, or pressurise you since there are a lot of expectations from you now?
Expectation is the root cause of disappointment. Every actor wants every film of his to work, no matter how many successes he/she has had. And that’s how even I function, but while striving for success, sometimes you get lucky, and at times, you don’t. So, what’s important is to take it all in your stride, be it the past glory or failure, and move ahead.

Talking about Sooryavanshi, it’s the first time that you have teamed up with filmmaker Rohit Shetty. How was it being a part of his ‘over-the-top, super entertaining’ world?
Rohit knows exactly what he wants and I know his filming style is “over-the-top” but it’s massy as well. He knows the pulse of the audience and what works with them. So, it was a lot of fun blowing up cars and hanging from helicopters, as it’s all completely within my comfort zone (laughs).

With such back-to-back hits, many wonder if you have hit upon a secret mantra. Is there one?
If I tell you, then it wouldn’t be secret. Right? I am just kidding, as there’s no secret mantra. It’s all about a little bit of hard work and lots of luck because even if you work really hard but luck isn’t on your side, then there’s nothing really that you can do.

One thing that really stands out in your filmography is the sheer variety that you have been offering, and that too successfully. Has it been a well thought-out strategy?
Well, as they say, ‘variety is the spice of life.’ And though I can’t handle spices in my food, they are a must in my films (laughs). I don’t like to be monotonous – trying out something new excites me and luckily for me, I’ve been getting new script ideas which make me tick.

For some time now, there has been a lot of talk about the big Eid clash between Salman Khan’s Radhe and your Laxmmi Bomb…
I’m aware, but it’s not my career’s first clash and I’m also fully aware that it won’t be the last. With the volume of films releasing every year in our industry, and the limited number of Fridays, clashes are bound to happen. The chatter is more when two big films clash, as more is at stake, but it’s very natural.
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 3, 2020)

Akshay Kumar is one actor who never shies away when it comes to helping the lesser privileged or uplifting the society. In the same stride, he has donated ₹1.5 crore to build a transgender home in Chennai.

Filmmaker Raghava Lawrence, who took to Facebook to announce this, claims it’s the “first time in India” that a transgender home is being set up. In fact, it was during the shoot of the director’s film Laxmmi Bomb that Akshay came to know about the initiative, and readily extended a helping hand. Raghava says that he was once sharing his plans to make a shelter for transgenders, with Akshay, who then asked: “Can I build this building?”

“I was shocked as we were planning to go to big people and ask (for help), even doing a show through which we could collect funds, but here was Akshay sir. These kind of people are God... The place is yet to be ready,” Raghava tells us.

The move has been welcomed by LGBTQI+ activists such as Gauri Sawant, who says, “It’s a good initiative if someone is donating money for the community... (Bollywood stars like Akshay) supporting this is the need of the hour.” And equal rights activist Harish Iyer adds, “It’s a welcome move and people should stand up for other people.”

Filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, whose works have had special focus on queer subjects, adds, “Transgender people have a lot of problems in finding a home. A commune like this is very welcome.”

Kiara Advani heaves a sigh of relief as Laxmmi Bomb director Lawrence resumes duties on film
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 15, 2019)

The internal scuffle between Raghava Lawrence and the makers of Laxmmi Bomb acquired a public platform when the director announced his departure from the film, citing the producer's decision to unveil the poster without his knowledge. With Lawrence ironing out his differences with leading man Akshay Kumar before joining the team again, Kiara Advani tells mid-day she was certain he would return to helm the project.

"I had hoped that he would come back, and he did. He is the best person to helm the film because we have already shot a small schedule with him. He is amazing, and is a wonderful human being. He has acted in and directed the original Tamil version, so this is his baby. No one would understand the film better than him. We are looking forward to the next schedule," she says.

Meanwhile, Advani's Good News will bring her alongside Kumar yet again. The Dharma Productions project also features Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. "It's a quirky and topical subject. The cast is interesting. The film releases in December, which is a time when people are in a mood to celebrate." Having featured in Karan Johar's Lust Stories, Advani says she holds him in high regard when it comes to making career decisions. "It's an equation I value a lot."

