After commemorating the Indian Army with Uri: The Surgical Strike, producer Ronnie Screwvala’s next is an ode to the Air Force
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 17, 2020)

Holding a mirror to today’s times, where women continue to explore their immense and untapped potential, RSVP’s next military film, Tejas is the story of a daring fighter pilot, essayed by Kangana Ranaut. The Indian Air Force was the first of the country’s defence forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. The movie takes inspiration from this landmark event.

Written to evoke pride in our forces and our country, the story of Tejas reinforces the argument that when it comes to serving the nation, both men and women are equally capable of doing so with utmost fervour. And all they need is the right opportunity and a determined spirit.

Integrity, courage and honour are the three pillars on which the story of Tejas is based. The script is crafted to make audiences feel the adrenaline rush that India’s brave soldiers experience on a daily basis, without even once thinking of personal gain or needs. Following one of its core themes, the film brings an exhilarating account of what women can achieve when given a chance. Written and to be directed by Sarvesh Mewara, this is RSVP’s second film after Uri: The Surgical Strike that salutes the forces and aims to inspire the country at large.

“We made an army-based film with Uri: The Surgical Strike. Tejas is our dedication to the brave fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force, who always put the country first,” beams Ronnie Screwvala, adding, “We are excited and honoured to share this brave story with viewers and hope it inspires many more women to join the Air Force.” Kangana, who plays the protagonist of the movie, states, “Very often, the sacrifices made by our brave women in uniform go unnoticed by the nation. Tejas is a film where I have the honour of playing the role of one such Air Force pilot who puts country before self. I hope we instill a sense of patriotism and pride in the youth of today with this movie. I’m looking forward to the journey with Sarvesh and Ronnie on this one.”

Sarvesh sums it up saying, “When your debut film has Ronnie Screwvala as the producer and Kangana Ranaut as the lead actor, going all out to chase your dreams feels worth it.” Tejas is set to go on floors this summer and release in April 2021.

Actress to fly with a Ronnie Screwvala production in July; is delighted to be getting into uniform
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 24, 2020)

Kangana Ranaut, who has never shied away from backing feminist causes and is always open to heroine-centric subjects, has now signed up to play an Air Force Pilot in Tejas. It is being produced by Ronnie Screwvala with Sarvesh Mewara as the director.

Kangana confirmed the news, saying, “I’ve always wanted to play a soldier and have been fascinated with the Armed Forces since childhood. I’ve never held back my emotions for our jawans and spoken openly about how strongly I feel about their heroism. They keep our country secure and our people safe. So, I’m very happy to be doing this film.”

Before she begins filming in July, the actress will require extensive prep. “I will undergo intense training before the shoot starts. My director has decided to get professional trainers on board,” says Kangana, who signed the film just two weeks ago. “Right now, I’m too deep into Thalaivi (the biopic of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa). After that, we’ll get to Tejas, which we will start this year itself,” she added.

Having been a part of a period battle in her last Republic Day release, Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, the actress is keen to get on to a battlefield in contemporary times. Describing herself as a “born fighter at heart”, Kangana, when prodded on her inspiration for the part, replied, “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. I followed his story closely—from the time we got the news of his capture to his release and return home. He’s a true hero in the way he handled the situation.”

For someone who has always stood for women’s empowerment, as reflected in her screen avatars, Kangana asserted that it is high time people acknowledge the significant contribution of women in the armed forces. “I’m thankful to Ronnie sir and Sarvesh who have come to me with this extraordinary script that celebrates the heroism of our soldiers,” said the actress, admitting that she “was dying to get in a uniform”. “Being in uniform will be one of the biggest highlights of my life,” Kangana says.

Gulab Jamun takes the first hit after Phantom Films' dissolution amidst sexual harassment allegations against Vikas Bahl
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 11, 2018)

In August, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had confirmed to mid-day that an on-screen reunion with husband Abhishek Bachchan was on the cards with Sarvesh Mewara's Gulab Jamun. However, the slice-of-life film now stares at an uncertain future after Phantom Films — the production house founded by Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl — announced its dissolution over the weekend amidst sexual harassment allegations against Bahl. mid-day has learnt that the much-awaited film, which was to go on floors next month, has now been put on hold indefinitely.

A source reveals, "The pre-production work on the film had started and Sarvesh was scouting for locations. The announcement of Phantom Films' dissolution took everyone by surprise, and has left the Gulab Jamun team in the lurch. Sarvesh has already been advised to approach other production houses."

Phantom Films' slate also included Ranveer Singh's 83 and Taapsee Pannu-Bhumi Pednekar starrer Womaniya. While 83 co-producer Vishnu Induri earlier confirmed to mid-day that the movie is on track with Reliance Entertainment backing it, reports suggest that Kashyap has begun groundwork on Womaniya.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 19, 2018)

Over the last two years, speculations have been rife about the fourth instalment of the Dhoom franchise with reports that Shah Rukh Khan is slated to step into the antagonist’s role. While the main leads of the series have changed, the only faces that remained constant were Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra.

AB Jr says, “Usually, whenever Dhoom happens, there are several stories doing the rounds, but I won’t believe any till filmmaker Aditya Chopra confirms it. For all the three parts in the franchise, he just picked up the phone and told me, ‘Okay, we are ready and we are starting the film.’ But there has been no discussion or development on Dhoom 4 yet.”

The actor also puts another speculation to rest. “There were rumours that Bunty Aur Babli’s remake was in the pipeline, but there’s no truth to that as well,” he states.

However, Abhishek confirms that he’s doing Gulab Jamun with wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. “It’s a heartwarming story. Ash and I liked the script when writer-director Sarvesh Mewara narrated it to us about a year ago. We have been developing it since then, but we haven’t put a date to it yet. It shall go on the floors soon,” he signs off.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on pairing up with hubby Abhishek Bachchan, after eight years, in Gulab Jamun and why they are cautious before signing a film together
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 31, 2018)

The excitement surrounding an Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer is unparalleled. So one can only imagine the audience curiosity around a project that sees her reuniting with husband Abhishek Bachchan. Following months of speculation about the power couple coming together for an Anurag Kashyap production, Rai has now confirmed to mid-day that the duo has greenlit Sarvesh Mewara-directed slice-of-life drama, Gulab Jamun, that will be produced by Phantom Films.

"AB [Abhishek] and I have agreed to do Gulab Jamun. I told AB that he needs to decide what he wants to do after Manmarziyaan," says the actor, adding that the project was offered to them one-and-a-half-years ago. "We had agreed on the idea then. However, it was around the same time that AB decided to take time-out. After the hiatus, he returned with Manmarziyaan, which coincidentally is directed by Anurag Kashyap. That's when the chatter around Gulab Jamun began again, and we finally came on board. It is a beautiful script, and we fit the narrative perfectly."

Last seen in Raavan (2010), it took the couple eight years to give a nod to another outing. Known to be choosy with her scripts, one can assume that Rai turns all the more discerning when it involves hubby dearest. "The script has to be interesting if a real-life couple is coming together."

Unwilling to lose perspective as artistes over the excitement of working together, the actor says they have a simple yardstick when judging a script - "Does it excite us?"

"We have got many scripts, and at times, we got tempted too. But then, we discuss it out loud. We take stock and say, 'Does it excite us?' Why should marriage define our choices? Shouldn't we be actually approaching the story as individual actors?"