Duo has started prepping for the yet-untitled situational comedy to be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 3, 2020)

Miss World 2017, Manushi Chhillar, has bagged a second film even before the release of her first. A situational comedy directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Victor, it has Vicky Kaushal opposite her. “It is yet to get a title, but prep is on in full swing as the team wants to roll with it by October in Mumbai. The genre is a first for both Manushi and Vicky, as also their director,” informs a source, adding that it will be among the first films to commemorate the studio’s golden jubilee celebrations. “The script demanded a fresh pair and after lots of auditions and discussions, the team zeroed in on Manushi and Vicky. It also has a formidable ensemble cast which is currently being finalised.”

Given that we are still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the lead pair is prepping independently. But since it’s a first-time pairing, Vicky and Manushi will go through some workshops and November, is being helmed by National Award-winning director Chandrapraksh Dwivedi and is rooted in Indian history, with Akshay Kumar as the Rajput warrior-king Prithviraj Chauhan and her as Samyukta, the Princess of Kannauj. While that’s all intense drama and multiple script reading sessions with Victor to get their onscreen chemistry going. The source was quick to point out that it’s a jump of genres for the actress, who won the Femina Miss India title in 2017, and then went on to be crowned Miss World at the finals of the international beauty pageant in Sanya, China, on November 8 of the same year, the sixth Indian to bag this honour. Her debut film, which went on floors last romance, with lots of heavy duty action, her second film is a frothy entertainer which promises a lot of laughs.

Victor’s next will be the first film to go on floors in the midst of the still prevalent coronavirus threat, for both Vicky and Manushi. But they have been assured that all the SOPs will be strictly followed and every aspect of production will be carefully looked into in these Covid-19 times to ensure everyone’s safety.

Vicky Kaushal, who had back-to-back film releases till Coronavirus played spoilsport, says he has no idea yet how his new work schedule will look like
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 1, 2020)

In 2018, he had five back-to-back films — Love Per Square Foot, Raazi, Lust Stories, Sanju and Manmarziyaan, which was followed by Uri: The Surgical Strike last year. Now, compare that with 2020 and Vicky Kaushal — like everyone else — has been stopped in his tracks. “Officially, this is the longest that I’ve sat at home without any work. And I’m sure there must be others too,” says the actor, with a smile.

But Kaushal feels things have to get back in motion, in the Hindi film industry too. “At some point, everyone has to restart work, of course, with all the precautions. I’m sure if all the guidelines are strictly followed, there shouldn’t be a problem,” says the actor, adding he “would also love to get back on sets as soon as possible.”

Although it has been months since Kaushal shot for a film, rumours are that he has signed Vijay Krishna Acharya’s next. “Right now, I don’t know how my work schedule is going to shape up. I’ve heard that a few makers are planning to go back on sets from October. Let’s see how things go.”

In terms of his next release, Kaushal has Shoojit Sircar-directed Sardar Udham Singh lined up. The biographical-drama, which was supposed to release in January 2021 is likely to miss that date with the box office due to Covid-19.

“I’m sure whatever decision Shoojit-da and his team take will be the best for the film. It’s a beautiful movie and a lot of hardwork has gone into it, so I feel it should reach out to maximum number of people,” says Kaushal.

Even before her debut film Prithviraj with Akshay Kumar is complete, sources say Manushi Chhillar has bagged second project starring Vicky Kaushal
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 19, 2020)

Manushi Chhillar has had a dream start in the industry with Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj as her Bollywood debut vehicle. Even before the historical drama has reached the finish line, it is heard that the former Miss World has bagged her second project. mid-day has it that the actor has been signed on by Yash Raj Films for its upcoming comedy, which will be headlined by Vicky Kaushal.

