The much-talked-about collaboration between acclaimed director Nag Ashwin and superstar Alia Bhatt is not happening, at least not in its original form. The director had planned to make a simple, feel-good movie about a father-daughter relationship before starting work on the sequel to his blockbuster, Kalki 2898 AD.
However, the project has now been shelved due to major casting problems. According to reports, the director faced a series of rejections from senior actors for the father’s role, and Alia Bhatt’s busy schedule also became a hurdle.
The Search For A Father Figure
Nag Ashwin’s first choice for the father’s role was the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. However, Bachchan reportedly declined the offer. The reason given was that the role was too similar to the one he played in the much-loved film Piku, and he did not want to repeat himself.
After Bachchan said no, Nag Ashwin approached several other senior stars from the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries. Unfortunately, he faced rejection there as well. The main issue was that the film’s script gave more importance to the daughter’s character. The senior actors were apparently not keen on playing a role that was secondary to the heroine’s.
What Happens To The Film Now?
With no lead actor for the father’s role and Alia Bhatt’s schedule being packed for the next few months, a disappointed Nag Ashwin has decided to drop the project as a director. But this doesn’t mean the film is completely cancelled.
The director has now handed over the reins to his assistant, who will direct the film. Nag Ashwin will stay on as a supervisor, and his home production banner, Vyjayanthi Films, will still produce the movie. The casting process will now begin all over again, and a new lead pair will be announced in the future. Fans will have to wait and see who steps into this interesting project.
About Nag Ashwin
Nag Ashwin is a highly acclaimed Indian film director and screenwriter known for his work in Telugu cinema. He gained national recognition with the biographical drama Mahanati (2018), which won several awards. His most recent film, Kalki 2898 AD (2024), was a massive pan-India science fiction blockbuster that broke numerous box office records.
(Also read: Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Day 10: Rishab Shetty’s Film Sees HUGE Jump, Set To Cross ₹150 Crore Today )
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