Shabinaa Khan, one of the producers of Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy, addresses the controversy surrounding creative differences between the film’s director and the makers
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 6, 2019)

Akshay Kumar started shooting for his upcoming horror-comedy, Laxmmi Bomb, at a city studio last month with his leading lady, Kiara Advani. Soon after wrapping up the first schedule, Raghava Lawrence who had directed the Tamil franchise Kanchana of which the Hindi film is a remake, announced on Twitter that he would no longer direct the remake citing creative differences with the makers. “In this world, more than money and fame, self-respect is the most important attribute to a person’s character,” he had said in a note.

While speculations were rife that the producers, Shabinaa Khan and Tusshar Kapoor, would rope in a new director, the duo flew to Chennai instead to meet Raghava and resolve the issue. Last week, the director returned to Twitter to announce that he is back onboard the project. When Mirror contacted Shabinaa, she was evasive about the details of the meeting, saying, “There were no conversations. There were minor creative differences which are all sorted out now. There’s nothing beyond that, and what you have read so far is all that has happened.” When asked if the controversy surrounding Raghava’s initial exit will impact the environment on the set, she said, “Not at all. Raghava is the best director for this film as he is the creator of the Kanchana franchise down South. He is a talented director and was always on board.”

The designer-turned-filmmaker, who has previously collaborated with Akshay on Rowdy Rathore and Gabbar Is Back, informed that the Khiladi Kumar was always her first choice for the film. “We had been in talks for a Kanchana remake for a while. It took some time because we were tweaking the script for our audience. After writing it again and again, it eventually fell into the space we were looking at,” she revealed. The film, which is the official adaptation of Muni 2: Kanchana, the second film in the original series, will see Akshay’s character possessed by a transgender ghost which leads to comic situations. Shabinaa clarified that the 51-year-old actor doesn’t play the role of a transgender in the story. “There’s a different dynamic for which you need to see the film,” she added.

Next up, Laxmmi Bomb returns to regular programming with the team gearing up to kick off the second schedule. “We shot a song in a three-day shoot in Mumbai which started on April 27, but the upcoming schedule will be the biggest of the lot and it will start in mid-July,” Shabinaa signed off.
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Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 6, 2019)

In 2012, Akshay Kumar and Prabhudheva teamed up for the first time for the action-comedy Rowdy Rathore. Now, Mirror has learnt that almost seven years later, a sequel is in the works. “We are in the process of writing Rowdy Rathore 2 right now and inshallah, it will feature Akshay in the lead,” said Shabinaa Khan, who had co-produced the first film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Noting that her leading man’s celluloid stories may have changed but the template remains the same, the filmmaker added, “Right from Toilet - Ek Prem Katha to Pad Man, his films have ample of humour. He can manage anything and everything and is one of the only all-rounders we have in the industry today.”

While Shabinaa refused to divulge further details pertaining to the project, a source close to the development informed that it is expected to go on the floors sometime next year.

In the first installment, Akshay was seen in a double role - as Inspector Vikram Singh Rathore and a local thug, Shiva. The film was the official remake of S S Rajamouli’s 2006 Telugu actioner, Vikramarkudu, and featured Sonakshi Sinha as the female lead.

BOMBAY TIMES (May 27, 2019)

Raghava Lawrence, the director of Muni 2: Kanchana, had decided to step away from the Hindi remake of the film as the makers had released the first look of the movie without his knowledge. However, he has now said that he would reconsider his decision to direct Laxmmi Bomb, which stars Akshay Kumar, if the makers give him the respect he deserves. He posted a statement on Twitter, saying, “I had tweeted about stepping out of Laxmmi Bomb a few days ago. Post my tweet, both Akshay Kumar sir’s fans and my fans have been requesting me to do this film. I’m overwhelmed with their genuine love. But trust me, I’m equally upset for the past one week as you are. (sic)”

Raghava said that he was “thrilled” to direct this film as he had waited a long time for this opportunity. He also revealed that the makers will be meeting him today. “The producers are coming to Chennai to meet me. It’s completely in their hands now. If I am given proper self-respect for the job, then I’ll think about it. Let’s see after the meeting. Wanted to share this message to all fans who were genuinely concerned (sic),” he added in the post. In the film, Akshay plays a man who is possessed by the ghost of a transgender.

