Actor in cinematic retelling of Uzma Ahmed’s story, who returned to India after month-long ordeal in Pak
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (March 5) that filmmakers Sameer Dixit, Jatish Varma and Girish Johar have acquired the rights to the story of Delhi girl Uzma Ahmed, who fell in love with Tahir Ali, a taxi driver from Pakistan, during a trip to Malaysia, and went to Buner, one of the remotest parts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he lived. Upon arrival, she discovered that Tahir was already married and a father to four children. She was subsequently forced to marry him at gunpoint.

Now, we have learnt that the makers have roped in Saif Ali Khan to play the role of J P Singh (left), India’s then Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, who was instrumental in bringing Uzma back home under the guidance of the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The film is directed by Shivam Nair, who has previously helmed the Taapsee Pannu and Akshay Kumar-starrer Naam Shabana.

According to a source close to the development, Saif will begin prep for the part closer to the shooting date. “When the team met for a narration Saif instantly liked the script. He has agreed to be a part of the project and will be sporting a very different look in the film, which is expected to roll in February-March next year. The makers are currently looking to cast an A-list actress to play Uzma,” the source shared.

The story is being adapted for the screen by Ritesh Shah who has worked on Pink and other upcoming projects like John Abraham’s Batla House and Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Kaushal-starrer Udham Singh biopic. “The film will have an ensemble cast and Shivam has already begun pre-production. Recce is also scheduled to begin shortly,” the source added.

Saif is presently in London shooting for his home production, the Nitin Kakkar-directed Jawaani Jaaneman which marks the acting debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F. The film will be shot entirely in the city over a 45-day schedule. 

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 21, 2018)

Yesterday, After Hrs reported that writer-director Manish Gupta (Rahasya) had sent a legal notice to producer Kumar Mangat after they had a fallout over Section 375: Marzi Ya Jabardasti, on which they were collaborating. While Kumar told us that he sacked Manish from the film, we have procured the ‘Friendly and Amicable Termination of Writer & Director Agreements’, which the latter had sent to the former by email on May 12 this year and also a copy of the Copyright Certificate that bore Manish’s name, dated May 24, 2016.

An industry source tells us, after Kumar issued a Termination Notice to Manish on May 21, he allegedly started circulating the script to bring a director on board to helm the movie. A source said, “Considering that every writer ensures his name and contact details are marked on each page of the script, some of the directors offered to direct the film were surprised to see that the copies they were given had no mention of the writer. Instead, the copies bore the names of producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and his son, Abhishek Pathak and of their production house, Panorama Studios.”

After Hrs has procured copies of both versions of the scripts — one with Manish’s name on it and the other without it. We hear that two of the directors, one of whom is Shivam Nair (Naam Shabana), was offered to direct Section 375. Apparently, when he learnt that it was Manish’s script and that he had the copyright, he declined to helm the movie. According to the Legal Notice that Manish sent to Kumar Mangat and his company, he learnt on June 7 that the producers had handed the script’s copy to Shivam and it did not bear Manish’s name as the writer. “The differences began when the writer-director sought to amicably end their contract and move on to making the movie with another producer after waiting for seven months as Kumar couldn’t get Akshaye Khanna’s dates or tie up with a studio,” says our source, adding, “Seeing this film slipping out of his hands, it seems Kumar is putting the blame on Manish as stated in the Termination Letter that he had sent to him. But Manish is prepared to fight. He has already sent the Legal Notice to Kumar and his company. He will be moving court against them shortly.”

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 20, 2018)

On June 14, After Hrs reported that Akshaye Khanna was to be allegedly thrown out from 'Section 375: Marzi Ya Jabardasti' because the actor was dilly-dallying over dates, asking for changes in the script and supposedly even asked for a fee hike! After long delays, producer Kumar Mangat and writer-director Manish Gupta (Rahasya), who were said to be miffed with the star son’s working style, had apparently decided to oust him from the movie.

However, now we hear that quite a few developments have taken place. This time around it seems like the producer and director are at war with one another. And the latter has now decided to sue the former for wrongful termination of his contract. We also hear that Akshaye Khanna is back in the project and Priyadarshan has been roped in to helm it instead of Gupta.

An industry insider tells us that things started souring between the producer and the writer-director a while ago. “After working on the script for two years and waiting for seven months post signing the contract with Kumar Mangat and his company, there was no progress on Section 375. That’s when Manish started getting restless. First, Akshaye delayed by giving priority to The Accidental Prime Minister and then of course, he was trying to get his terms revised. However, Kumar Mangat didn’t reason with him or try to salvage the situation and instead let the matter escalate. Eventually, Manish expressed his opinion to exit the setup and move on with his script to making it with another producer,” says our source, adding that this didn’t go down well with Mangat.

