Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 9, 2015)

After replacing Arjun Rampal in Soni Razdan's upcoming thriller, Love Affair, Ali Fazal has now signed up to play a baddie in Rourav.

The drama is set in Rajasthan and the film rolls in August. The dark thriller also features Richa Chadha and Kay Kay Menon in lead roles.

Ali was recently in the news for his special appearance in the Vin Diesel-starrer Fast And Furious 7, where he played an Arab friend of the racing gang.

A source close to the development told Mirror, "In Rourav, Ali's dark side will come to life in Rajasthan's uneven terrain. His character will leave a deep impact in every lovers' heart."

The actor has been undergoing an acting workshop. "Ali plays an uncultured man and has been working on his look, accent and body language," adds the source.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; May 21, 2015)

Ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi is all set to roll his third production venture with Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal in lead roles. Bhupathi has partnered with producers Virender Arora and Arjun N Kapoor for the project. The trio has earlier produced Chalo Dilli and Abhi Nahi Toh Kabhi Nahi — the latter having gone on floors early this month.

A source says, “The film is an fictional revenge thriller that revolves around a couple from Rajasthan. Richa and Ali have been finalised for it and at the moment, they are working on pre-production. The makers are keen on exploring untapped locations of the state and will begin shooting in August.”

Lara Dutta who had co-produced Chalo Dilli along with husband Bhupati, will not be a part of this film

Adds the source, “Richa and Ali have agreed to do the film. Tentatively titled Rourav, it will also have Kay Kay Menon in a pivotal role. At the moment, crew members are scouting for appropriate locations.”

Producer Arjun says, “It an out and out fiction revenge thriller. We have finalised the lead cast and will announce the rest of the cast soon. Ali will be seen in a new look and we are planning to release the film early next year.”