Days after announcing his exit from Laxmmi Bomb, director Raghava on how producers sidestepped him
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 21, 2019)

Hours after the first look of Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb was unveiled on Saturday, director Raghava Lawrence sent shockwaves in the industry by announcing his exit from the project. The filmmaker — who has written, produced and directed the original Tamil film, Muni 2: Kanchana (2011) on which the remake is based — hinted at creative differences with producers Tusshar Kapoor and Shabina Khan as he announced his decision on Twitter.

Speaking to mid-day, Lawrence, who was to foray into Bollywood with the horror comedy featuring Kiara Advani, expressed his disappointment at the turn of events. “How could they release the first look of my film without discussing it with me? As a director, that hurt me the most. There was no communication from their end. It made me feel like a fool, as if I [deserve] no respect and am not important at all. All I wanted was that they keep me updated rather than keep me in a blindspot.” The team is reportedly scouting for a new director. When quizzed if the makers reached out to him to make amends, he refused to comment on the matter.

However, the director asserted that, his bitter fall-out with the makers notwithstanding, he has the highest regard for his leading man. “My lawyer will sort the matter out with the production house. But I have no issues with Akshay sir. I don’t want him to feel bad as he has been preparing intensely for the character. That is the reason I am willing to give my script to them.”

BOMBAY TIMES (May 20, 2019)

Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmmi Bomb, which is the Hindi remake of the popular South franchise Kanchana, has run into controversy after the makers released the first look of the film. Raghava Lawrence (right), the director of Kanchana and also its Hindi remake, wasn’t too happy with this development. Expressing his grievance in a post on his Twitter handle, he said that the first look of the film was released without his knowledge, and therefore, he was opting out of the movie.

In his post, he said, “There is an old popular saying in Tamil which tells, 'Don’t step into any house where there is no respect'. In this world, more than money and fame, self-respect is the most important attribute to a person’s character. So, I have decided to step out of the project, ‘Laxmmi Bomb’ the Hindi remake of Kanchana. I don’t want to mention the reason because there are multiple reasons, but one of them is that the first look poster of the film was released today without my knowledge and even without discussing anything with me. I was informed about this by a third person. It is very painful for a director to know about his movie’s first look release from others. I feel very disrespected and disappointed. As a creator, I am not satisfied with the poster design as well. This shouldn’t happen to any director. I can hold back my script because I haven’t signed any agreement regarding this film, but I won’t do it because it is not professional. I’m ready to give my script because I personally respect Akshay Kumar sir a lot. They can replace me with some other director according to their wish. Soon, I’m going to meet Akshay Kumar sir to give the script and step out of this project in a good way. All the very best to the entire team. I wish the movie a great success. (sic)”

His tweet came a day after Akshay, Tusshar Kapoor and Shabinaa Khan, producers of the film, released the first poster on Twitter. Their posts clearly mentioned Raghava as the director of the project. We tried reaching out to Tusshar, Shabinaa, Akshay and Raghava, but they didn’t respond till the time of going to press.
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 6, 2019)

Ever since Akshay Kumar evinced interest in the remake of the Tamil hit, Muni 2: Kanchana (2011), there has been much speculation about the female lead for the Bollywood adaptation.

As is the norm with a big-ticket project, several actors - including Katrina Kaif and showbiz's current sensation Sobhita Dhulipala - were said to be in contention for the role, but both denied the reports. The past few days saw another name doing the rounds - Kiara Advani of Lust Stories (2018). In the latest development, mid-day has learnt that Advani has indeed been signed on for the horror comedy. Tentatively titled Laxmi, the film will go on floors by mid-April and is likely to be shot in a start-to-finish schedule.

Says a trade source, "While Akshay plays the protagonist who gets possessed by the spirit of a transgender, Kiara will portray the superstar's girlfriend in the movie. Although the female lead did not have a significant role in the original version, Kiara will enjoy a substantial part in the adaptation. The script too has been tweaked to suit the sensibilities of the Hindi film audience." Interestingly, this will mark Advani's second outing with Kumar after the in-the-works Good News.