Our source adds, “Kumar didn’t want to let go of the script and on May 21, issued a Termination Notice to Manish, who owns the copyright/IPR (Intellectual Property Right) of the script. It is Kumar’s desperate attempt to put all the blame on Manish. Having worked hard on it for over two years, Manish isn’t giving up on what is rightfully his. Incidentally, on June 7, he learnt that director Shivam Nair was given the script, without his (Manish’s credit) to helm the movie. That’s not all, he also learnt that various third parties had got copies of Manish’s script with his name removed. So, on June 15 he issued a Legal Notice to Kumar Mangat and his company and is petitioning the Bombay High Court to uphold his right to declare his agreement with Kumar Mangat and his company as ‘Null and Void’. Moreover, he should be allowed to move on and make the film with another producer without any interference by  Kumar and his company.” We tried contacting Manish, but he was unavailable for comment.

When contacted, Kumar maintained that he had terminated the contract. He stated, “I got complaints against Manish by my team, in writing, about how he was being high-handed and ill-treating them, making them wait till late night. In our agreements, it was clear that if he indulged in any nonsensical behaviour, it won’t be tolerated. Due to his bad attitude and behaviour with the with the team, I have terminated the contract and asked him to exit the project.”

When probed about making the film with Priyadarshan at the helm, Kumar added, “That’s a different subject that we’re making. As far as Section 375 is concerned, we are looking to sign an appropriate director. Akshaye Khanna and Richa Chadha are very much a part of it. Also, as per the contract, I have the rights to the script.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 22, 2017)

After Hrs was the first to tell you that director Shivam Nair plans to cast Ileana D’Cruz as Uzma Ahmed in her biopic, which will soon make its way to celluloid. Now, we can tell you that along with Ileana, Saif Ali Khan, too, is most likely to join the cast.

SAIF — THE HERO
While the whole film will be a tell-all tale about Uzma’s experience and her subsequent rescue from her fraud Pakistani husband, the biopic will have another angle to it. And Shivam confirms he is in talks with Saif for the lead role. Nair tells us, “Yes, we are in talks with Saif. We are in the final stages of scripting and then, we will take the final call. Saif will be the main male lead, if he says yes.”

A DIPLOMAT
We have heard and read about Uzma’s story but Saif’s role is something that people don’t really ‘know about’, claims the director.

“Along with Uzma’s story, our story is also about a diplomat in the Indian embassy and the Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. The character is of an Indian diplomat who’s there in Pakistan, and how he handles the whole case. When the girl is inside the Embassy, he is the one helping and taking care of her. We only know about Uzma and her story. People don’t know much about the role of this diplomat.”

He further adds, “It’s a positive role. That’s the major part of the story. The diplomat and the girl (to be rescued) are the lead roles.”

KUNAL — THE MEDIATOR
The way Saif was approached for the role is also interesting. It was his brother-in-law (sister Soha’s husband) Kunal Kemmu who took the film to Saif. Shivam tells us. “Saif already knows about the idea. I have worked with Kunal earlier so I know him well and I suggested the idea to him. He knows Saif well so he briefed him about the film.” The narration will happen only after the final script is ready, which will take another two-three weeks from now.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 18, 2017)

A biopic on Uzma Ahmed has been in the planning stages for the last few months. Naam Shabana director Shivam Nair will helm the project and Uzma too has given her consent to the filmmaker. Ritesh Shah (Pink, Raid) is writing the film. There were talks about Parineeti Chopra being offered the film, but now we can confirm that it’s not her who has been approached for the role. The makers have zeroed in on another heroine for the biopic.

Reveals our source, “Shivam is in talks with Ileana D’Cruz to play Uzma. The director met the actress and Ileana loved the idea. She knew about Uzma and is really excited to play her. Currently, the modalities are being worked out.’’

Nair confirms the news, saying, “Yes, I want Ileana in my film. I have met her and she liked the idea. We got the material, met Uzma, and did the research and development. Right now, we are fine-tuning the script with the information we have and once it’s ready, we will narrate it to Ileana. Around 20-25 days from now, the script will be completely ready.” About Ileana, he says, “I feel Ileana is right for this role. She has the perfect mix of innocence and confidence. We needed both these qualities for Uzma’s character.”

ABOUT UZMA
Uzma Ahmed, an Indian national, fell in love with Tahir Ali, a Pakistani citizen, whom she met in Malaysia. She travelled to Pakistan to meet him, only to find out that the man she loved was already married with four children. What followed was a forced wedding at gunpoint and sexual assault. It was then that Uzma escaped to the Indian High Commission, who then reached out to Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. On hearing the news, Sushma made sure that Uzma returned to her home safely.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2017)

Will the actor been seen in Naam Shabana and Five next? Here’s the truth
DNA (September 22, 2016)


“Let’s talk about Naam Shabana first,” says our source, “It is being made out to be that Akshay is playing second fiddle to Taapsee Pannu in the film. The film doesn’t require his presence. He is producing the film.” Considering the fact that a large fanbase may expect him to make some kind of token appearance in Naam Shabana, he will be making a cameo in the prequel directed by Shivam Nair. “That’s about it though, nothing more, and even that hasn’t been pencilled in so far,” the source admits, adding, “The film is about the character played by Taapsee in Baby and it revolves around her.”

