Two of Ajay Devgn’s productions — The Big Bull and Tribhanga — have already premiered on OTT platforms amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and both received good response, too. Clearly, the actor-producer believes in the potential of the web space.

However, he’s someone who has been a quintessential big screen hero all his life, and also owns a theatre chain. How does he look at the face-off between OTT platforms and theatres in the future, when the Coronavirus situation gets better? Will he make it a point that each of his film gets a theatrical release only?

“Cinema, at least the kind that I’m doing, has just one destination — a theatre near you. I want the films I’m doing to be enjoyed on the big screen. I cannot debate on the merits of cinema halls versus OTT platforms, because the reality is that both will coexist,” admits the De De Pyaar De (2019) actor.

The 52-year-old goes on to add that of course he wants theatres to retain the importance they hold, both for the actors and audiences.

“As the owner of a theatre chain, I want cinemas to flourish. I want my staff to have employment and be happy, though what I want may be different from the reality. So, one can only hope and pray that we come back to a pre-Covid phase, where we had no tough choices to make,” says Devgn, who has been in the film business for three decades now, and has cemented himself as one of the most popular actors.

From quirky comedies such as the Golmaal franchise, to intense dramas like Omkara (2006) and hit actioners like the Singham series, the superstar has never really stuck to any one genre.

And he calls it a “well thought of strategy” that he never wanted any one image for himself.

He tells us, “I’ve been like this from the start of my career. I jumped from commercial to middle-of-the-road cinema, from art-house films to over-the-top comedies. If you’re an actor, you must go through the entire gamut. And, there’s not one kind of cinema that I enjoy. Every genre has takers.”

Even now, a variety of films including Maidaan, MayDay and Thank God feature on his upcoming list. Besides full-fledged projects, Devgn would also be seen making special appearances in Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR and Sooryavanshi.

The actor continues, “Forget the past, what I’m doing now is also a mixed bag. Maidaan is a biopic with a football-backdrop, MayDay is an aviation thriller. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next instalment of Singham. And, when Golmaal happens, once again, there’ll be a mad hatter’s party, as we know franchises like Singham and Golmaal have their ever-so-faithful audience.”

In the last one year, cinema as a medium has undergone a sea change, especially when it comes to its exhibition sector and content. With the OTT platforms creating ripples with their escalated presence, the question today is: Can the new wave in the business pressurise writers to meet demands from actors and producers? Housefull 4 director Farhad Samji, for one, believes that it would be the death of an idea on paper if an actor didn’t step forward to back it.

The writer-director will be working with Akshay Kumar on Bachchan Pandey and Salman Khan on Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. He says there is a demand for something different from most actors, filmmakers and the audience, but an outof-the-box story does not happen all the time. He explains, “Finding something unique and new is the real challenge. Having said that, writers can never run out of ideas or ways to explore an existing idea in a unique manner. For instance, it’s a challenge to find something novel for Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar who have acted in over 100 films. And they’re always waiting to get a jolt from the writers. Good Newwz was a unique story for Akshay and Bachchan Pandey will hopefully meet his standards, too. Actors like Ajay Devgn, Akshay and Salman always want to try different things. If you approach them with anything typical, their response is, ‘Beta tu U-turn leke ghar jaa’. An idea is born in the brain and it dies on paper; it comes to life when an actor decides to back it.”

Farhad also stresses on the importance of appreciating writers. He says, “People remember the words, the lines of dialogue and how they were said, but not the writer. A writer is the central pillar of a project till it’s on floors. But when the promotions begin, everyone conveniently forgets his or her contribution. He or she is sidelined and credits go elsewhere. This aspect of filmmaking pinches me till today. No one can individually change this; lekin baat kisi ek ki nahi, soch ki hai. Prakash Raj is the only person who has thanked me while getting an award for Singham. This is the only instance I can quote in my career of 20 years.”

Production houses contemplate playing previous hit films to increase footfalls, should cinema halls reopen
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 2, 2020)

Taking a cue from countries that have resumed operations of theatrical screenings amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Indian production houses will also screen their previous blockbusters to lure viewers back to cinema halls.

A trade source tells mid-day, "Some multiplexes and single screen owners are in talks with distributors and studios like Warner Bros India, Yash Raj Films, and Reliance Entertainment, among others, to showcase their blockbusters."