A trade source reveals, "Manushi had been zeroed in on for Prithviraj last year after she delivered a fantastic audition. It was the same audition tape that helped her bag this film, which is likely to be helmed by Dhoom 3 director Vijay Krishna Acharya. The decision to bring Manushi on board was taken last week as head honcho Aditya Chopra was confident that her pairing with Vicky will grab eyeballs."

The movie, which will see Kaushal explore comedy for the first time, is part of YRF's Project 50 that marks the golden jubilee of the production house. Aditya Chopra is expected to unveil the studio's slate of films on father Yash Chopra's birth anniversary on September 27.

After a string of serious roles, Vicky Kaushal to headline Aditya Chopra's light-hearted film; to kick off shoot in November
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 29, 2020)

Vicky Kaushal has an enviable line-up of movies, including Sardar Udham Singh, Takht and the Sam Manekshaw biopic. Even as he completes the dubbing of the Shoojit Sircar film on the Indian freedom fighter, the actor has been roped in for Yash Raj Films' yet-untitled next, which is reportedly being helmed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. mid-day has learnt that Kaushal will kick off the shoot in November.

"Contrary to reports stating it is a high-octane action film, the YRF offering is an out-and-out comedy and will see Vicky break away from his intense roles. Aditya Chopra, who has been keenly following the actor's career, wants to tap into his comic side with this outing. If all goes as planned, the team will begin pre-production in October," reveals a source.

Vicky Kaushal was to have a busy 2020 with the shoot of Karan Johar's Takht slated for March, followed by Meghna Gulzar's movie on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. But with the pandemic playing havoc with movies' schedules, it is likely that the actor will juggle the comedy and Gulzar's project. Takht is expected to go on floors at a later stage as the period drama requires combination dates of seven actors.

Yash Raj Films remained unavailable for comment.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; December 11, 2018)

Katrina Kaif has been in the industry for 15 years now. However, despite the highs and lows in her personal as well as professional life, one thing that has remained constant about her is that she’s not pretentious. Those who have worked with the Tiger Zinda Hai actress claim that what you see is what you get. Not surprising then, when industry colleagues praise her perseverance and hard work, one can’t help questioning her choices when it comes to certain roles and movies. Given the hits she’s been part of, she could have bargained for stronger parts, than say, a Thugs Of Hindostan, which didn’t exactly justify her presence. When we catch up with the actress, who plays a superstar in the Shah Rukh Khan-Anushka Sharma-starrer Zero, for a candid chat, she tells us what governs her choices. Excerpts…

When Aanand L Rai started working on Zero, did you have an inkling that you would be a part of it? 
Yes, I had been in talks with Aanand sir from the time of its conception. In fact, I was in touch with him since the release of Raanjhanaa (2013) as I had loved the film and its music. At that time, we spoke about doing a movie together. One day, he told me about this film (Zero). At that time, it was just an idea he had. Since then, I’ve been with him on this journey. I got the experience of working with him and getting a chance to create something that we wanted to do together. Now, that we’re putting it out there, I hope the audience likes it and it connects with the world the way we wanted it to.

In her interview to this paper, Anushka had mentioned that you wanted to play her character Aafia Bhinder. Do you still wish you had essayed that role? 
What happens is that we go through a journey in life where different things appeal to us at different times. At present, I feel my character, Babita Kumari, is apt for me.

However, at some point in my life, I would love to play a character that requires me to do the kind of research and work with a team that Anushka did for Aafia. It was a wonderful experience for her. But Aanand sir was convinced that I should play Babita. In the end, I followed his conviction and vision. Initially, I didn’t see it as he saw it. Over a period of time, I understood the character and realised that it was a lot more complex. So, it was also a journey of discovery.

Was the role of Babita challenging enough? 
Yes, it was. We would shoot one schedule, have a break for a few days and then come back to it. Sometimes, in the middle of the night-time shoot, I would tell Aanand sir that I didn’t feel like going to an unhappy dark place. My character may behave obnoxiously, but it all comes from a place where she is trying to persuade herself and others that she is not hurt or insecure. Likewise, there were occasions when I was feeling happy and I would ask Aanand sir if we still had to go ahead with this sad character and he’d be like, ‘Yes’.