About Five, the other film in whose connection Khiladi Kumar’s name comes up, is just a coincidence, says our khabru. The release date has been announced as January 26, 2018. “Yes, the date is certainly one of the hot favourites for Akshay, considering he has released Baby (2015) and Airlift (2016) during the Republic Day weekend. However, he is not doing Naam Shabana. We have no idea where this rumour started,” adds the source.

According to reports, Five is a psychological thriller and Akshay was reported to be playing five distinct characters. “Interesting idea indeed,” our insider adds, “However, so far, nothing has materialised. These are just premature reports. Currently, Akshay has Jolly LLB 2, Robot 2.0, Toilet — Ek Prem Katha and Crack in different stages of production. His other films would be announced officially when the time is right.”

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 26, 2016)

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; September 17, 2015)

The cast and crew of Shivam Nair’s Bhaag Johnny were recently in Thailand to film some action sequences. While the shoot went well, the team returned to India with memories that had a tinge of sadness. For, they witnessed a major road mishap and despite their best efforts, were unsuccessful in rescuing all the victims.

Sources say the director, along with his director of photography (DoP) and action master, was headed to a location one fine morning when he noticed a van upside down on the way. “The trio rushed to help the accident victims — the van driver, three women and two children — who were trapped under the car, but they were not completely successful in saving them,” adds a source.

Nair recalls prying open the van’s door with the help of his DoP, but says the car went up in flames within seconds. “We broke the glass open with a stone and pulled out the driver and two Thai women, but before we could save the two kids and another woman, the van caught fire and blew up. It was a tragic sight and in spite of so many people standing around, no one came forward to help. After witnessing such a dreadful scene, none of us was in the frame of mind to shoot that day,” he adds.

The entire cast, including Kunal Kemmu and Zoa Morani, was in Thailand for a month long schedule.

Zoa Morani after the failure of her debut film Always Kabhi Kabhi is gearing up for her next release Bhaag Johnny
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 6, 2015)


You made your debut four years ago, but have been missing since then...
I had a dream debut with Shah Rukh Khan (close friend of her father) producing my film Always Kabhi Kabhi. However, the film didn’t do well, so I had to start from scratch. I started doing theatre. For the past couple of years I have been busy staging plays like Panchatantra written by Gulzar and Taj Mahal Ka Udghatan. I also took up Asthang Yoga, which is spiritual yoga. It helped me get over my dark phase. If not for that I wouldn’t have managed to pull it off.

What happened to the film you were to do with Shyam Benegal?
Something weird happened with that. At that time I was shuttling between Mumbai and Delhi and in between I gave an audition for a film that was to be directed by Shyam Benegal. It went well and Benegal said he liked it. I had acted like a Haryanvi girl and Benegal was impressed that despite being a Mumbai girl, I had done so well. After that I got a call from the producer who first told me I was shortlisted and later that I got the film. Later, I heard that Benegal hadn’t given a go-ahead. Till date, I don’t know what the truth is!

Now that your second film is up for release, you must be banking on it.
The film has shaped out really well. It’s an action thriller and is about two people running parallel lives. But it’s not a double role. When I heard the story, I knew it was a complicated and tough role. It is all about karma and how a right and wrong decision has its own repercussions. It is so different from my debut film in which I played a school girl. Here there are a lot of intense scenes and action, it’s a mature role. I must say my director Shivam Nair and co-star Kunal Kemmu helped me a lot. I am looking forward to the response to this film.

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 10, 2014)

He has no idea what’s happening to his first English film, Roland Joffe’s time travel romance Singularity, co-starring Josh Hartnett and Bipasha Basu. But Abhay Deol is set to start work on another international project, Bounty Hunters.

The actor who is presently busy with his first home production One By Two is reluctant to reveal too much on the subject except that he will shoot for it in Birmingham. “There’s still a long way to go, but yes, I will be acting in it and co-producing it for sure,” he asserts.

He will be making the film with the UK-based Collin Burrows, who has suggested that they make it in Hindi rather than English, as Abhay had planned earlier.

Though buzz is that the film is a remake of a Hollywood film, Abhay denies it saying, “It’s one of the finest scripts I’ve read in my entire career. It’s a romantic movie but with lots of action, I’d go so far as to say that it’s quite violent.” 

MEANWHILE
Abhay refutes rumours that he’s going to be starring in a remake of Basu Chatterjee’s 1979 comedy, Baaton Baaton Mein. “Shivum (director Shivum Nair) approached me many times but I’m not doing the film though someone has gone to the press with my name. Right now I am completely focussed on One By Two. Production is new to me and I’m too preoccupied to give space to other projects,” he reasons. “Given time I may consider it, but as of now there’s no Baaton Baaton Mein for me.”