Devang Sampat from Cinepolis says that with the Indian audience comprising viewers of Indian and international content, they have a large slate to play with. "For the first two weeks, Cinepolis plans to screen 3D films like Avatar, Gravity, and Titanic, and Oscar-winning movies. Regional films will also be aired in accordance with each state," he says, adding that a survey conducted by their team has revealed that 86 per cent of moviegoers are eager to visit theatres. "Once we decide which titles we want to play, we will work on acquiring the rights."

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, who runs 17 single-screens across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, adds, "Single screens have been at the forefront of these conversations. Reliance has Rohit Shetty-movies like Golmaal 3 and Golmaal Again, Singham, and Simmba. Warner Bros has gone a step ahead and created interesting packages and catalogues where the best of their comedies and action films can be sent to the exhibitors. The idea is to rebuild the habit of watching movies at theatres and earn the confidence of our audiences."

Even as fans wait to see Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh team up with Akshay Kumar in Sooryavanshi, sources say Rohit Shetty is developing next cop character to join his universe
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 16, 2020)

Rohit Shetty has been vocal about his desire to create a cop crossover film that will see the union of his three larger-than-life heroes — Ajay Devgn's Singham, Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh's Simmba. But industry insiders suggest that the filmmaker is keen to add more cop heroes to the universe before he rolls the magnum opus that will see his khaki heroes join forces to fight the evil powers. Even as Sooryavanshi is looking at a new release date, buzz is that Shetty's team of writers is at work, developing new cop characters to take the franchise forward.

A source reveals, "After Sooryavanshi, Rohit will train his focus on the next edition of Golmaal. In the meanwhile, his team of writers has been asked to create cop avatars that will have different personality traits from those of Singham, Simmba and Sooryavanshi, and will hail from different parts of India, thus tackling diverse issues of the country. He has a few heroes in mind that he wants to tap for the action franchise. In Simmba, he showed the crossover of Singham and Sooryavanshi. It is being said that in Sooryavanshi, Rohit has made a mention of his next cop hero who is likely to take the franchise forward."

mid-day reached out to Rohit Shetty, who remained unavailable for comment.

Akshay Kumar discusses moving from handstands and kicks to more daredevil stunts in his 30-year career; says it’s a good time to be an actor because ‘there’s an audience for all kinds of films’
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 7, 2020)

It may be the onset of a weekend but for Akshay Kumar, it’s just another day at work. Punctual to the dot, he strolls into his beach-facing office to talk shop.

Excerpts from an interview:

Why did it take you so long to collaborate with Rohit Shetty, who was an assistant director on Suhaag?
A director is the captain of the ship and he decides the cast. We would have collaborated before. In fact, we had tried twice, but things didn’t work out. Better late than never, no?

You get back to action with Sooryavanshi. Were the heavy-duty stunts difficult?
For me, doing stunts is like going to Disneyland; I love it. And it’s all real action. It’s not the VFX guy in front of the computer making the actor a hero, but the actor, who is working towards becoming one. I can do action for another four-five years. Then, my age will tell me to back off.

Would you agree that the plane stunt in Khiladi 420 was the most challenging?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a particular stunt as I have done so much of action. Action is tricky; actors who have pulled off bigger stunts broke their knees or ankles jumping from a stool.

Any particular prep you underwent for this role?
I lost eight-nine kg, as I needed to look like an ATS (Anti Terror Squad) officer.

What do you think of Rohit’s cop universe brainwave, getting Singham and Simmba together with Sooryavanshi?
It’s unusual as three actors don’t come under one roof on everyday basis. Singham was the first film. Then Rohit introduced Sooryavanshi in Simmba. Now, they come together with me towards the end of my film. Hats off to Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh for agreeing to play small parts in this film.

Perhaps, it is a build-up to the big finale with all the three super cops?
It is India’s Avengers and is very successful. I feel a lot of pressure to ensure that Sooryavanshi does not break the chain towards building a successful cop universe. If this one doesn’t run, the chain will be broken.

How do you differentiate Sooryavanshi from Simmba and Singham?
The traits of all three characters and their way of looking at things is different. The only thing they have in common is the uniform.