So, it was a challenging yet a learning experience. A lot of times, you feel a certain emotion, but that’s not what you show. And that’s what makes a character interesting. For instance, if you’re sad and heartbroken, you depict something else. That’s usually what we do in real life, too. If we’re feeling a little vulnerable, we start being defensive or aggressive. Human nature is complex and that’s what Aanand sir wanted to show. Also, he was clear that my character shouldn’t wallow in self-pity. She would rather have people hate her than sympathise with her.

Being an actress yourself, were there any similarities between you and Babita?
No, there were none whatsoever. In fact, it really would have made no difference if she was a doctor, lawyer or a politician. It was kind of irrelevant that she was playing an actress, in this particular context. It just happens to be an example. I think what Aanand sir was trying to say is that often, things are not what they seem. Even though you’re a successful superstar who is loved across the world, deep down, you might feel incomplete. It was that feeling of vulnerability that he wanted to depict.

How was it working with Shah Rukh Khan after Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)? 
Shah Rukh played a huge role in me landing a part in Zero. He said, ‘I want Katrina to do this role’. He always wants you to push yourself. He encourages the women in his films to shine, which is great.

Anushka mentioned that both of you got along from the first day you shot together.
Whenever we meet, there’s a great vibe between all of us. We’re at ease with each other. Anushka and I bond on a lot of levels. Even if we don’t see each other or speak to each other quite often, there is a lot of comfort and trust between us.

Did you feel you weren’t given enough scope to perform in your last release, Thugs Of Hindostan?
It was my choice. I’ve a wonderful equation with Aditya (Chopra), Aamir (Khan), Victor sir (Vijay Krishna Acharya) and all of us worked together as a team. I knew exactly what I was doing in the film. I’m sure everyone wished it could have done better. It’s okay, you learn and keep trying.

You signed Bharat after Priyanka Chopra exited the film. Given your friendship with director Ali Abbas Zafar and Salman Khan, it’s strange you weren’t cast first.
Ali wanted to do the film with Priyanka. When she exited, he said he would like to go ahead with me. And I’ve no qualms about it. It’s not that I’m his best friend, so I should be there in every film that he makes. It’s his journey and vision as a director. I don’t mix that with our friendship. He sent me the script and told me that I should react to it after reading it. I fell in love with the character. I feel fortunate that it was offered to me and I’m enjoying playing the part.

You’ve been in the industry for 15 years now. How do you look back at your journey?
I believe there’s no point in looking back. I’m only interested in looking forward, what battles I’m fighting internally and what I want to achieve in future. The only thing that makes sense now is knowing where I’m trying to head from here. Maybe I needed to do it before, but everything was happening too fast. There is a time and rhythm in life, sometimes things progress so quickly that you can’t see anything. Then, there’s a time when you breathe easy and you find happiness in learning what life teaches you.

The last couple of years have also seen drastic changes in your personal life. Reportedly, you said in an interview that your break-up with Ranbir Kapoor was a blessing.
I didn’t say that. I would never comment directly on something personal in my life. I said I believe that everything that happens in life is a blessing. Also, nothing happens in isolation, everything is connected. Even if you don’t understand it now, you will do so later. I think I’m in a good place as long as I’ve an opportunity to learn, explore and be excited about life. So, I’m fortunate.

DNA (November 6, 2018)

Aamir Khan is known to be a perfectionist who gets into the skin of every character that he portrays on screen. For the role of Firangi (a flamboyant, sly and smooth-talking thug) in Yash Raj Films’ Thugs Of Hindostan (TOH), the actor was involved in every aspect of styling along with costume designers Rushi Sharma and Manoshi Nath.