The Raghava Lawrence-directed venture, the second instalment in his Muni franchise, had become a money-spinner upon its release in 2011. Its runaway success had spawned off remakes across several languages. Producers Shabina Khan and Tusshar Kapoor picked up the remake rights last year, following which the scripting team has been hard at work to give it a North Indian flavour. Lawrence will helm the Hindi offering. when contacted, Khan confirmed the story, saying, "Yes, we have signed Kiara for the Kanchana remake."

Twelve years after Bhool Bhulaiyaa, actor returns to horror-comedy genre with director Raghava Lawrence
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2019)

Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy Stree proved to be the game changer last year but few recall that it was not Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor but Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan who introduced the genre in Bollywood with Bhool Bhulaiyaa in 2007. Now, 12 years later, the actor is back in the horror-comedy space with director Raghava Lawrence. The film is scheduled to go on floors by April-end.

According to a source close to the development, the yet-untitled film will be on the lines of the director’s successful Tamil franchise, Kanchana. “It’s not a straight remake, the basic premise will draw references from two films, Muni and Kanchana, so it’s more like two films clubbed in one to create double the impact. The team has been working on the script for over six months and has added several new dimensions to the original film.”

The source added that this horror comedy is a revenge drama with Akshay playing a man who is so afraid of ghosts, he refuses to step out of his house after sundown. The twist in the tale comes when he encounters a transgender ghost. The film will be shot for 60-70 days between April and July and is targeting an early 2020 release. The film rides on a huge ensemble cast and the team is currently looking to lock the cast and title.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar recently wrapped up Mission Mangal co-starring Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Sonakshi Sinha and Kriti Kulhari which tells the story of scientists at Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) who were a part of the Mars Orbiter Mission, which unveils on Independence Day. Soon after, on September 6, he will have another release in Good News with Kareena Kapoor wherein the duo would be seen as a married couple who opt for IVF to conceive a baby. 

Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; December 17, 2013)

Tusshar will soon don the producer’s hat with his maiden venture, to be co-produced by Shabinaa Khan. Incidentally, the latter made her debut as a producer with Rowdy Rathore. Their joint venture, yet untitled, will star Ajay Devgn and will go on the floor next August.

While details of the film are being kept under wraps, the makers are in the process of finalising the script, having bought the official rights of the Tamil horror comedy Kanchana — one of the top grossers of 2011. The Hindi remake will be directed by Raghava Lawrence, who also helmed the original Tamil film.

Tusshar, who has always been a fan of the horror genre, says, “I have been waiting for the right story to come my way to make my debut in production. Kanchana is a great story and I am really happy to have Ajay on board. He is not only a good actor, who has excelled in both action and comedy, but is also a close friend.” Shabinaa adds, “Horror comedy is a relatively new genre in Bollywood and I am looking forward to it.” 
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Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 17, 2013)

Tusshar Kapoor has bought the official rights of the Tamil-hit Kanchana, and its Hindi remake will mark the actor’s debut as producer under his banner TK Films. Buzz was that Salman Khan had expressed interest to play the lead role, but finally it is Ajay Devgn who has been finalised for the part.

The film will be directed by Raghava Lawrence, who also helmed the original Tamil film, and Ajay will reprise the role played by Lawrence. Presently the writers are developing the story which will be given the quintessential Bollywood spin.

Says a source close to the development, “In the film the lead character is possessed by a ghost and that leads to him acquiring multiple personalities. One of them is slightly effeminate. It will be interesting to see how the macho Ajay plays it.”

When contacted, Tusshar confirmed the news, “Yes, Ajay Devgn will lead the cast of Kanchana though its been quite difficult to get his dates. We will go on floors in August 2014.”

When asked whether Devgn will be seen playing an effeminate character, Tusshar said, “It is one of the personalities that spring up.” The rest of the cast is still to be finalised.

Kanchana, which released in July 2011 was a major box-office success, and won actor Sarathkumar much acclaim for his portrayal of a transgender.