A lot has been spoken about your ‘Tip Tip Barsa’ recreation with Katrina Kaif…
It was an iconic song. There is a lot of pressure to recreate it and get the same sort of response. Katrina and I are working together a decade after Tees Maar Khan. I wonder why it took so long…

Rohit Shetty is also known for his comedies. Any ideas for another crossover?
(Winks) We have discussed comedies in the past. Anything can happen. About crossover, imagine Hera Pheri meeting Golmaal. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see characters from both films together?

Talking of Hera Pheri, what’s happening with Part 3?
It all depends on my producer, Firoz Nadiadwala. Talks have been on since the last 14 years.

You complete 30 years in the industry in 2021 …
(Cuts in) No, no, I started shooting for Saugandh in 1990, so this is the 30th year. Time just flew by, from 20 to 50. It feels like just yesterday that I shot for “Waada Raha Sanam” (Khiladi) and “Mang Meri Bharo” (Sabse Bada Khiladi).

What do you remember of your first day on the set?
I had 103 temperature when I landed in Coimbatore, driving down to Ooty, to shoot for Saugandh. I had to perform a handstand, kick the villain and get kissed on the forehead by Rakhee ji who was playing my mother. My make-up man gave me some Ayurvedic medicine for the fever and I was fine. He is still working with me.

From action to comedy and drama, you have been jumping genres over years. Any particular zone you wish to explore now?
Unlike 12 years ago, the audience today is ready to see a film on sanitary pads (Pad Man), toilets (Toilet - Ek Prem Katha), IVF (Good Newwz) and sperm donation (Vicky Donor). So many issues can be touched on, so many historic events be recreated. I want to do it all. It’s a good time to be an actor.

And what’s your detox plan?
The only detox from work is more work. That’s what rejuvenates me. I like travelling—to Maldives, South Africa, even a drive to Lonavala.

Tell us something about your upcoming films, Bachchan Pandey, Atrangi Re and Laxmmi Bomb.
Bachchan Pandey is still being scripted. Atrangi Re is a lovely film written by Himanshu Sharma; I’m looking forward to working with Aanand L Rai. In Laxmmi Bomb, I play a transgender. Nobody has ever touched this topic. If I speak more about these films, the producers will take away my contract.

There’s a lot of buzz about the Eid 2020 clash between Laxmmi Bomb and Salman Khan’s Radhe…
It is all hype, nothing more. I was shooting at Mehboob Studio and Salman was there too. We sat and chatted for a long time, but didn’t even discuss the clash. It is a festive period. Two films can easily be divided between 6000 screens. There have been clashes in the past; I don’t see a problem here.

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.
---------------
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.”

Sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh in Rohit Shetty's cop universe, Ajay Devgn on the casting coup that no other filmmaker has been able to pull off, lately
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 30, 2019)

After a two-year stint of teasing fans with an Avengers-like cop film that would bring together three reigning stars, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty, on Saturday, titillated cinephiles with a short video that featured them together. The teaser, unveiled to mark one year since the release of Simmba, included scenes from the 2018 Singh-fronted actioner. It also featured what could possibly be rushes of the March 2020 release, Sooryavanshi, which will introduce Kumar into this universe.

Given that the three actors have a penchant for comedy — both on and off screen — it seems rather redundant for Kumar to specify that filming their collaborative portion was "fun". "It didn't feel like we were shooting, but merely having a picnic. Rohit was our partner in crime. Also, Ajay and I go back a long way," says Kumar of Devgn, who he has featured alongside in several '90s films.

Devgn, the first entrant into this universe with Singham, seconds the Khiladi's opinion when he says, "It felt like Akshay and I took off from where we left. It was nostalgic. We respect each other, and have [been witness to] one another's journey, because we started our careers only a year apart. With Ranveer joining us, it was a house on fire."

In an era where persuading two leading superstars to share the screen is a Herculean task, one can trust the able and affable Shetty to manage to rope in this trio. Devgn also attributes their willingness to collaborate, to the success they have achieved. "The three of us are secure actors who have no qualms in working together. Singham and Simmba have become desi cop superheroes. I am sure Sooryavanshi will be a hit too. It's a great idea to get three of us together [for an entire film]. The script is being developed; it will happen."