The superstar, who sports earrings and a big nose pin in the film, ensured that he got two piercings in order to lend authenticity to his character. Aamir reveals, “When I started working on this role, I felt Firangi should have a nose pin. It was instinctive for me. When I live with all of this, whether it’s the nose ring or the studs, it becomes a part of me.”

Director Vijay Krishna Acharya (popularly known as Viktor) is all praises for him and says, “It was a brave attempt on his part. He has given a lot of blood to this role!” Rushi and Manushi highlight that Aamir opted for the chunkiest nose pin, despite knowing it would be painful. “There were many options, but he chose the one, which was the heaviest and had the thickest wire,” they aver.

The action extravaganza, which releases on November 8, brings together Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir for the first time on screen.

DNA (October 31, 2018)

Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh salute the spirit of freedom in Thugs Of Hindostan’s song, Manzoor E Khuda, which releases today. Director Viktor (Vijay Krishna Acharya) says, “Manzoor E Khuda comes at a turning point in the film, so it had to be a moving, powerful track. I think its lyrics, composition and vocals have created an overwhelming effect, making this salute to independence an incredibly special number. We love it and are certain that the audience will like the spirit of freedom in it.”

DNA (October 24, 2018)

Katrina Kaif (Suraiyya) will cast her spell on Aamir Khan (Firangi) with her hot dance moves in Thugs Of Hindostan’s new song Suraiyya. She is shown as the most beautiful girl in British India, who has many men, including Aamir, going weak-kneed.

Choreographer Prabhu Dheva has worked tirelessly to design this track that combines traditional Indian dance forms with intricate contemporary moves.

It will see Aamir, dressed as a British captain, having the guts to woo Katrina in a room filled with English officers. The peppy, humorous song, which shows off their chemistry, has been composed by Ajay-Atul while Amitabh Bhattacharya has penned its lyrics. Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Dadlani have lent their voices to this number, which is likely to be a chartbuster.

Vijay Krishna Acharya, director of Thugs Of Hindostan, said, “Suraiyya gives a sneak peek into the flirtatious relationship between Firangi and Suraiyya. While she is Hindostan’s most famous performer, he is an equally cunning man whom she doesn’t trust. They are an odd pair but share a fun chemistry.”

DNA (October 15, 2018)

Thugs Of Hindostan (TOH), a mega action-thriller by Yash Raj Films, has impressed audiences visually with its extravagant trailer. This visual spectacle about an epic war and adventure on the high seas is releasing this Diwali. And, of course, one of the most exciting aspects of the film is the fact that it brings together two of Hindi cinema’s biggest and most-talented actors — Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. And what we’re showing you is an image of the two dancing together.

Prabhu Dheva, known as the man with the maximum dancing prowess and also as one of the best choreographers in showbiz, has directed this number titled Vashmalle (which means dance your heart out and make merry). In his trademark style, Prabhu has infused the dance with high energy and some unique moves. Vashmalle is expected to bring the house down because Big B and Aamir are not only dancing together for the first time, but they have also packed the number with amazing energy.

TOH’s director, Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Viktor, says, “It is amazing that we could write a suitable moment in the film that sees these two icons of Indian cinema shake a leg with each other. The song will stand out because of their infectious energy and camaraderie. I have to reveal, the sequence will show them getting drunk during the celebrations and then breaking out in dance. It is a priceless moment.” Sukhwinder Singh and Vishal Dadlani have sung this highly-anticipated number, which has been composed by Ajay-Atul and Amitabh Bhattacharya has penned its lyrics.

TOH, which also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh, releases on November 8.

As the trailer of Big Band Aamir’s Thugs Of Hindostan releases, director refutes rumours of film being adapted from 1839 novel
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 28, 2018)

As soon as the trailer of Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan’s Diwali offering, Thugs Of Hindostan, was unveiled yesterday, netizens went into overdrive drawing parallels between the film and Johnny Depp’s popular franchise, Pirates Of The Caribbean. Interestingly, during the making of the Vijay Krishna Acharya-directed venture, buzz suggested that the period drama was based on Philip Meadows Taylor’s 1839 novel, Confessions Of A Thug. However, the director rubbished the rumours.