Sooryavanshi writer discusses climax that sees Ajay and Ranveer join forces with Akshay
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 27, 2019)

If Rohit Shetty teased the audience about Akshay Kumar's entry into the cop verse in the climax of Simmba (2018), the filmmaker has gone a step ahead with his next. All eyes are on the director as he brings his three supercops - Kumar as Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Veer Sooryavanshi, Ranveer Singh aka Bhalerao Sangram and Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham - together in the climax of Sooryavanshi. The trio shot for the high-octane action sequence at Ramoji Rao studio in Hyderabad earlier this month.

Farhad Samji, who wrote the script of the March 2020 release, promises that the climax has been designed as a hyper-stylised action sequence that has the three heroes joining forces against the antagonist, played by Abhimanyu Singh. He also adds that they have woven each character's signature dialogue in the sequence. "The scene will see Ajay saying his 'Aata maajhi satakli' and Ranveer mouthing 'Aala re aala Simmba aala'. We have also coined a trademark one-liner for Veer Sooryavanshi; it will be unveiled before the film's release. Rohit Shetty designed the scene and was completely in charge. There was great energy on the set - it was like three inspectors and one police commissioner [Shetty] on the set," he laughs.

Even though they are seen in cameo appearances, Samji says Devgn and Singh brought their own to the scene. "The three stars are so secure in their own space that they never bothered about the other's lines. They knew what they had to do in the scene. So, the question of what the other actor is doing never arose." One may assume that creating a sequence that does justice to each superstar would be difficult, but the writer suggests otherwise. "The difficulty lies in the first part [of the franchise] when you are creating the characters from scratch. But here, it was easy because Ajay and Ranveer's characters are already established. So, my job was half done."

Gajrao Rao says he never thought people would approach him with tailor-made roles
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 10, 2019)

Gajraj Rao hasn’t had any free time post Badhaai Ho (2018) as he has been inundated with work. He will be seen in Made In China next, wherein he has a “cameo” role, which he took up as he wanted to work with producer Dinesh Vijan and debutant director Mikhil Musale. “I know the director for years as he has directed many memorable ads. They have a quirky story and he had told me that he is writing an interesting part especially for me.”

Post Badhaai Ho, Rao was in for a pleasant surprise with the way his life changed. “I never imagined that one day people would be approaching me for prominent roles that were written keeping me in mind. Earlier too, I would be offered interesting roles in big films but they were not written especially for me. Today, when directors and writers come to me, they mention that they set their characters for me. I am grateful to my Badhaai Ho director, Amit Sharma, and to all the young directors I have worked with. Earlier, I had limited choices and had to work with basic roles but now, in the last four months, I have read 30 to 40 scripts for web shows and movies. It is a humbling experience,” says the actor.

He is reuniting with Neena Gupta, his Badhaai Ho co-star, in their next film, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, that stars Ayushmann Khurrana. “Jitendra Kumar also stars in the film, who was my co-star in Tech Conversations With Dad. It is fun shooting with all of them once again. I believe that the experience of working on a film should be enjoyable as the fate of the film is not in one’s hands.”

While he has been appreciated in new-age films, Rao admits that he enjoys watching commercial films too. “Both kinds of cinema can co-exist. Super commercial ones such as Singham (2011) should exist with films like Badhaai Ho and Andhadhun (2018). The audiences love variety and they want to see different kinds of films. I love Rohit Shetty films — bahut mazedaar hoti hai aisi films. A few years ago, actors like me had limited options but today, with OTT platforms and the young bunch of directors and writers, there is a lot of variation in the characters. That’s why actors like me, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjai Mishra, Soni Razdan etc are getting good roles,” he signs off.

Khiladi Kumar will be joined by the two actors in Hyderabad for the climax shoot of his cop film
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 2, 2019)

In December, Rohit Shetty announced Akshay Kumar as the newest entrant in his cop universe, which already included Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham and Ranveer Singh as Sangram Bhalerao aka Simmba. The director revealed that Akshay’s character will be ATS chief Veer Sooryavanshi. Soon after, in May, a film with the title Sooryavanshi went on the floors in Mumbai. After this, the team flew to Bangkok to film Akshay’s introductory scene, followed by a marathon schedule in Hyderabad where a major chunk was shot.

Rohit is back in Hyderabad to film the climax of the cop-drama in a 20-day schedule, which kicks off today. A massive set has been constructed in Ramoji Film City for the shoot. Now, Mirror has learnt that the on-going schedule is bringing all the three heroes of Rohit’s cop-verse together for the first time.

“It will be a grand finale with Singham, Simmba and Sooryavanshi teaming up to fight a larger-than-life situation. Rohit and his writers have been working on the climax for months and have finally cracked a scenario which does justice to the three super cops,” reveals a source close to the development.

Rohit had first hinted at a crossover in the end credits of his last directorial, Simmba, in which Ajay and Ranveer share the screen, while Akshay makes a brief appearance. The source further informs that it will be like an extended cameo for Ajay and Ranveer in their screen avatars of Singham and Simmba, and the action-packed scenes will be a blend of maardhaad, drama and a pinch of humour, with a dramatic buildup that justifies the trio coming together. Rohit has been in Hyderabad for the past few weeks with his crew, prepping for this schedule. “This is a first for Bollywood and everyone is excited,” exults the source.

Produced by Rohit, Karan Johar, Akshay and Shibasish Sarkar, the film also marks a reunion for Akshay and Katrina Kaif almost a decade after Tees Maar Khan. It also features Neena Gupta as Akshay’s mother with the actress promising that her character is a departure from the stereotypical screen maa. There are multiple antagonists, including Nikitin Dheer, Gulshan Grover and Abhimanyu Singh as the film is set against the backdrop of terrorism in India.

After Hyderabad, there will be a brief stint in Goa and then a shoot abroad towards the year-end during which a romantic song will be picturised with Akshay and Katrina. The film is gearing up for a March 2020 release. 

MUMBAI MIRROR (June 13, 2019)

On Wednesday, Salman Khan put all speculations around a face-off between his 2020 release Inshallah and Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi to rest. Taking to the social media, the 53-year-old actor announced that the Rohit Shetty-directed Akshay and Katrina Kaif-starrer would now release on March 27, 2020. The cop-drama was initially slated to hit the marquee during the Eid 2020 weekend, clashing with Salman’s reunion with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which features Alia Bhatt as the female lead. “I always thought of him as my younger brother and today he proves it... #RohitShetty. Sooryavanshi releasing on 27th March, 2020 (sic),” Salman shared.

In March, the makers of Sooryavanshi had shared the first look of the film and revealed that it would release on Eid in 2020. Now, Rohit’s response to Salman’s announcement has fueled speculation that the actor is the newest entrant in his cop universe after Ajay Devgn (Singham), Ranveer Singh (Simmba) and Akshay. “You can compete with the world but not with your family... See you soon Chulbul Pandey!” Rohit said.

Recently, Salman had reportedly confirmed that he is in talks with Rohit for a film. Later, he was quoted as saying that he had suggested a Singham-Dabangg crossover to the filmmaker a while ago. Rohit, on the other hand, has spoken highly of Dabangg and Chulbul’s legacy in the past. Salman is currently shooting for Dabangg 3 at a city studio and the film is gearing up for a Christmas 2019 release.

Director Rohit Shetty on how Sooryavanshi is starkly different from his past police dramas
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 18, 2019)

Churning out successful cop dramas at regular intervals is not a cakewalk. But filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who is giving Bollywood its first cop universe with Singham (2011), Simmba (2018) and Sooryavanshi, reveals that the trick lies in making each protagonist individualistic. Currently filming his next with Akshay Kumar in Goa, the director says that writer Farhad Samji and he made a conscious effort during the brainstorming sessions to give his latest hero a distinct flavour.

"Akshay's Sooryavanshi is entirely different from Singham or Simmba. He doesn't wear a uniform and is very stylised. [In sharp contrast], Simmba was a brat. Sooryavanshi's department too is showcased differently. Also, while Singham fought corruption, Sooryavanshi deals with terrorism. So, the individual traits of these characters will give us enough [to play with as a whole unit]," says Shetty, who recently unveiled the animated series Golmaal Jr, for children.

Excited as he is to present his cop universe, Shetty is certainly taken aback by the comparisons with Marvel's superhero universe, Avengers. Citing the difference in the scale of production of the two franchises, the filmmaker refers to this comparison as "a joke".