“The movie isn’t based on any story. Since the film’s title has ‘thugs’ in it, people assumed that it is adapted from a book that was written several years back. However, this isn’t true. The script is written by me,” said Acharya of the Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer.

Set in 1795, the action adventure traces how a band of pirates rebels against the British Raj. The writer- director reveals that he was most satisfied with Khan’s character sketch of Firangi. “Whenever we have made a period film, it has been reverential. I thought, if we could have an irreverent film in which a character was not noble or righteous, it would be an interesting change.”

The film, which will be presented in IMAX format, is being touted as a visual extravaganza. Acharya revealed that given how integral the visual effects were to the narrative, it was imperative that they be up to the mark. “It was a tedious journey, but we have tried to do something that has probably not been attempted before. We faced a lot of challenges, right from the technical department to the logistical aspect.”

Having wrapped up the film, Khan was seen sporting a new look, sans his long hair and nose ring, at the event.

Unsure if other VFX studios will be able to do justice to Aamir Khan starrer, Aditya Chopra gives the job to in-house special effects wing that was specially set up for period drama
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 27, 2018)

From its inception, Aamir Khan's Thugs Of Hindostan was conceptualised as a visual spectacle to be released in IMAX format. With the visual effects being an integral part of the action adventure, it has been learnt that producer Aditya Chopra and Khan decided that the VFX will be handled in the studio's in-house special effects wing, yFX. Turns out, it was for the Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif starrer that Chopra had specially launched the visual effects wing in 2016. In the past, the production house's offerings were usually outsourced to other VFX studios.

A production source reveals, "When Vijay [Krishna Acharya, director] narrated the script to Adi and Aamir, they both understood that the film had to be mounted on a large scale. It was then that Aditya decided to set up a VFX wing specially for the job. While the team has handled portions of some of YRF's offerings, Thugs will be the first project that will be fully handled by yFX."

Chopra also understood that having a VFX wing on standby would ensure that the post-production would work in tandem with the shoot of the period drama, thus ensuring that the film meets its November release. "The real challenge was to take up an IMAX film. Every time a crucial sequence was shot, it was immediately worked upon within the stipulated timeframe." The source goes on to add that Chopra and Khan's decision was reaffirmed when footage of several big-budget films were leaked. "With Baahubali 2's footage being leaked, Adi was certain that he needs to monitor the film's VFX work within closed doors."

The spokesperson of Yash Raj Films said, "We wanted to present a film that would stand out with its visual extravaganza. Thus, came the inception of yFX — a team that worked on several projects first to take on the mammoth task at hand for Thugs Of Hindostan."

DNA (August 20, 2018)

It was nothing short of a casting coup when Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and superstar Aamir Khan decided to do a film together. No wonder then, the makers of Thugs Of Hindostan are going the extra mile to ensure that the movie proves to be a great visual and cinematic experience.

To capture the massive scale that audiences will be privy to when the movie releases this Diwali, Yash Raj Films has bent rules by editing Thugs Of Hindostan in its preview theatre. Says a source from the production, “Aamir, Aditya Chopra and director Viktor (Vijay Krishna Acharya) want to give Indian audiences a great visual spectacle so that it is truly a jaw-dropping big-screen experience. They are editing it in the massive preview theatre at YRF so that they can gauge how the footage will look on the big screen. It is a novel, but a logical move on the part of the makers. They will lock the film’s edit on the big screen and not on the small monitors, which is how movies are usually seen during the process.”

For those who came in late, Thugs Of Hindostan is a fantasy action-adventure flick. It also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh (of Dangal fame) in important roles. When contacted, Viktor said, “Yes, it is true. We have changed the mechanics of film editing and are working out of the preview theatre to ensure we cut a movie that’s truly larger-than-life and is an immersive viewing experience.”

DNA (July 30, 2018)

When the cast of a movie is headlined by Hindi cinema’s icon, Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, you know that it is one of the most-anticipated films of the year. From the start, Thugs Of Hindostan (TOH), directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Viktor, has been the talk of the town for its lavish scale, larger-than-life sets, imaginative shot-taking and huge mounting. The film, which will see the two megastars sharing screen space for the first time, has got Yash Raj Films (YRF) pulling out all the stops to ensure that this project gets a massive canvas. The movie that will open in cinemas this Diwali also stars Katrina Kaif and Dangal girl Fatima Sana Shaikh in key roles.

CUSTOMISED CREATIONS
Apparently, in Malta, Viktor created a world where fantasy and reality seemed to merge visually. Says a source, “The director needed a pristine, unseen location and a setting where two huge ships could fit in. The ships were built by international teams that were experts in constructing such set-ups for Hollywood films.”

FORTY-FIVE DAYS IN MALTA
The long schedule was hectic. “The crew stayed in the island country for 45 days and shot at various locations, making it one of the most-expensive outdoor schedules in the history of Indian cinema,” adds the source.

Speculation is rife that Salman Khan will feature in the fourth instalment of the Dhoom franchise
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 28, 2018)

Salman Khan has three big films — Ali Abbas Zafar's Bharat, Arbaaz Khan's Dabangg 3 and Sohail Khan's Sher Khan — in his kitty. Speculation is rife that the superstar will also feature in the fourth instalment of the Dhoom franchise, produced by Aditya Chopra.

A trade source tells mid-day, "While Salman and Aditya have been discussing Dhoom 4 for over a year, the deal was finally locked last week post the release of Race 3. Adi plans to release Dhoom 4 in 2020. Victor [Vijay Krishna Acharya], who is busy with Thugs Of Hindostan, will direct the movie. Buzz is that Ranveer Singh will also star in the film."

The source adds that the shoot will commence early next year and is likely to go on for 130 days. Major parts of the film will be shot in Dubai, and the locations have been finalised by the makers.

"A reference poster has also been made. Salman Khan's character is likely to have long hair and a scar on his face. He won't play a negative character. His part will be like Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan's characters in the previous instalments."

A Yash Raj Films' spokesperson denied the news, saying, "Work on Dhoom 4 hasn't started yet. There is no truth to these rumours."

The trade source adds that the production house is denying the news because "Adi plans to make the announcement once the paperwork is done."

With his next employing IMAX technology, Aamir on his love for the form
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 12, 2018)

While he knows the power of a compelling script all too well, Aamir Khan is aware that it is the smaller details that go a long way in perfecting a film. Keeping in mind the spectacle that his next, Thugs Of Hindostan, promises to be, the superstar — along with the film's director Vijay Krishna Acharya — has decided that the movie should also be released in IMAX format. The Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh starrer, that is currently in its last leg of shooting, will be remastered using the IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology.

A source close to the development reveals, "Ever since the story was conceptualised by Vijay Krishna Acharya, he was toying with the idea of releasing it in 3D and IMAX formats. Since he was able to benefit greatly from it during Dhoom3 [2013], he knew that his vision for this film can only be enhanced by this technology." With this development, Thugs Of Hindostan becomes the second Bollywood film to have a global IMAX 3D release, after Padmaavat earlier this year.

Khan, on his part, tells mid-day that his fascination with this technology dates back to early 2000. He says, "When I was in Sydney for a film shoot, I came across an IMAX theatre in the vicinity. That's where I watched my first movie in this format. It was such an immersive experience that I kept going back to the theatre to watch every available film at that time." The superstar says that the format will do justice to the larger-than-life film that is Thugs Of Hindostan. "It's an actioner, with a lot of adventure elements packed in, making it ideal for such an experience."